Hearing aids--available in different styles and sizes--amplify sound for people with hearing loss. From analog and digital styles of hearing aids to adjustable and programmable types, an audiologist can fit you with the appropriate hearing aid for your unique need.

Not every hearing aid is right for every patient. People who suffer from minor hearing difficulties would benefit from less invasive hearing aids such as behind-the-ear models, while patients with significant deafness can try cochlear implants, a more aggressive hearing aid option. Learn more about hearing aids with these key terms.

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Audiologist

An audiologist is a professional who uses specialized instruments to test levels of hearing in an individual. The tests measure hearing loss and are useful to determine what types of hearing aids may be the most beneficial to restore hearing in the patient. An audiologist can fit the appropriate hearing aid and help the patient adjust the hearing aid for optimum results.

I recommend: online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/29-1121.00 offers information on the educational background and job description of audiologists.

Analog vs. digital

An analog programmable hearing aid has settings that can be programmed to adapt to different environments for optimum hearing. An audiologist can program the analog hearing aid customized to your testing results to ensure you receive sounds specific to your unique needs. Digital programmable hearing aids use an embedded computer chip to determine noise and sound and adjust hearing accordingly. Digital hearing aids are more expensive, but produce higher-quality sound.

I recommend: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers in-depth information on analog and digital types of hearing aids. Hearing Aids Central provides an extensive comparison of analog vs. digital hearing aids.

Behind-the-ear or BTE

BTE or behind-the-ear hearing aids house the microphone, amplifier and speaker parts of a hearing aid in a molded piece that fits on the outside of the ear. BTE hearing aids generally provide the best sound due to larger amplifiers, and this type of hearing aid is usually the best choice for children who suffer from hearing loss.

I recommend: American Hearing Aid Associates offer more extensive information on behind-the-ear hearing aids.

In-the-ear or ITE

In-the-ear hearing aids are custom fit to the outer ear of the patient. More compact than behind-the-ear hearing aids, ITE hearing aids provide a more concealed method to amplify sound for the hearing impaired. ITE models can use digital or analog technology to program sound ranges specific to each patient.

I recommend: HearingAidHelp.com offers extended information on ITE hearing aids and the advantages and disadvantages of this specific style.

Middle ear implant

Middle ear implants are hearing aids that are embedded surgically into the middle ear. The middle ear implant consists of three basic parts: the implanted receiver, the transducer and the audio processor, a component worn behind the ear. This type of hearing aid is useful for those with severe hearing loss but normal middle ear function.

I recommend: The Arkansas Center For Ear Nose Throat And Allergy offers more information on how middle ear implants function and the advantages and disadvantages of this specific type of hearing aid.

Cochlear implant

A cochlear implant is a type of hearing aid that can help to restore hearing in patients who are deaf. Surgically implanted in the inner ear, a cochlear implant does not manipulate or amplify sound; it stimulates sound directly from the nerve.

I recommend: Hear-it.org offers in-depth information and statistics on cochlear implants.

When looking to purchase hearing aids either for your business or your personal use, know that there are a wide variety of brands and styles available and you should either seek the help of a medical professional as a consumer or refer to a sales experts for professionals planning to offer hearing aids for sale.

Analog hearing aids and digital hearing aids are becoming increasingly necessary as many Americans lose their hearing due to heredity, work or entertainment related reasons. Whether you plan to purchase or resell behind the ear hearing aid products or in canal products, knowing how to compare hearing aids is a critical skill particularly if you are in the medical or elder care fields.

When looking to purchase hearing aids for consumer or resale use:

1. Choose between analog hearing aids and digital hearing aids.

2. Select between the behind the ear hearing aid or the in-canal hearing aid.

3. Locate and/or offer supplemental reading material on hearing aids and the subject of hearing loss.

4. Consider selling or purchasing hearing aid batteries as ancillary items for use or sale.

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Be an informed consumer or reseller of hearing aids

Utilize the many resources available to those in the hearing loss field and those who purchase or sell hearing aids.

I recommend: Download a Free Hearing Aid Buyer's Guide from HearingPlanet for detailed information on about hearing loss and hearing aids. They also provide you with a comparison chart of different models. Sign up for a free copy of the Hearing Loss Web newsletter.

Sell or buy hearing aids from major name brand manufacturers

There are many top of the line name brand hearing aids available.

I recommend: Sign up to receive an introductory discount with Songbird Hearing, Inc. Check out the open fit technology of Vivatone. Locate a Miracle-Ear provider near you. Take a look at the Widex brand.

Find discount hearing aids for sale

Find discounted prices on many style of hearing aids.

I recommend: Buying direct from Genesis Hearing Labs will cost you 40% to 60% less than what you would pay if you purchased your hearing aid locally. Save on Hearing Aids.com carries many name brands including Widex, Siemens, Sonic Innovations, Amazing TV Ears and Phonak. They also sell a wide variety of batteries and have financing plans available. Access the volume discounts for hearing professionals from Hearing Central. Look for even more savings from the Hearing Aid Zone.

Price out digital hearing aids

Compare the pricing of the newer models of digital hearing aids to see about their cost effectiveness.

I recommend: NaturEar is an in-the-canal, self-fitting digital hearing aid. You can also send for a free information kit from America Hears Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you or your client has a broken hearing aid, look to hearing aid repair services before investing in the cost of a new piece.

Hearing aids no longer have the stigma attached to them that they once did. Today’s modern technology and new designs make it difficult—almost impossible—to detect their presence. Audiologists interested in dispensing a behind-the-ear hearing aid, digital hearing aids or analog hearing aids need to pursue the hearing aids education and training necessary to do the job.

In addition to learning about hearing aid repair, before dispensing hearing aids you must:

1. Become familiar with the various types of hearing aids.

2. Obtain the necessary education and training to dispense hearing aids online or at a hearing aid center.

3. Learn what it takes to become a hearing aid dispenser in your state.

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Learn about digital hearing aids, analog hearing aids and a behind-the-ear hearing aid

The technology associated with hearing aids directly impacts how these devices transfer sound. Basic analog hearing aids treat all sounds equally while digital hearing aids depend on a computer chip to change the sounds into a digital 'code.' A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid conforms to the contour of the individual's outer ear. Its adaptable design makes it suitable for adults and children.

I recommend: The American Speech-Language Hearing Association explains state-of-the-art digital hearing aids, including the advantages to using them. America Hears Inc. also offers individuals some advice for buying digital hearing aids. The Mayo Clinic describes the various types of analog hearing aids and how to customize them with hearing aid accessories. Siemens USA details the many benefits of the behind-the-ear hearing aid design.

Obtain the necessary hearing aids education and training for dispensing these devices

Audiologist must complete a course of study and take a nationally-administered audiologist examination before they can be certified to dispense hearing aids.

I recommend: The Hearing Aid School’s online and classroom courses provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to dispense hearing aids, hearing aid batteries and hearing aid accessories. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association offers information about preparing for the national exam in audiology, including details of the test’s various components and how to file an application. A passing grade is required to become certified to dispense digital hearing aids, analog hearing aids and a behind-the-ear hearing aid.

Pursue audiology, dispensing and educational courses on hearing aids online

Testing and dispensing hearing aids requires extensive hearing aids education and training,

I recommend: Consider the extensive hearing aid educational program through Northeast Ohio Au.D Consortium (NOAC) that includes hearing aid fitting and selection in addition to a complete curriculum for audiologists. Tap into the hearing aids education and training courses offered by Oticon online, and sign up for educational podcasts to enhance your resume. Visit the Academy of Doctors of Audiology website to find a complete listing of educational courses that include hearing aids.