How much do you know about the various styles of hearing aids?
We’re blessed to have so many more options as technology develops to include a fantastic new frontier of opportunities. This even includes novel hearing aid features such as artificial intelligence (AI).
What are the most common hearing aid styles? Continue reading to see which of these may best fit your auditory needs.
Common Hearing Aid Styles
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) – These small devices go behind the ear and connect to an earpiece. Sometimes, they can seem bulky and uncomfortable for certain users.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) – The ITE hearing aids are custom-fit for the patient, and go directly into the ear canal. These aren’t as strong as the larger devices, but they’re easier to use than smaller ones.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) – Like the BTE devices, these include an inside and outside-the-ear component. The receiver goes on the inside along with another portion behind the ear. These are suitable for many degrees of hearing loss.
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC) – These are the most discreet hearing aids. They’re almost invisible since they fit completely inside the ear canal. The size and shape of the year will affect whether you’re eligible for this type of hearing aid.
Who Benefits from Each Approach?
Now, let’s see who typically benefits most from each of those hearing aid styles.
- Mild/Moderate Hearing Loss – Patients with less extensive hearing loss can use any of the four hearing aids. For comfort and convenience, they may prefer the behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) versions.
- Severe/Profound Hearing Loss – The behind-the-ear (BTE) approach may work best here because these have stronger batteries and higher sound amplification.
- Young Children – Children may do better with behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids because they’re the most flexible and user-friendly. They can also accommodate size changes as children grow older, whereas the other options aren’t as conducive to changes.
- Discreet Options – The completely-in-canal (CIC) and in-the-ear (ITE) models are primarily designed to promote discreteness.
- Dexterity Trouble – Many older patients suffer from dexterity issues, and would be most suited for a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, which is a little larger and easier to adjust.
Those are just a few applications for the various hearing aid styles. The auditory professionals at Coastal Hearing Care can fit you with the most optimal hearing solutions, designed to meet any special needs or circumstances. We also specialize in numerous state-of-the-art technologies for our patients in Bradenton and surrounding areas.
Contact us anytime to learn more about hearing aids, consultations, earwax removal, or any other services by calling 941-229-2122.