The Different Types Of Hearing Aids And Which One Might Be Right For You

Millions of people around the globe are living with hearing loss, and many of them seek solutions that can make their lives easier. Hearing aids have been clinically demonstrated to be beneficial for those dealing with hearing impairments; however, there are a few types of these hearing aids available – each having its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will examine different forms of hearing aids so you can figure out which one is right for your needs.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

One of the most powerful hearing aid devices, behind-the-ear hearing aids are the largest kind and consist of two components – an earmold or dome that fits snugly in your ear canal and a case that sits behind your outer ear. BTEs are widely used by those with severe to profound hearing impairments as they provide them with improved sound quality and amplification.

BTE hearing aids are for anyone experiencing mild-to-profound hearing loss. With them being the largest hearing aid, they will be easy to put in and take out, as well as adjusting and keeping up with maintenance. With the proper care BTE hearing aids could last for several years.

If you are looking for a more discreet option, then BTE will not be the right choice for you. Talk with your audiologist about BTE hearing aids and if they are right for you.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-the-ear hearing aids are custom designed to fit perfectly in your ear canal. Not only do they provide superior sound quality and mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss support, but they’re also much smaller than BTEs, making them virtually invisible and ultra-comfortable! There are a few advantages to an ITE hearing aid:

• ITEs are less visible than BTEs and can fit comfortably in the ear canal.
• These devices provide good sound quality, even in noisy environments.

There may be some drawbacks with an ITE hearing aid. These include:

• The battery may need to be changed more often than with other types of devices, as it is located in the ear canal itself.
• ITEs may not be suitable for people with severe hearing loss, as they may not provide sufficient amplification.

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

In-the-canal hearing aids are discreet and tailor-made to fit perfectly into the ear canal. With exceptional sound quality, they are ideal for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Moreover, these remarkable devices blend seamlessly with your ear’s contours so that they remain inconspicuous while helping you hear better!

With ITC hearing aids being on the smaller side they may be difficult to remove. But with the help of your audiologist, they will show you how to insert and remove these hearing aids properly.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

For those seeking a discreet look, completely-in-canal hearing aids are small enough to fit inside your ear canal and blend seamlessly with its contours. Not only do they provide excellent sound quality, but these devices can also be used for mild to moderate cases of hearing loss too. In short, CICs offer you both discretion and efficacy simultaneously. CIC hearing aids are almost invisible when worn. If you are looking for a discreet hearing aid, then these might be right for you.

There may be a few disadvantages with CIC hearing aids, when making you decision. If you have a severe type of hearing loss, then these hearing aids may not be suitable for your needs. If you have any dexterity issues, these may be difficult to take out of your ears, clean and maintain.

So How Do You Know Which One Is Right for You?

The answer will depend on several factors, including your type and degree of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your budget. For example, if you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss and are looking for a discreet device, an ITC or CIC might be the best option for you.

As technology continues to advance, more types of hearing aids are available than ever before. Understanding the different types of devices can help you make an informed decision about which one might be right for you. With proper care and maintenance, these devices can help improve your quality of life by allowing you to hear better in all environments.

It is best to speak with an audiologist who can assess your needs and recommend the best device for you. So be sure to contact Hearing & Balance Centers of West Tennessee at Jackson: (731) 256-5973 or Memphis: (901) 201-6761.