Open Fit Type Hearing Aids – Evaluating the Pluses and Minuses

Buying the appropriate hearing aid can be difficult, especially if you are unfamiliar with the features that make one model different from another. Keep reading to find out more about one particularly popular type of hearing aid: open fit hearing aids.

If you are familiar with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, you will find that open fit hearing aids have numerous similarities. The visible similarities include the plastic case that rests behind the ear and the small tube that connects to the ear canal. Both the case and the tube tend to be smaller than the ones found on behind-the-ear hearing aids.

The factor that differentiates open fit hearing aids from the rest is that their design allows the ear to stay ventilated. Low frequency sounds are able to enter the ear without being amplified. This offers a more comfortable and natural experience to those with mild to moderate hearing loss that are able to hear low frequency sounds without amplification. For the wearer, this means that distracting sounds such as your own chewing or coughing are not amplified resulting in greater comfort and satisfaction.

Another major advantage of open fit hearing aids is their small size. Many users are able to disguise these devices, making them a favorite among listeners who are self-conscious about having to use a hearing aid.

Individuals with severe hearing loss are not good candidates for the open fit hearing aids. Its open construction means that the amplification levels required to meet the needs of severely impaired hearing often result in feedback noise. People who have difficulty with fine motor skills may also find it difficult to operate such a small object. Finally, this type of hearing aid uses very small batteries, so users are required to change or charge them on a regular basis.

Open fit hearing aids may have their flaws, but they are still a great choice for many users. Consult with your hearing professional to determine if the open fit type of hearing aid may be the best for your unique hearing needs and lifestyle.