Not everyone who is deaf or hard of hearing needs the same support. The type of support depends on the person's hearing, communication preferences, lifestyle, and individual needs.
Some people use hearing technology. Others use sign language, lip reading, or a combination of communication methods.
Hearing Aids
A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind the ear.
It makes sounds louder to help people hear conversations and everyday sounds more clearly.
Hearing aids may help people:
- Hear conversations more easily.
- Hear television or radio.
- Hear warning sounds, such as alarms.
- Join in social activities.
- Improve communication with family and friends.
Types of hearing aids
- Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
- In-the-ear (ITE)
- In-the-canal (ITC)
- Completely-in-canal (CIC)
Not every hearing aid is suitable for every person. An audiologist can recommend the most appropriate option.
Cochlear Implants
A cochlear implant is different from a hearing aid.
Instead of simply making sounds louder, it sends electrical signals directly to the hearing nerve.
It may help people with severe or profound hearing loss who receive little benefit from hearing aids.
A cochlear implant has:
- An external microphone.
- A speech processor.
- A transmitter.
- An internal implant placed during surgery.
After surgery, people usually need rehabilitation and listening practice to learn how to interpret the new sounds.
Bone Conduction Hearing Devices
Some people cannot use traditional hearing aids.
Bone conduction devices send sound through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear.
They may help people with:
- Conductive hearing loss.
- Single-sided deafness.
- Certain ear conditions.
Assistive Listening Devices
These devices help people hear in specific situations.
Examples include:
- TV listening systems.
- FM systems for classrooms.
- Bluetooth microphones.
- Telephone amplifiers.
- Doorbell and alarm signalers.
- Captioned
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