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Different types of hearing aids
NHS hearing aids
The NHS offer 3 main types of aid: behind-the-ear, body worn and in-the-ear. The majority of people are given behind-the-ear (BTE) aids (which are free). Batteries, servicing, repair and replacement aids are also given free of charge. In special cases, your audiologist may agree to provide you with a private aid on the NHS.
Behind the ear aids (BTE)
These aids, often known as post-aural aids, come in two parts: a mould that is worn in the ear and a small plastic unit that fits behind the ear. The two parts are connected by a small piece of plastic tubing. For most people these aids are comfortable to wear and models are available to suit most types and degrees of hearing loss. Different colours are available to match hair tone. The NHS range is beige, dark brown and grey.
Body-worn aids
This is a compact case usually worn on the chest, with a cord connecting the case to an earphone and a mould in the ear. Body-worn aids are usually high powered, but are rare. People with poor sight or arthritis in their fingers can find body-worn aids or hearing aids with a remote control useful because of the size of the controls.
In the ear aids (ITE)
These aids fall into three categories: all-in-the-ear aids, canal aids and completely in the canal aids. The first of these fits entirely in the bowl of the ear, and are now available for those with a severe hearing loss. Canal aids are smaller, fitting into the ear canal, but these can only be considered for mild losses.
All types of in-the-ear aids are specially moulded to fit your own ear. Full in-the-ear aids are available on the NHS in special cases.
Other types of aids
Spectacle aids
These are spectacles that have the hearing aid in the arm. They can be used either with a mould that fits into the ear in the normal way, or with a vibrator that rests on the bone behind the ear. Spectacle aids are expensive because both an optician and hearing aid dispenser are involved in making them.
These are suitable for people who wear glasses most of the time. It is not usually possible to have spectacle aids on trial, and if your aid has to be repaired you will lose the use of your spectacles while being repaired (and vice versa). It is possible to have spectacles with hearing aids fitted for both ears, although this will increase the cost significantly.
Digital Hearing Aids
Digital hearing aids are now available from private hearing aid dispensers as well as from NHS Trusts.
Digital hearing aids work differently to analogue in the way that they convert and process sound as they are the result of the computer revolution and therefore more technically sophisticated.