| Hearing Aid Article (updated Frequently)
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| COMPLETELY IN THE CANAL (CIC) HEARING AIDS |
| By: Martin Smith |
Completely in the canal hearing aids (also known as CIC hearing
aids) are, as the name suggests, hearing aids which fit entirely
within the wearers ear canal. These revolutionary devices are
the smallest hearing aids on the market and are invisible to the
average observer who doesn¡¯t know they are there. Most major
hearing aid brands and manufacturers now offer this
inconspicuous alternative to traditional behind the ear, or BTE,
hearing aids.
CIC hearing aids are custom made to fit deep inside the
individual wearers ear canal and are said to mimic the natural
auditory process more closely then any other style of hearing
aid. They are best suited to people with a mild to moderate
hearing loss. There are a number of advantages and disadvantages
that should be taken into consideration when deciding between
CIC hearing aids and the BTE models.
For audiologists, otologists, speech therapists and other
hearing professionals, the primary appeal of CIC hearing aids
are their acoustic advantages. They are able to closely simulate
environmental, and more importantly, speech sounds, patterns,
nuances etc. This is imperative to a hearing impaired
individual¡¯s competency with the spoken word. Additionally,
since CIC hearing aids are worn closer to the eardrum then their
BTE counterparts, their microphones are better able to amplify
and therefore give a boost to any residual hearing the wearer
may have. The advantage that is most often touted by the wearers
of CIC devices, however, is their cosmetic appeal and
inconspicuousness.
Conversely, it is important to keep in mind that CIC hearing
aids also have some drawbacks. If financial constraints are a
part of the picture, it should be noted that completely in the
canal hearing aids are somewhat more expensive to purchase then
behind the ear hearing aids are. Another issue that may make
them cost prohibitive to those on a tight budget is that
increased susceptibility to ear wax build up puts CIC hearing
aids at higher risk for damage, therefore necessitating pricey
repair bills or replacement hearing aids.
Whereas BTE hearing instruments are appropriate for almost all
hearing impaired individuals regardless of the type or degree of
hearing loss, CIC hearing aids are not recommended for
individuals with certain kinds of hearing loss. They are also
unlikely to be prescribed or advised for children. First of all
children tend to be less able to tolerate the discomfort and
irritations that sometimes come along with the use of CIC
models, especially in the beginning.
Plus children¡¯s ear canals aren¡¯t done growing, so they will
need to be refitted and replaced much more often for them then
for adults. The size of CIC hearing aids and their even tinier
batteries make them difficult to manipulate for the elderly,
arthritis sufferers and others with conditions and diseases
which effect fine motor control. Feedback and no volume control
are two more drawbacks often mentioned by CIC hearing aid users.
Audiologists are the best resource hearing impaired individuals
have to help them objectively decide whether CIC or BTE hearing
aids are better for them. They can also point wearers in the
direction of the best CIC hearing aids provider. Research on the
pros and cons can also be done at the library or on the
internet.
About the author:
Martin Smith is a freelance writer with advice for consumers on
purchasing a variety of Hearing issues his numerous articles
provide a resource of interesting and information. Visit her
website for more info. http://www.1st-hearing-aids.com
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| Keywords: 'hearing impairment' cic hearing, cic hearing aids, cic, hearing, 'hearing impairment', canal hearing aids, wearers ear canal, aids, hearing aid, hearing aids |
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