The exact date of the development of the first hearing aid is unknown, but the first written description was in Natural Magick written by Giovanni Battista Porta in 1558. Over the years movies, comics, and books have poked fun at users while ignoring the usefulness of the device. No wonder no one wanted to be seen wearing one!
Just the thought of getting one was usually a reason for despair. They were big and ugly and seemed to scream, “Look at me!”! Many persons equated them with old age and they definitely carried a stigma. In addition, early devices, even when they had advanced beyond being trumpets, horns and those worn on the body, were still unattractive. Even with the new behind the ear hearing aids, called BTE’s, continued to carry some level of stigmatization.
However, the future of hearing aids is here with the development of almost invisible hearing aids. The new offerings are definitely hi-tech and part of the information age. Some are even quite chic, offering Bluetooth technology and music streaming via iPod, which helps to remove the stigma of aging in our youth-obsessed society.
Even some of the smallest devices today allow the wearer to connect directly to TVs, computers, CD players or other electronic devices. These types utilize what is known as ‘direct audio input’ technology; they are so designed that most persons wouldn’t even know that you are using one, assuming instead, that you are just utilizing the technology like everyone else.
Types of almost invisible hearing aids
Almost invisible hearing aids are those worn inside the ear or ear canal itself. These are fitted based on the severity of hearing loss, the size, and shape of the person’s ear and the style.
Some of the main types of ‘almost invisible’ aids are the behind the ear types, namely:
The small open ear hearing aid fits behind the ear. These are very discreet and fitted based on ear size. This type is best suited to persons with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Behind the ear types (BTE). This type of aid is good for all types of hearing loss.
These are barely visible with the only tell-tale sign being the tube that enters the ear itself. Another very popular digital hearing aid is the style that fit within the ear, they include:
In the canals (ITC) are very small and most fit inside the ear canal thereby being fairly hidden. They are great for moderately severe hearing loss.
In the ears (ITE) work very well for severe hearing losses. Even thought hey are not as cosmetically appealing as ITC’s, they are a huge improvement on earlier types.
This last type truly fits the ‘almost invisible’ label. They are known as CIC or completely in the ear canal. Used mostly for mild to moderate loss, these fit, as the name suggests, completely inside the ear canal. In most cases they are completely invisible to the onlooker. This is a far cry from early hearing aids in terms of size and aesthetic appeal. The small battery which operates the device is the only drawback. Some users find this difficult to operate.
The invisible hearing aids
The Unitron Moxi CRT or Starkey Destiny RIC hearing aid is a Canal Receiver Technology (CRT) device that fits inside the ear so completely it is virtually invisible. It is best for those with mild to severe hearing loss.
Totally invisible devices are also implantable so that they cannot be seen at all. This new digital device, which is still undergoing clinical trials, is also waterproof. With this type the social stigma that still exists to some degree will be greatly eliminated. In fact, these new lightweight and small aids have one main disadvantage, they are often lost or can be difficult to find when taken out and placed on a surface.
No longer does anyone regardless of age have to decide to between ignoring their hearing problems and wearing hearing aids. The new invisible devices make this choice a non-issue, and hearing aid wearers can now use them stylishly and proudly.
Many people find that the only way to hear effectively is through the use of hearing aids. A consultation with your doctor or hearing specialist should be able to confirm that need. Some people with poor hearing, unfortunately, find that hearing aids may not adequately resolve the issue.
A general practitioner, or better yet, a hearing specialist, will be able to test you to determine if hearing aids ban be a worthy investment in your particular instance. If hearing aids prove to be a viable solution, it is time to do some research. You may be surprised to find several models of low cost hearing aids that do a very acceptable job of restoring hearing loss.
Health costs today mount up quickly with all the doctor visits, rising costs of living, medication and more. You can find an economical solution to improve your hearing. Ask your doctor if he or she knows of any low cost hearing aid retailers, or you can do some research using the internet. You should also call hearing aid retailers to ask if any sales are going on.
