If you’ve recently been diagnosed with hearing loss then one of the first things on your mind will likely be “what type of hearing aid do I need?” Most people don’t realize that there are variety of different hearing aids and they each fulfill different purposes. For example, larger hearing aids typically carry larger batteries which will last much longer, and could even boast more features. However, smaller hearing aids are recommended by audiologists for those that want a more discreet device, but can be tricky to handle if you lack the manual dexterity to do so.

Keep in mind, when it comes to selecting the best hearing aid for you, there is no one size, style or brand that is perfect for everyone. The best hearing aid for you will depend on a multitude of factors, including lifestyle, hearing loss and budget needs.

Listening to your audiologist is a good idea

In most cases, you should be listening to your audiologist as much as possible to ensure you get the highest-quality hearing aid for your needs. This is because your audiologist will likely have already examined your hearing and will have a good idea of what type of features you need based on what information you’ve given them. If you’re unsure about the features available on hearing aids then it’s likely best to just listen to your audiologist’s recommendations so that you get used to hearing aids before purchasing a potentially more expensive pair that has more features.

However, we’ll still go in depth about the different types of hearing aid available so that you can see what’s available. With this information, you can let your audiologist know and they’ll have alternate options for you to pick from based on your personal needs.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

BTE hearing aids sit behind your ear with a hook. They are the larger variety of hearing aids and typically house bigger batteries with more feature and power capabilities. Despite being larger, they do have mini varities and come in hair or skin tones to help them blend in with whatever look you would prefer.

They also come with more features than other devices styles because the case is larger and the circuits offer more room. They’re also easier to operate and handle thanks to the larger buttons and physical size of the device. This means they’re less likely to get lost and if you have trouble using your fingers, you don’t need to fiddle with a smaller device.

In general, this is a great option for anyone that is new to using hearing aids and is often the preferred choice unless you value your hearing aids to be discreet. They are also typically recommended for children because they can grow with them as their ear anatomy changes and develops.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

ITE hearing aids are mid-sized and rest in the outer ear bowl. They are also available in skin and hair tones and can be a great solution for individuals looking for something more discreet than a BTE hearing aid, but cannot physically handle the smaller styles. Because they are still medium in size, they can hold a number of features.

For starters, you may be required to take a mold of your ear canal so that the hearing aids can be fit perfectly to the shape of your ear. These are also a more viable option for more active individuals that don’t want to have to worry about a device worn on the outside of their ear while working out.

In-the-canal (ITC) devices

The smallest of all hearing aid styles, ITC devices are worn in the canal and can include sizes that fit completely in the canal or are worn deeper in the canal for an invisible look. Because they are smaller, they are not typically recommended for individuals with dexterity issues or those that have a more severe hearing loss.

Picking the right hearing aid for your needs can be confusing, but the audiologists at Hearing & Balance Centers of West Tennessee are more than happy to help you make that decision while also providing you with a comprehensive service for all of your needs related to hearing loss. Our audiologists are active in Jackson (731) 256-5973 and Memphis (901) 201-6761, so don’t hesitate to give us a call if you’d like to learn more information about the various styles, brands and models we have at our practice.