Sadly loss of hearing affects countless young ones, but the right style of hearing aid could have a very positive impact on their lives. If you will be in the process of looking to select a hearing aid for your boy or girl, the sheer number of styles and sizes on the market can be overwhelming. Read more to find out the differences in hearing aid styles to make it easier to choose the one best suited for your child.
In-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) are the two most popular styles of hearing aids used by kids. Since children are still growing and developing, their hearing aids have to be adjusted frequently. In-the-ear and BTE type hearing aids are commonly preferred for children since they are most easy to adjust. ITE hearing aids are small units in plastic cases that fit into the outer part of a child’s ear. ITE hearing aids are large enough to include numerous useful additional technologies such as telecoil. Placed behind the ear, BTE hearing aids are recognized by their plastic case. A plastic earmold supplies sound to the child’s ear and is also connected to the case by a small piece of tubing. The two styles of equipment can address different hearing issues.
Other medical concerns in addition to hearing loss can have an effect on whether or not a certain type of hearing aid is most effective for a child. For example, behind-the-ear hearing aids might not fit correctly on children whose ears are misshapen. In-the-ear hearing aids may not fit properly if a child has a shallow ear canal. Children with an excessive build-up of ear wax may not be good prospects for ITE devices because it can interfere with the unit overall performance.
Meeting with your child’s hearing specialist is a crucial step in selecting a hearing aid for your child. He or she can lead you through your options and make suggestions based upon your child’s unique situation. Knowledge about your role in maximizing your child’s ability to hear can also be offered by your specialist. Removing, putting in, or adjusting the volume of your child’s hearing aids to make certain they are comfortable may be your responsibility if your child is young.
While selecting the best hearing aid can be confusing and frustrating, with time and research you will find the most effective product for your child.