Specialty Solutions Spotlight: Accessing Quality Hearing Aids for Workers’ Comp Claims

Which type of hearing aid is best for my injured employee? 

With advancements in technology and design, a wide range of hearing aid options are available to suit diverse hearing needs and preferences, including helping to restore hearing abilities due to conduction or nerve damage. By understanding the different types of hearing aids, their features, and benefits, claims professionals can work with injured employees, their treating physician and case manager to select the most appropriate solution tailored to their unique hearing needs and lifestyle preferences.

At Apricus, we provide hearing aids in a variety of styles and technological levels from the most basic to highly advanced. These options include analog and digital devices. Analog devices are less common and make continuous sound waves louder by amplifying all sounds in the same way. Some analog hearing aids have a microchip to store program settings used in different listening environments, such as a quiet or noisy place. As the listening environment changes, the setting may be changed with the push of a button. 

Digital devices are more common and have all the features of analog aids but convert sound waves into digital signals for exact sound replication. Digital hearing aids allow for more complex sound processing, such as reducing background noise and whistling, and can be programmed to adapt to changing hearing needs over time. 

Hearing Aid Styles: 

Behind-the-ear (BTE) 
BTE aids are appropriate for almost any type of hearing loss and fit on top and around the outer ear and connects to a custom earpiece within the ear. This type of hearing aid has directional microphones and is capable of more amplification than other styles. 

Completely in the canal (CIC)
CIC are the smallest and least visible type of hearing aids custom designed to fit in the ear canal most deeply. This type of aid improves mild to moderate hearing loss and is less likely to pick up wind noise but often doesn’t include extra features, such as volume control or directional microphones. 

In-the-canal (ITC)
ITC style aids are small custom molded hearing aids that fit directly in the ear canal that can improve mild to moderate hearing loss. Less visible than larger styles, ITC also includes features that won’t fit on CIC aids but may be difficult to adjust due to its smaller size. 

In-the-ear (ITE) 
ITE aids are beneficial for those with mild to severe hearing loss. This type of hearing aid is one piece custom molded that fits within the external ear and includes features that don’t fit on smaller style hearing aids, such as volume control and directional microphones. 

This wide array of options allows you to choose the right model based on medical necessity and lifestyle and to meet the needs of each injured employee.

By incorporating hearing aids into rehabilitation plans and providing comprehensive support, individuals can overcome the challenges associated with hearing loss and successfully reintegrate into the workforce, achieving greater independence, productivity and overall quality of life.

To make a referral for this service and others, call us today at 877.203.9899 or send an email to referrals@apricusinc.com. 

This information is meant to serve as a general overview, and any specific questions should be fully reviewed with a health care professional or specialty service provider.

Resources: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/types-hearing-aids