A good hearing aid is a sophisticated acoustic device that has many design elements to ensure the volume and quality of sound you need. Not so long ago, small-sized devices were far behind their large counterparts in all respects. But the rapid development of electronics today makes it possible to manufacture a miniature hearing aid that will meet all the basic requirements and even take into account the individual characteristics of the user.
Types of miniature devices
Small hearing aids, as well as large ones, differ in design and wearing characteristics. The micro-hearing aid can be implanted in the middle ear and stay there permanently, without creating any inconvenience or problems. But this will require a surgical operation associated with certain risks. And the cost of such a device, together with its installation, is very high. Therefore, you should pay attention to slightly larger, but very comfortable models.
- A mini-behind-the-ear hearing aid is similar to a conventional one, but has a very compact size. Such devices are produced by all well-known manufacturers, and they are in high demand. Compared to other types of devices, behind-the-ear devices are more crammed with electronics, which means they provide better sound quality. And only they can compensate for serious losses and are suitable for people with residual hearing.
- In-the-ear - are placed in the auricle and are very convenient for people with an active lifestyle. Can compensate for mild to moderate hearing loss. But due to their small size, they are not suitable for those who have problems with coordination of movements or serious visual impairments. They require professional tuning, which is also not always convenient.
- Intracanal - are even smaller and are located at the very eardrum. However, they cannot reproduce too loud sounds, therefore they are used only with a mild degree of hearing loss. In addition, their body is very fragile and easily damaged, so such devices are usually short-lived. Adjustment and adjustment is carried out using special equipment.
When buying, you should pay attention, first of all, to the quality and reliability of the device, which can only be provided by manufacturers with their own laboratories and excellent specialists.
Therefore, it is better to pay a little more, but buy the device from a company with a decent reputation. She is also able to provide a full service, including warranty and post-warranty repairs.
Top Models
Modern manufacturers offer a variety of models of small and very miniature devices. Therefore, there is no need to rush with the final choice. It is better to first familiarize yourself with all the offers that are interesting for you, and then choose the 2-3 best models in your opinion and ask a specialist which one is right for you.
As an example, we present 5 of the most popular and demanded small hearing aids on the market:
- Zoom SA-004. Primarily intended for amplification and high-quality sound reproduction. Suitable for users with slightly impaired hearing, as well as those who want to hear better while being away from the sound source (for example, in the back rows of a theater or concert hall). It allows you to catch a human whisper from a distance of up to 30 m. It has a compact size, stylish design and is easily fixed on the auricle with a small bow. Not suitable for people with severe hearing impairment.
- The Widex Clear220 C2-PA is an excellent BTE model for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. It has a miniature size, while allowing you to easily watch TV programs, freely navigate the street, talk on the phone or in person. Has a built-in bluetooth and a separate remote control with volume and sound tone control. Excellent at filtering out noise and softening harsh sounds. Timely gives a signal about the low battery, allows you to set up 5 different individual user programs.
Oticon Agil is a whole line of ultra-modern models developed on the basis of the latest technologies, the smallest of which is installed in the ear canal and is completely invisible to the prying eye. At the same time, the highest quality sound and devices allow you to compensate for not only average, but also serious hearing loss in the range of up to 90 dB. The manufacturer managed to achieve surround and natural sound, as well as to provide free processing of sound by the cerebral cortex. Thus, the patient does not get tired when using the hearing aid, as it expends less energy and can afford to be in a relaxed state. The only drawback is the rather high price for all models.- The Widex CLEAR440 is also a small hearing aid that comes in several varieties: behind the ear, in the ear and in the canal. The manufacturer focused on the naturalness and purity of the reproduced sound, and in this he achieved excellent results. The behind-the-ear model has a miniature size and a soft transparent temple that is almost invisible on the body.
Oticon Agil is a whole line of ultra-modern models developed on the basis of the latest technologies, the smallest of which is installed in the ear canal and is completely invisible to the prying eye. At the same time, the highest quality sound and devices allow you to compensate for not only average, but also serious hearing loss in the range of up to 90 dB. The manufacturer managed to achieve surround and natural sound, as well as to provide free processing of sound by the cerebral cortex. Thus, the patient does not get tired when using the hearing aid, as it expends less energy and can afford to be in a relaxed state. The only drawback is the rather high price for all models.Widex CLEAR440 contains a sophisticated system of adjustment and sound tuning, taking into account all the individual characteristics and personal wishes of users. The relatively high cost is offset by durability and excellent quality.
- The Xingma XM-907 is one of the most inexpensive, yet effective and compact BTE devices for compensating for mild to moderate hearing loss. Allows high quality sound reproduction up to 135 dB. Very lightweight, almost imperceptible when worn. The simple beige body makes the device completely invisible even from close range. Indispensable when watching TV or everyday communication, as it transmits all sounds with sufficient quality and clearly. Easy to set up and maintain, and very affordable.
Some of the most popular miniature hearing aids are described here by way of example. There are much more of them on the market, so it will not be a big problem to choose the best option for yourself. Especially if you seek advice from a specialist.
Some patients are embarrassed to wear hearing aids, believing that they immediately betray their deficiency. But the constant absent-mindedness of a hearing-impaired person attracts even more attention, and his habit of constantly questioning the interlocutor is very annoying. Not to mention the fact that such people expose themselves to danger, not being able to fully navigate the world around them: in transport, on the street, etc. Therefore, it is better to purchase a miniature hearing aid and thus solve the hearing problem than to risk your life every day.
