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According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) more than 30 million Americans are exposed to hazardous sound levels on a regular basis. Of the 28 million Americans who have some degree of hearing loss, over one-third has been affected, at least in part, by noise.
What are the types of hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be categorized by where or what part of the auditory system is damaged. Generally there are three types of hearing loss:
- Conductive hearing loss is due to any condition of either the outer or middle ear, which interferes with the transmission of sound from getting to the inner ear.
- Sensorineural hearing loss results when damage lies in the inner ear, the acoustic nerve, or both.
- Mixed hearing loss is when both conductive and sensorineural hearing losses are present in the same ear.
What types of hearing aids are available?
There are four main types of hearing aids: Completely In The Canal, In The Canal, In The Ear and Behind The Ear.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
This is the smallest type of hearing aid made and is almost invisible in the ear. These tiny CIC hearing aids come in conventional, programmable analog or digital hearing aid technology and are custom fitted to each ear. CIC hearing aids are predominately for hearing losses that range primarily from mild to moderately severe.
In the Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are slightly bigger than the CIC and fit far into the ear canal. Canal hearing aids use a slightly larger battery than the CIC style. This style is used for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.
In the Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids can be used for a wider range of hearing losses. Due to their larger size, ITEs can accommodate larger sound amplifiers and more features such as a telephone switch. They are also custom made and easier to insert and adjust. This style is appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
Behind the Ear (BTE)
In BTE hearing aids, the electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Tubing and a custom made earmold directs the sound to the ear canal. BTE hearing aids can provide more amplification than smaller devices due to the stronger amplifier and the larger battery. This style is available in several colors for hair and skin tone matching.
Progressive Medical has a wide variety of services that help injured parties needing a hearing aid. To learn more about how Progressive Medical can help your injured party, please call 1.800.777.3574 and press 1# to speak with a Client Services Specialist, visit the Web site at www.progressive-medical.com or contact your local Progressive Medical representative.
References:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Noise and Hearing Loss. Accessed: 5/27/2010.
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