ReSound introduced the first open-fit hearing aid called the Air, as seen above.
You don’t have to plug up your ears to hear better
In the past, some have had difficulty wearing hearing aids because they just create a natural sound. This was the result of occlusion or from your ears being plugged up with hearing aids.
Common complaints of occlusion are: ”It sounds like I am listening in a barrel.” Others have reported that their own voice sounds too loud and/or strange, and a general “plugged up” feeling.
Fortunately, Many of today’s hearing instruments eliminate that “head in a bucket” or “plugged up” sensation through the use of Open-Fit technology.
Open-fit hearing aids were introduced in 2003 with the release of the ReSound Air. This device provided the wearer with a more natural sound quality as well as a more comfortable fit. An added bonus is that they are designed so they aren’t as visible.
Today more manufacturers carry open-fit products. Many of today’s open-fit devices are even smaller. Since the release of open fit hearing aids, hearing healthcare professionals can successfully fit more hearing losses than ever.
Benefits of open-fit hearing aids
Open-fit hearing aids, like this ReSound Air, fits naturally inside your ear.
Open-fit hearing aids are a good option for many hearing aid candidates for these reasons:
1. Cosmetically appealing and small.
2. No more plugged up sensation.
3. Lightweight and comfortable.
4. Instant fit – There’ s no need for earmold impressions and waiting for the hearing aid to be created.
5. Natural sound quality that helps to eliminate hearing aid wearer’s complaints about their own voice and the overwhelming loudness of chewing food.
6. For some patients that have been told in the past that hearing aids may not work for them. Open-fit instruments often now allow them to be successfully fit with hearing aids due to the way that the ear canal is left open. This allows environmental sounds to be heard naturally and makes listening more comfortable.
