Aural Rehab Exam 1

behind the ear (BTE)

not custom- hooks over the top of the ear resting behind it

plastic acoustical tube filters the amplified sound into an earbud or custom earmold that rests inside the ear canal

Pros:

most flexible

most durable

larger external controls

offer a longer battery life

less susceptible to damage by earwax/moisture

Cons:

big

charge doesn’t hold

receiver in the canal (RIC)

BTE-type device with the receiver in the ear canal

instead of a plastic acoustical tube, a thin wire is used to connect the hearing aid to the earpiece

this style is for mild to moderate hearing loss

Pros:

because the receiver is not housed in the device, RICs are typically smaller and more discreet than BTEs

offers a comfortable open-fit, allowing natural sound quality of the user’s own voice- superior sound quality

Cons:

susceptible to earwax and moisture clogging the speaker

can be difficult to use with phone

In-the-ear (ITE)

custom made device that sits in the outer portion of the ear: fills most of the outer ear (full shell), fill only the lower portion of the outer ear (half shell)

this style is for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss

Pros:

controls that don’t fit on smaller hearing aids can be included

easier to handle/manipulate

larger battery provides a longer battery life

Cons:

may pick up more wind noise than smaller devices

more visible in the ear than smaller devices

In the Canal (ITC)

custom fit- partially in the ear canal with a small portion of the instrument showing in the outer ear

for individuals with mild to mildy severe hearing loss

Pros:

less visible in the ear than larger custom styles

can have controls unlike smaller custom hearing aids

Cons:

using the controls can be difficult for patients with poor dexterity

partially visible in the ear

likely wind noise

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

custom fit to rest entirely in the ear canal

the tip of a small plastic “handle” is the only thing that shows outside the ear canal. This piece is used to insert and remove the hearing aid.

fits mild to moderate hearing loss

Pros:

among the smallest and least visible style

good for localization

reduces wind noise

Cons:

uses small batteries, which can be difficult for those with dexterity concerns

due to small battery size, they need to be changed more often than larger hearing aids

suseptable to cerument issues

Invisible in the Canal (IIC)

custom fitted and inserted deeper into the ear canal than the other styles

best for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss

Pros:

smallest and most discreet hearing aid style

completely invisible in most ears

deep placement of the hearing aid in the ear improves overall sound quality and the sound of the hearing aid wearer’s own voice

Cons:

uses small batteries, which can be difficult to handle for those with dexterity issues

due to small battery size, batteries need to be changed more often

due to small size, controls on the device cannot be included

wax will be a big issue

HIO-BASICS

Hearing Aid Orientation

hearing expectations

the aid is aptly named.

It is an aid.

It does not restore hearing as glasses do for sight.

Adjustment can take months

You will need to return to your audiologist for fine tuning.

instrument operation

battery insertion, on/off, program changes, volume control

it is important they can perform this before leaving the clinic

occlusion effect

when you plug your ear, sound takes on a new quality.

This issue can be addressed with modifications to the earmold, vents, or through digital programming

batteries

discuss size, where to purchase, low battery warnings

acoustic feedback

whistling heard when sound from the receiver loops back through the mic

when should you hear it when should you not

system troubleshooting

hearing aids come with operation information in which troubleshooting information is contained

do not forget to point it out and talk a bit about the most common issues

insertion and removal

its only as useful as one’s ability to seat it appropriately and comfortably on the ear

cleaning and maintenance

wax removal tools, wax guards, microphone and battery brushes, battery locks

service

discuss warranties and repair processes and what to do if you lose the hearing aid