Are you on the search for a perfect hearing aid, but you’re not sure where to begin? Maybe you started a Google search and realized the vast array of possibilities that are available on the market today? If so, you’re in the right place, right now, reading these words.
There are quite a few hearing aids out there, but thankfully they can be divided into a few categories that make it easier to choose. Within those categories, you can decide which hearing aid fits you best.
Below we have put together a list of the various types of hearing aids currently available to help you understand your options. We’ve also included some tips on how to pick the best one for you.
6 Types of Hearing Aids
Invisible in the Canal (IIC)
If you’re on the hunt for a hearing aid that cannot be seen by others, you’ll want to check out this type. The IIC combines all the necessary electronics into one small piece of equipment that hides within your canal so that, for most ears, the aid is out of sight. This hearing aid is for those with mild to moderately-serious hearing damage.
Completely in Canal (CIC)
This device is for adults that struggle with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you pick this one, it’ll be built to fit comfortably within your ear canal. After the invisible in the canal type of aid, this one is the least visible of all the hearing aids since only the handle shows. A perk about this aid is that because it’s completely in the canal, it won’t pick up wind noise as other hearing aids might.
In the Canal (ITC)
If you have mild to mildly-severe hearing loss, and you don’t mind having a part of the hearing aid exposed, the ITC could be the aid for you. This hearing aid will improve your hearing once it is worn, so if it’s helping you have a better lifestyle, does it matter that much if part of the aid is exposed? It’s entirely up to you, but this is one of the necessary questions to ask when picking a hearing aid, which we will go over later on.
In The Ear (ITE)
This type of device has two options: a full shell (fits most of your outer ear) or a half shell (fits into the lower part of your ear). It has the advantages of volume control and longer battery life, which some smaller equipment doesn’t have, and it is easier to hold and remove. ITE devices pick up wind noise easily, and they are visible, but if those aren’t deal breakers, and you need help with mild to severe hearing loss, this might be the aid for you.
Receiver In Canal (RIC)
The RIC is like the CIC in that it is almost invisible to those around you. The key difference is that the RIC has a speaker or receiver that fits inside your ear canal. This receiver is made up of tiny electric wires rather than the typical plastic tube that comprises the CIC and other hearing aids. This one is for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss and can be a great start for those who are just being introduced to hearing aids. This aid is also called Receiver in the Ear or RITE.
Behind the Ear (BTE)
In the past, this type of hearing aid has been the biggest one of them all. However, with newer advances in technology, it can now be created in tiny forms that are barely visible. With this device, you’ll have an earbud or custom earmold situated within your ear canal. It will be connected by a tube that hooks over your ear to a plastic case behind your ear. The technology within the plastic case amplifies the sounds you need to hear into the earbud. This aid is for moderate to severe hearing problems and usually has the best amplification compared to the others.
How to Pick a Hearing Aid
Now that you know the different varieties of hearing aids, it’s important to understand the best way to pick out the perfect aid for you.
- First, you’ll need to determine how much hearing loss you have: mild, mildly severe, moderately severe, or severe. A hearing specialist can help identify this with a consultation. Learn more about our free consultations here.
- Second, figure out whether you want the hearing aid to be visible or less visible or even invisible. This will help in determining which device is best for you. A good guideline to remember is that the smaller and less noticeable the hearing aid, the less strength it might have to improve your hearing.
- Third, you’ll want to know the costs of each hearing aid to know which ones are in your budget or covered by your insurance.
- Fourth, you may also have the option of deciding what color of hearing aid you want or if you’d like rechargeable batteries. Another essential factor to consider is how much background noise reduction you’d like through your hearing aid.
Let Us Help You
The best way to make the right decision for your hearing needs is to find a trustworthy, reliable, and caring specialist who will determine your level of hearing loss and help you understand precisely what is occurring with your ears. That’s where we come in. Our goal at Chambers Hearing Centers is to make sure that your hearing problems are resolved in a professional manner.
Hearing loss can be a difficult thing to cope with, but we hope that it is easier now that you know the differences in hearing aids and the specifics you need to know before deciding on a particular kind. You should be satisfied with your hearing experience. So if you have any further questions, please contact us at any time.