Here is an overview of a few types of hearing devices you may encounter. It is not an exhaustive list, but it will give you a general idea of what may be the best fit for your child.
For More Information:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/types-hearing-aids
- Over The Ear/Behind the Ear (BTE)
- The bulk of the device sits behind the ear with a tube that transports sound to the earmold. Most often used for children because of their durability and size. They are less likely to be lost or broken.
- All In the Ear/ In the Ear (ITE)
- Just like it sounds, this type does not connect to the pinna (outer ear), it is completely inside the concha and ear canal. This one is custom-fitted to the year, similar to the process of getting an orthodontic retainer.
- Low Profile/ In the Canal (ITC)
- These have the same features as the In The Ear, but the faceplate is inset, so it can be more compact and discrete. This type is the least visible option available.
- CROS Hearing Aids
- Contralateral routing of signals is used for individuals who have a “ good ear“ and a “bad“ ear. Meaning, that a device is placed on both ears and sounds from both sides of the head are transferred/amplified to the better-functioning ear.
- Bone-Conduction Hearing Aids
- These place vibration on the bones behind the ears. This aid can be helpful for those individuals who do not have an ear canal or who want to avoid placing anything inside the ear. These are not commonly used because the sound quality is not the best when compared to other aids, but it may be a good fit for your child.
- Implantable Middle Ear Hearing Aid
- Provides magnetic stimulation to the ossicular chain (three tiny bones within the middle ear) and tympanic membrane (eardrum). This usually works best for individuals who have conductive or mixed hearing loss caused by middle ear dysfunction. There is both a partially implantable and totally implantable version.
- Cochlear Implants
- This is an option for individuals whose hearing is not improved by typical hearing aids. A microphone on the outside sends sound to a speed processor. The speech processor codes, and sends that signal to the transmitter, which goes to the receiver, and then travels to the electrodes that have been implanted in the cochlea (inner ear). Essentially, a cochlear implant works more like a radio than a hearing aid.
