A hearing aid is an ‘electro-acoustic’ device which functions to design, amplify and modulate the sounds for the hearer. It may fit in or behind the ear and the idea of designing these devices was gained from historical ear trumpets, or ear horns, which were passive funnel like amplification cones, designed to gather sound energy and then direct it into the proper direction in the ear canal.

In the cosmetically orient era that we live in, people now look for hearing aids that do not look ‘ugly’ and socially stigmatizing. This is the reason why behind-the-ear devices have decreased in their popularity, as compared to other devices. In relation to this, we will put into discussion the description about several types of hearing aids which go as follows:

Body worn aids were the first type of hearing aids that were invented, and due to the rapid development in technology, they are rarely used in today’s world. These hearing aids by structure consisted of a case, ear-mold and a cord. The advantage with these aids was that because of the vacuum tubes present in these aids, they had the tendency to provide loud amplification.

Behind the ear aids are considered to be replacement to body worn aids, and these can be used for profound to mild hearing loss. Moreover, because of the electrical components being located outside the ear, these devices have a less chance to fall prey to moisture and ear wax. This is considered to be the best choice for children, since they need a durable type of hearing aid. But as they grow older, they will acquire new behind the ear hearing devices because of the regular increase in size of ear cartilage.

In the ear device is another type which fits in the outer ear bowl, which is called the concha. They can be used for mild, to some severe types of hearing loss, and previously when they were introduced into the market, people had complaints because they need to be regularly replaced in children. However, the new types are silicon made and therefore, they mitigate the need for costly replacements

Since cosmetic consciousness has gained much of hype, there are even smaller and sophisticated hearing aid devices available such as, ‘In the Canal’, ‘Mini Canal’ and ‘Completely in the canal’ hearing aids. The best advantage of these hearing aid devices is that you cannot see much of the hearing aid apparatus, unless and until you do not intend to look directly in the ear of the wearer. To make it more sophisticated, the latest hearing aid devices are named as, ‘Invisible in the canal devices’. However, all these recent types are not suitable for the age groups.

Not only has there been a specification in size of hearing aids, they have also become pumped up with many extraordinary features. For example, the hearing aids of today have compatibility with telephones and FM systems. More advancement will definitely be seen, in the upcoming years.