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
hearing aid users while ignoring the usefulness of the
device. No wonder no one wanted to be seen wearing one.
There is much on the history of hearing aids to satisfy the
curious. Museums exist that have documented the long
history of the hearing aid in the USA as well as other
countries.
Just the thought of getting one was usually a reason for
despair; up to five years ago no one wanted a hearing aid.
They were huge and unattractive and shouted to the world -
look at me! Many persons equated them with old age and they
definitely carried a stigma. In addition, early hearing
aids, even when they had advanced beyond being trumpets,
horns and those worn on the body, were still unattractive.
Even the advent of the behind the ear types, referred to as
BTE, still caused 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 hearing aids 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' hearing aids
are the behind the ear types, namely:
The open-ear types that fit neatly 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 hearing
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 popular style
of hearing aid is the type that fits inside the ear itself.
These include the:
In the canal hearing aids (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-ear
type hearing aids (ITE) work well for severe hearing loss.
While not as appealing as the ITCs, they are still a big
improvement on earlier types.
This last type truly fits the 'almost invisible' label.
They are known as CIC or completely in the ear canal
hearing aid. 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 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 hearing aids are also implantable so that
they cannot be seen at all. This invisible hearing aid,
which is still in 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 hearing 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.
----------------------------------------------------
Kelly C. Calkins, AuD., has practiced audiology for over 20
years. For more information about hearing aids or to find
the nearest hearing professional to you, call us today at
877-777-1710 or visit our website at http://www.aidright.com
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