When is the last time you have seen a hearing aid? If your answer has anything to do with your grandparents, then we have a lot to show you. Hearing aids have evolved far beyond the few styles of bulky electronics with questionable sound quality available decades ago. The devices of today are smaller and more comfortable than ever before. They even provide users with sound that is more natural.
To top it all off, modern hearing aids come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. That means your Green Valley or Tucson area audiologist will use your type and degree of hearing loss to match you with a hearing aid that’s just right for you.
Your audiologist can also take your listening needs and cosmetic preference into consideration when making a selection.
The different styles of hearing aids are listed below.
In The Canal Styles
In the canal hearing aids consist of a custom-molded casing that houses all the electronic components, and are worn inside the ear canal.
These devices are virtually invisible, and appeal to those who value discretion. Their small size limits the number of available features and translates to a shorter battery life. People with dexterity issues may find the small controls difficult to adjust. These hearing aids are best suited for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Within this category you will find, from smallest to largest:
- IIC (Invisible In the Canal) hearing aids.
- CIC (Completely In the Canal) hearing aids.
- ITC (In the Canal) hearing aids.
In The Ear Styles
In the ear (ITE) hearing aids fit partially in the ear canal, but the faceplate extends to the concha (bowl-shaped portion) of the ear. The electronic components are contained within a molded plastic shell, but the volume control is located on the exterior portion of the device for easier access.
In the ear devices are more visible than in the canal types, but their larger size translates to additional features and longer battery life. These hearing aids are made for those with mild to severe hearing loss.
The two types of in the ear hearing aids are:
- ITE (In The Ear) hearing aids.
- RITE (Receiver In The Ear) hearing aids. The electronics are housed in a casing that fits behind the ear (similar to the BTE style below), but the receiver is separate and fits in the concha of the ear.
Behind The Ear Styles
Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids hook over the top of your ear and sit behind the ear. They transmit amplified sound to an earmold that is placed in the ear canal. BTEs are larger and more visible than other styles, but offer unparalleled versatility, longer battery life and easily adjustable external volume and other controls. These devices are especially popular with children and the elderly, and are appropriate for all types of hearing loss.
There are two styles available:
- BTE (Behind The Ear) hearing aids.
- Open Fit hearing aids. These are smaller than conventional BTE devices and do not come with an earmold. This leaves the ear canal “open” to allow sound to enter unimpeded, eliminating occlusion (a plugged-up feeling). The result is more natural sound. This type is especially beneficial to patients with high-frequency hearing loss.
Extended Wear
The latest innovation in hearing aids is extended wear devices (Lyric is the first such brand on the market) that are designed to be worn continuously for up to 120 days. Truly disposable, these hearing aids do not require battery changes, and are meant to remain in place while the user participates in normal activities including exercising, showering and sleeping.
As you can see, hearing aids have evolved far beyond the ones your grandparents wore. To learn more, contact your Green Valley audiologist today.