What is a hearing aid?

A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved communication. All hearing aids receive sound through the hearing aid microphone, which then converts the sound waves to electrical signals. The amplifier of the hearing aid increases the loudness of the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a speaker.

Are There Other Options Available?

The hearing aid market has spent millions of dollars trying to continually make hearing aids smaller, increase hearing aid output and increase hearing aid sound quality. Hearing aid microphone directionality is also an area that hearing aid manufacturers have invested an infinite amount of efforts into.

The science and medical community have long been researching other options for patients who want freedom from hearing aids. The Envoy by Envoy Medical Corporation is the only totally implantable and invisible hearing device that should offer patients freedom from fidgeting with hearing aids. The Envoy does not have a microphone like conventional hearing aids. The Envoy offers those people who qualify another option to hearing aids that is invisible, easy to use and a treatment that may not restrict their lifestyle. If you would like to learn about this possible alternative option to hearing aids please go to www.envoymedical.com.

The Envoy hearing device by Envoy Medical Corporation is currently being evaluated in a Pivotal Phase II Clinical Trial and the results are being closely monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you are interested in being considered for this trial for the Envoy hearing device for sensorineural hearing loss, please go to www.envoymedical.com.

Different Types of Conventional Hearing Aids Available Today

There are several types of hearing aids. Each hearing aid is different, depending on its design, amplification level, and size.

There are five basic styles of hearing aids for people with sensorineural hearing loss:

• In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. ITE hearing aids can become damaged by earwax and their small size can cause adjustment problems and feedback. These hearing aids are not typically worn by children. As children grow the case of the ITE hearing aid will need to be replaced because the ear grows and the hearing aid no longer fits.
• Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn behind the ear and are connected to a plastic earmold that fits into the outer ear. In this hearing aid, the sound travels through the earmold into the ear. BTE hearing aids are used by people of all ages. BTE hearing aids are for mild to profound hearing loss. Poorly fitting BTE hearing aid earmolds may cause feedback. The feedback of the BTE hearing aid is a whistle caused by the fit of the hearing aid earmold or by buildup of earwax.
• The In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aid fits the size and shape of the ear canal and is used for mild or moderately severe hearing loss.
• A Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is largely concealed in the ear canal and is used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because of their small size, canal hearing aids can be difficult for the user to adjust and remove. Canal hearing aids can also be damaged by earwax. Canal hearing aids are not typically recommended for children.
• Body Aids are hearing aids that are used by people with profound hearing loss. The hearing aid is attached to a belt or a pocket and connected to the ear by a wire. This hearing aid is typically large. This hearing aid can also incorporate many signal processing options. This type of hearing aid is typically used when other types of hearing aids cannot be used.