Analog Hearing Aids

Analog hearing aids work by picking up sound in the environment, then amplifies the sound to enable the user to hear sounds that would otherwise be unable to be heard through natural hearing.

Hearing aids are made up of four parts:

Microphone which picks up sound from the environment. Amplifier for making sounds louder. Speaker sends sound into your ear. Batteries, the power source of your hearing aid

Analog hearing aids do not selectively amplify sound, as all sound are amplified together. This may make it difficult for the wearer to hear certain sounds such as conversation in noisy places.

Hearing begins to decrease between the ages of 30-40, and continues to decline as we get older, due to destruction of the hair cells in the cochlea. This is called presbycusis, or hearing loss due to age. As these hair cells die off our hearing decreases. These cells can not be replaced, nor do they regenerate. Studies are now underway using stem cells to regrow or replace the cochlear hair cells to restore hearing. Until then, the use of hearing aids help the wearer enhance hearing that is lost.

There are four styles of hearing aids:

• CIC: Or completely in the canal, and is small and out of sight. They are custom made to fit, but are not recommended for those with severe hearing difficulty.


• ITC: Fits into the canal for mild to moderate hearing deficits.


• ITE: Fits visibly at the entrance of the ear canal for a wider range of hearing losses.


• BTE: Fits behind the ear, has a larger amplifier, and it best for use in young children.

A person with severe hearing loss is best served by the BTE hearing aid, which is beneficial for all degrees of hearing loss, particularly for children. Children will need several fittings during growth. This is another reason why analogs are better for them due to costs. With the number of fittings needed to accommodate a growing child, can make digital hearing aids cost prohibitive.

The best analog hearing aid for you is determined by an audiologist who will test your hearing to know what type of hearing loss you have, as well as the location and degree of hearing loss. Your audiologist will make molds of your ear then your hearing aid is produced from that mold. You then will have fittings and adjustments made to your hearing requirements.

There are Analog hearing aids that can be programmed to enhance your ability to hear. The computer chip in the hearing device is programmed depending on your response to the sound produced. The programming of your aid is according to the different environments the user may be involved in, such a sporting event or a class lecture, for instance. A remote control unit is used to change programs in the hearing device according the sound levels in any particular environment. This allows the user to communicate with others with more efficiency.

Depending on the type of hearing loss, the wearer can choose the type of hearing aid that is most suited to the type of hearing loss and lifestyle. Self image is important here also, as most do not want the hearing aid to be noticeable to others. For them, the CIC hearing aid may be preferred.

It will take time to get accustomed to wearing a hearing aid. Adjustments will need to be made to get the best hearing that your aid can offer.

If you feel you are having difficulty hearing, make an appointment with your health care professional for a hearing test to determine the extent and degree of hearing loss. Additionally, it is important to rule out any other underlying conditions that may responsible for the hearing loss, such as malformed ear canals or a tumor.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT