Open-Ear Hearing Aid Technology

Hearing aids can fit comfortably, sound natural and improve your understanding of conversations. "Open-ear" hearing aid technology offers those benefits.

Open-ear hearing

Definition

The open-ear hearing aid is a type of "behind-the-ear" hearing instrument that barely fits into your ear canal. Unlike most hearing aids, which plug the ear canal, the open ear device leaves your ear canal open.

Benefits

Open-ear hearing aid technology eliminates the blocked sensation and hollow sound quality often associated with other hearing aids. Hearing-aid wearers often prefer this type because of better physical comfort, natural sound quality and cosmetic appearance.

Types

The receiver-in-the-ear open-ear hearing aid consists of a tiny behind-the-ear processor and a thin wire with a receiver (speaker) that fits into your ear canal.

The thin-tube type houses the speaker in the behind-the-ear processor. The sound is transmitted into your ear canal through a thin acoustic tube.

Features

Open-ear hearing aids utilize digital technology to automatically process speech whether the room is quiet or has background noise.

Cost

Open-ear hearing aids can cost up to several thousand dollars each. Consult with your audiologist to find the most practical model for your hearing needs.

Considerations

Open-ear hearing aid technology can accommodate individuals up to a severe hearing impairment.

References

• "Open ear fit hearing aids"
• "Hearing aids: How to choose the right one"