Listening Devices: Part 1- Hearing Aids

Need some background information? Read this first!

Hearing aids are a viable option for many types of hearing loss. Here is some information about hearing aid choices and benefits that will help you make the best decision for your child.

Styles

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

• This style can be used for all degrees of hearing loss.
• BTE Hearing Aids can include an earmold or simply a tubing system.
• Advantages:
• The earmold can be remade relatively inexpensively as the child grows. 
• Good for use with children with chronic otitis media, as they do not occlude the ear canal.
• Safer for small children than small devices.
• Less feedback
• Easy to clean
• In general, fewer repairs needed
• Large size means it can be fitted with many technological options
• Disadvantages
• Cosmetics: the BTE styles is rather large.
• In-the-Ear (ITE)

• This style can be used for mild to severe hearing loss.
• ITE Hearing Aids are made to fit the shape of the individual's ear canal.
• Advantages:
• The position of the microphone enhances amplification
• The placement of the receiver means less gain is required
• Not as susceptible to wind noises
• Disadvantages:
• As the ear grows, these will need to be remade.
• Not a good choice for young children.
• In-the-Canal (ITC)

• This style can be used for mild to severe hearing loss.
• ITC Hearing Aids are made to fit the shape of the individual's ear canal.
• Advantages:
• The position of the microphone enhances amplification
• The placement of the receiver means less gain is required
• Not as susceptible to wind noises
• Cosmetic: not very noticeable
• Disadvantages:
• As the ear grows, these will need to be remade.
• Not a good choice for young children.
• Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
• No picture available- not visible from the outside!
• This style can be used for mild to severe hearing loss.
• Advantages:
• Easy to insert and remove
• Better sound quality
• No occlusion effect (caused by the blocking the ear canal by other styles)
• Elimination of wind noise
• Better sound localization
• Less electronic gain needed
• Cosmetic: Virtually invisible to others
• Disadvantages:
• So small that often technological options are not available
• High maintenance: wax build-up

Cost

Hearing aid costs depend highly on the style desired and the additional technology included. They can range from $400- $3,000. In general, the smaller the device, the more expensive it will be. Additional features and battery life are also a factor. It's important to talk with your audiologist to find the right combination of technology and value.

Insurance coverage varies by provider, and coverage mandates for insurance companies varies by state. Currently, the state of Wisconsin requires that insurance companies offer coverage for 1 set of prescribed hearing aids for children under 18 years every 3 years. Click here to view the bill. Check with your insurance provider and state laws to make sure you are getting appropriate coverage. Click here for more information about laws and financial assistance in Wisconsin.

Other Options

There is a strong Deaf community in the United States. People who identify with this culture embrace their deafness and do not seek remediation. By communicating through ASL, lip-reading, and writing, these individuals thrive in their jobs and communities. For more information, click the link to go to the website of the National Association of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing