HEARING AIDS
Which hearing aid style is right for you?
What comes to mind when you picture a hearing aid? Many people still think of the large, clunky, attention-grabbing hearing aids of the past. Thankfully, more than just the technology has advanced.
You might have heard that some styles are better for certain types hearing loss, or think that certain styles are more “invisible” than others. Today’s hearing aids are stylish and discreet as well as comfortable – and most styles can now be fitted for most types of hearing loss.
You’ll encounter a lot of options online and in the clinic, not to mention a few unfamiliar acronyms. Here’s a quick overview of the styles to help you get started:
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
What it is:
As the name suggests, all of the electronics on this style sit behind the ear with a tube that extends over the ear to an ear piece (also called an ear mold) sitting partway in the ear canal.
What to consider:
- BTEs are often the traditional choice for people with severe to profound hearing loss because they can offer more power.
- Their larger size has room for more features and larger, longer-lasting batteries than some in-the-ear (ITE) styles, plus some people find them easier to handle and adjust.
- The microphone and speaker are safely away from earwax, making the device more durable and reducing the need for service appointments.
You might have heard that some styles are better for certain types hearing loss, or think that certain styles are more “invisible” than others. Today’s hearing aids are stylish and discreet as well as comfortable – and most styles can now be fitted for most types of hearing loss.
You’ll encounter a lot of options online and in the clinic, not to mention a few unfamiliar acronyms. Here’s a quick overview of the styles to help you get started:
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) – The most popular
What it is:
There are many good reasons RIC is the most popular hearing aid style. RICs have most of their electronics and their power supply in a small part that sits behind or on top of the ear with a thin wire connecting to a receiver (speaker) in the ear canal.
What to consider:
- Smaller and lighter than many BTEs, this style of hearing aid still has plenty of room for features and rechargeable batteries.
- RICs can accommodate a wide range of hearing losses from mild to severe, and can be fit with many dome and ear tip options.
- Like some BTEs, you can take home RICs right from your first appointment.
- Because the receiver can be detached, it can often be replaced right in the clinic – no need to send it off for repairs.
The barely there In-The-Ear (ITE)
What it is:
Among the smallest styles, these hearing aids are just one piece and sit inside the ear. They come in different sizes including full shell (the largest), half shell, in-the-canal (ITC) and the smallest invisible-in-canal (IIC).
What to consider:
- ITEs are the smallest style and don’t require anything worn behind the ear.
- They’re custom made to fit each person’s unique ear shape and will take some time to create.
- Comfort is important because the ITEs fill the ear or ear canal
Get expert advice
With all these options available, there’s a model and style to suit every hearing loss and lifestyle.
There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for hearing aids, but there’s no need to make this decision alone. A hearing care professional can assess your hearing and work with you to find the right style and model to suit your preferences and lifestyle. Ready to start?
