An open fit hearing aid is similar to a behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid, but open fit hearing aids are smaller and leave the ear canal open. Open fit hearing aids are sometimes called open canal (OC) hearing aids or open ear hearing aids. Open fit hearing aids fit behind the ear with a tiny, clear tube that extends into the ear canal.
Since the ear canal is not blocked as with other hearing aid models, the person does not have the feeling that their ears are plugged up. This feeling of the ear is being plugged up is referred to as occlusion.
This is an improvement over many other types of hearing aids with which people say their own voices sound as if they are in a barrel. A occlusion can be extremely bothersome to some hearing aid users. Many hearing aid users neglect to use their hearing aids regularly due to occlusion and the sound distortions caused by occlusion.
People with high-frequency hearing loss benefit the most from open fit hearing. With the ear canal remaining open, the low frequencies of the ear canal can escape so that the amplified sound is heard more clearly.
People with high-frequency hearing loss can hear speech, but they cannot hear some speech sounds clearly. This can cause a person with high-frequency hearing loss to confuse words and misunderstand people. An open fit hearing aid would allow speech to be heard more clearly with the letter sounds being much more distinct.
The part of the open fit hearing aid that fits behind the ear is typically much smaller than traditional behind the ear hearing aids. This allows the person to wear glasses without difficulty in most cases.
Many companies have begun producing open fit hearing aids, so there are several choices for people with hearing loss who want an open fit hearing aid. Songbird hearing aids are disposable open fit hearing aids.
Open fit hearing aids use digital technology to provide effective hearing amplification for people with mild to moderate high frequency hearing loss. People with other types of hearing loss may not benefit as much from open fit hearing aids. They may receive more effective treatment from other types of hearing aids.
Unlike other hearing aid models, open fit hearing aids do not have a customized fit. Open fit hearing aids are designed to provide comfortable fit to all hearing aid users without the need for customization.
Allan has a blog that talks about hearing aid ratings and he talks about his quest to find out what's the best hearing aid suitable for his mother. That was also the reason why he setup this blog - to help others find out more about hearing aids.
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