Different Styles of Hearing Aids

Are you in the process of deciding to treat your hearing loss with the use of hearing aids? It might seem challenging to decipher through all of your options, but knowing the most common styles and how they operate can help you make the right decision. These are some of the most popular hearing aid styles and some of their essential features that you’ll want to know when choosing your hearing aids:

COMPLETELY-IN-THE-CANAL (CIC) / INVISIBLE-IN-THE-CANAL (IIC)

1. For mild to moderate hearing loss

2. Virtually undetectable / Completely invisible in most ears

3. Best for those with:

4. Active Lifestyles: Demanding careers, frequent meetings and group gatherings, variety of technology usage, sporting events, concerts

5. Casual Lifestyles: Driving, weekly meetings, and gatherings, regular conversation, frequent television, quiet restaurant dining, small meetings

IN-THE-CANAL (ITC)

1. Fits in the ear canal

2. Offer a variety of technology-level choices that previously required a larger aid

3. Deep placement can cut down on wind noise

4. Works for all lifestyles, active to quiet

FULL- AND HALF-SHELL IN-THE-EAR (ITE)

1. For mild to severe hearing loss

2. Sits comfortably in the external ear

3. Visible in the ear

4. Inserted and adjusted with ease

5. Works for all lifestyles

BEHIND-THE-EAR (BTE)

1. Appropriate for almost all types of hearing loss

2. Custom earpiece is molded to fit your outer ear

3. Discreet design in miniature versions

4. Offers the most flexible and adaptable technology

5. Works for all lifestyles

RECEIVER-IN-THE-CANAL (RIC)

1. Leaves the ear open

2. Reduced or no “plugged up” feeling

3. Sleek design barely visible when worn

4. Works for all lifestyles

INVISIBLE-IN-THE-CANAL (IIC)

COMPLETELY-IN-THE-CANAL (CIC)

HALF-SHELL IN-THE-EAR (ITE)

RECEIVER-IN-THE-CANAL (RIC)

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Hearing aids can consist of one or more microphones, computer chips, speakers, bluetooth antennas, accelerometers, radio receivers, etc. Where these are placed on the device varies by style. At Hearing Health Associates, we carry many different brands and styles of hearing aids with varying technologies to ensure that our patients' needs are met. Whether you are interested in reliable, easy-to-wear solutions at an affordable price or in need of top-of-the-line Bluetooth technology due to your busy, fast-paced life, we're here to find the right style and fit for you. Contact us to schedule a hearing screening, and let us help you find the best solution.