Picking the right hearing aid is an important personal choice. There are many different styles, and each one has its own benefits. We want to help you find the hearing aid that fits your needs, lifestyle and preferences. At AudiologyHQ, our comprehensive guide to hearing aid styles is designed to inform you, helping you make a choice that will enhance your hearing experience and quality of life
We encourage you to try different styles during your fitting process. Many of our patients find that experiencing the differences firsthand helps them make the best choice for their needs.
Hearing Aid Styles: Behind the Ear (BTE), Receiver in Canal (RIC), In the Ear (ITE), In the Canal (ITC), Completely in Canal (CIC), Invisible in Canal (IIC)
Hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes. Some are sleek and discreet, while others are more powerful and can be equipped with advanced features and technology. With so many styles and options available today, you’re guaranteed to find a device that fits seamlessly into your everyday life.
Types of Hearing Aids
Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are known for their robustness and adaptability, making them an excellent choice for individuals with a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to profound. These devices sit comfortably behind the ear, with a thin tube connecting to a custom-fitted earmold in the ear canal. Some key features include:
- Powerful amplification capabilities.
- Suitable for all ages, including children.
- Easy to handle and adjust.
- Longer battery life due to larger size.
- Ample space for advanced features and controls.
BTE hearing aids are particularly beneficial for those with severe to profound hearing loss, as their larger size allows for more powerful components. They’re also an ideal choice for individuals who may have difficulty handling smaller devices due to dexterity issues.
Many individuals appreciate the BTE style for its durability and ease of use. Whether you’re an active outdoor enthusiast or someone who prefers a device that’s easy to clean and maintain, BTE hearing aids offer a reliable solution.
Receiver in Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids represent a perfect balance between discretion and functionality. These devices feature a small housing behind the ear, connected to a tiny receiver placed directly in the ear canal. This design allows for a more open fit, providing a natural sound quality that many individuals find appealing. Advantages of RIC hearing aids include:
- Sleek and less visible than traditional BTE models.
- Excellent sound quality with reduced feedback.
- Suitable for mild-to-severe hearing loss.
- Often equipped with directional microphones for better speech understanding in noise.
- Easy to adapt to different levels of hearing loss by changing the receiver.
RIC hearing aids are a popular choice due to their versatility and discreet design. They provide a comfortable fit and are less likely to cause a feeling of fullness in the ear, making them a good option for those new to hearing aids. Many of our patients who lead active lifestyles find that RIC hearing aids strike the perfect balance between performance and aesthetics. They’re powerful enough to provide significant hearing improvement while remaining relatively discreet.
In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In-the-ear hearing aids are custom-molded to fit within the outer portion of your ear. These devices are suitable for mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss and offer a combination of aesthetics and functionality that many people find appealing. Benefits of ITE hearing aids:
- Custom-fit for maximum comfort.
- Easier to insert and remove than smaller in-canal styles.
- Can accommodate larger batteries for longer use.
- Often include manual controls for volume and programs.
- Suitable for individuals with dexterity challenges.
ITE hearing aids are particularly popular among our patients who desire a balance between visibility and ease of use. The custom fit ensures a secure and comfortable wearing experience, while the slightly larger size compared to in-canal models makes them easier to handle and adjust. Many of our patients with active lifestyles appreciate the security of ITE hearing aids. Their snug fit reduces the risk of the device falling out during physical activities, providing peace of mind during workouts or outdoor adventures.
In the Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
In-the-canal hearing aids offer a more discreet option while still providing substantial benefits for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. These devices are custom-made to fit in the ear canal, making them less visible than ITE models. Some advantages of ITC hearing aids include:
- More discreet than larger styles.
- Custom-molded for a secure, comfortable fit.
- Can include features like directional microphones.
- Easier to use with telephones compared to larger models.
- Better protection from wind noise due to their placement.
ITC hearing aids are an excellent choice for individuals who are looking for a compromise between the invisibility of completely-in-canal models and the ease of use of larger styles. Many patients find that ITC hearing aids provide an ideal mix of discretion and functionality.
Completely in Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
For those seeking maximum discretion, completely-in-canal hearing aids offer a nearly invisible solution. These tiny devices fit deep within the ear canal, making them virtually undetectable to others. CIC hearing aid features include:
- Extremely discreet appearance.
- Reduced wind noise due to deep canal placement.
- Natural sound quality utilizing the ear’s anatomy.
- Suitable for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
- Often equipped with removal strings for easy handling.
CIC hearing aids are a good choice for those who prioritize the cosmetic aspect of wearing hearing aids. Their deep placement in the ear canal makes them nearly invisible and helps with more natural sound localization. Many patients who choose CIC hearing aids enjoy their convenience. Once inserted, they offer all-day support with minimal need for adjustments.
Invisible in Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids
Invisible-in-canal hearing aids are the most discreet option available. These tiny devices sit deep in the ear canal, making them completely hidden from view. IIC hearing aids are perfect for individuals who want the most discreet hearing solution possible. They’re particularly popular among first-time hearing aid wearers who may feel conscious about wearing visible devices. Advantages of IIC hearing aids:
- Completely invisible when worn.
- Utilizes the natural acoustics of the ear.
- Reduced occlusion effect for a more natural sound.
- Minimal wind noise interference.
- Ideal for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
While these devices offer discretion, it’s important to note that their small size may limit some features and may not be suitable for all types of hearing loss. Our hearing professionals will help you determine if IIC hearing aids are the right choice for your specific needs.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid Style for You
Selecting the ideal hearing aid style involves considering various factors:
- Degree of hearing loss: Different styles are better suited for varying levels of hearing impairment.
- Lifestyle needs: Consider your daily activities, work environment and hobbies.
- Dexterity: Some styles are easier to handle and maintain than others.
- Cosmetic preferences: Decide how visible or discreet you want your hearing aids to be.
- Budget: While all styles offer great performance, some may include more advanced features that set them apart.
- Ear anatomy: The shape and size of your ear canal can influence which styles will fit comfortably.
We’re committed to guiding you through this decision-making process. Our experienced hearing professionals will conduct a thorough assessment, including a comprehensive hearing test and lifestyle evaluation, to recommend the most suitable hearing aid style for you.
We encourage you to try different styles during your fitting process.
Experiencing the differences firsthand helps them make the best choice for their needs. Contact our team of hearing professionals at AudiologyHQ today to schedule a consultation. We’ll work closely with you to explore all your options and find the hearing aid style that best suits your unique needs and preferences.