Body Worn
“Body-worn” hearing aids are a type of hearing amplification device that is designed to be worn on the body, typically on a belt or in a pocket, with a cord or wire connecting the device to a custom earmold or earpiece that fits in the ear. These hearing aids were more commonly used in the past before the development of smaller and more discrete hearing aid styles.
Here are some key features and aspects of body-worn hearing aids
Body-worn hearing aids consist of two main components—the main body of the device, which houses the electronics and controls, and the earmold or earpiece that delivers sound into the ear. The two components are connected by a cord or wire.
Body-worn hearing aids provide amplification for individuals with hearing loss by picking up sound through a microphone on the main body and transmitting it to the earpiece. The level of amplification can often be adjusted based on the wearer’s hearing needs.
The earmold or earpiece that fits in the ear is custom-made to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. This customization helps improve sound quality and reduce feedback (whistling).
While the main body of the hearing aid is worn on the body, the cord or wire connecting it to the earpiece is noticeable. As such, body-worn hearing aids are more visible compared to other styles like behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids.
Body-worn hearing aids can be more durable than some other styles, as the sensitive components are housed in the main body and are less exposed to moisture, wax, and debris.
Many body-worn hearing aids feature physical controls on the main body, allowing the wearer to adjust the volume and settings as needed.
Battery Life
Due to their larger size, body-worn hearing aids often have longer battery life compared to smaller hearing aid styles.
It’s important to note that advancements in hearing aid technology have led to the development of smaller and more discreet hearing aid styles, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. These newer styles offer a more inconspicuous and cosmetically appealing option for individuals with hearing loss.
Body-worn hearing aids are now less commonly used, and their popularity has declined with the availability of more technologically advanced and inconspicuous options. However, they may still be considered in specific situations, particularly for individuals with certain types of hearing loss or those who may have difficulty handling smaller hearing aids.