Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids have improved greatly with the advent of digital technology. If you’re picturing big and bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you’ll be pleased to learn today’s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide sound that is more natural. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding one that appeals to your lifestyle needs and cosmetic preferences should be easy.

Here are the types available:

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)

An RIC hearing aid consists of a tiny housing containing all electronics except the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear. A thin tube connects the housing to the receiver, which is worn in the concha (bowl-shaped portion) of the ear.

Pros:

• Small, discreet unit
• Treats mild to moderately severe hearing loss

Cons:

• Lacks the power to treat more severe to profound types of hearing loss

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

The most popular style of hearing aid (about 60% of users choose this type) is a BTE device that is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The housing, which contains all the electronics, is encased in plastic and connects to the ear canal with a thin, clear tube or ear mold.

Pros:

• Most simple hearing aid to use
• Popular choice for children
• Powerful enough for all types of hearing loss

Cons:

• More visible than many other hearing aid styles

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

This hearing aid is placed in the ear canal and is the smallest available. It takes advantage of the ear’s natural ability to collect sound, and its discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others.

The trade-off is a shorter battery life, and it may prove difficult to adjust for those with poor manual dexterity. This is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Pros:

• Best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss
• Reduced size makes it one of the most discreet hearing aid types

Cons:

• Lacks the power to treat severe and profound hearing loss
• Shorter battery life due to reduced size

In-the-Canal (ITC)

This style is also designed to fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as a CIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. It’s a little larger, making it easier to insert and remove and extending the battery life.

Pros:

• Best for patients with mild hearing loss
• Secure fit and easier to insert
• Stronger battery life

Cons:

• Lacks the power to treat severe and profound hearing loss
• Larger and bulkier than some modern hearing aids

In-the-Ear (ITE)

This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust.

A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style.

Pros:

• Unit is easier to adjust
• Stronger battery for longer use
• Best for severe or profound hearing loss

Cons:

• Bulky size that is less discreet
• May not be best for those who have mild or moderate hearing loss