Just be sure you select a product that will fulfill your needs and never sacrifice quality simply to save money. Some cheap products are exactly that. They are cheap and they are low quality. That is not to say that all low cost hearing aids are low quality though.
Ask Your Doctor
In researching low cost hearing aids, consult with your doctor or hearing specialist first. They may already have knowledge and experience regarding low cost hearing aids. Early in the process you should also contact your insurance company to see what portion of the costs may be covered by your insurance plan and what protocol is required to purchase and make claim for payment.
Your doctor should be a primary source of your research because he or she will likely know which brands not only stand up stand to the test of time but still manage to be economically priced. Consult with your doctor first and then conduct some personal research of your own. Check newspapers, want ads, phone books and make use of the internet.
The Internet
The internet is a great resource for information on literally any topic you can imagine today. Everyone large to small is using the internet to promote products and share information. Directories and forums exist that provide information relative to any product you need. When researching low cost hearing aids, search online and you’ll likely find many online stores and internet auction sites providing valuable information about the lowest cost hearing aids available.
It is important that you check thoroughly to be sure you are dealing with reputable resources that use secure and safe procedures to facilitate payment and delivery. The benefit of purchasing low cost hearing aids online is that you can get them quickly and you can also have them delivered right to your door.
Hearing Aid Retailers
You should also contact your local hearing aid retailers to see if they have any current special deals going on or sales on low cost hearing aids. Get their opinion which brands they would recommend and make note of their suggestions. Call several retailers and compare the information that they provide. That way you can be better educated allowing you to make a sound decision when purchasing your low cost hearing aids.
Hopefully by following some sound advice using these steps you will find a good product at a price you can fit to your budget.
Hearing loss is a problem that affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. Hearing loss can occur for a number of reasons. The largest portion of these disabilities are the result of exposure to frequent loud sounds that damage our eardrums. Some hearing loss conditions are not physically related and are temporary, such as overproduction of earwax or temporary but recoverable damage to the eardrums. Surprisingly ear damage can result from the use of certain medications that can damage our eardrums and hearing.
For people who suffer from permanent hearing loss, whether full or partial hearing loss, finding the best hearing aids is generally their primary goal. Technology today has allowed calibration that improves hearing capabilities in precisely targeted tone ranges. Hearing aids are available now that can balance the hearing potential of all but the most severe hearing conditions. In order that users see the program through the trying period of becoming accustomed to them, the best hearing aids are those that feel comfortable, are relatively maintenance free and are also user friendly.
What Type of Hearing Aid do you Require?
You may be surprised to find that there are a number of different applications of hearing aids. Choosing the best hearing aids dictates that you understand the different physical properties for the user, their features and user adjustments and learning how they actually operate. There are the behind-the-ear hearing aids that feature a plastic attachment that fits behind the ear and conducts sound by way of a plastic tube routed from behind the ear to the inner ear.
In the ear models are placed almost inside the ear and can hardly be noticed when the wearer is some distance away. These are great for moderate to severe hearing loss. They are molded precisely from custom made impressions so the fit is perfect and completely unobtrusive. Due to their close proximity to the sound amplifying components of your body, excellent results can be achieved.
Variations include in-canal, mini-canal and completely-in-canal hearing aids. These are great for those with mild to moderately severe cases of hearing loss, not total hearing loss. These are moght be considered the best hearing aids in the market because of their wide range of coverage and because they are nearly invisible on casual contact with other people.
Receiver-in-the-ear aids look similar to behind-the-ear aids, but the physical placement of the receiver differs slightly. The plastic mold that extends from behind the ear to the inner ear is thin when compared to that of behind the ear hearing aids.
It is wise to do some research and familiarize yourself with the features and benefits of the various styles of hearing aids. The next step should be consulting with an audiologist who will be able to fully diagnose your hearing loss. After thorough testing and analysis, his experience and knowledge will help guide you to selecting the best hearing aids to resolve your particular hearing issues. The best hearing aids for you will be dictated primarily by the severity of your hearing loss. In most cases you will find that style and application will be selectable by you and the technical design performed the professionals.
