The type of hearing aid you get depends on your listening needs, the degree of your hearing loss, and other factors. Quality hearing aids consist of three basic parts: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. The microphone picks up sound waves, converts them to electrical signals, and sends them to the amplifier, increasing the signal’s power and sending it to the speaker in the hearing aid.
Table of Contents
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids have become one of the most popular and powerful solutions for many hearing loss conditions. They offer a powerful sound experience, easy-to-adjust settings, and long-lasting battery life.
A BTE hearing aid has a shell that rests behind the ear, and its electronic components are housed inside this case. These include the microphone, amplifier, and digital chip.
The amplifier then converts the microphone’s electrical signals into acoustic sounds you can hear. These sounds are then sent to the loudspeaker.
Many of today’s BTE hearing aids have the latest technology. This includes Bluetooth connectivity, extra microphones, and a powerful processor.
They also offer a more natural sound experience and less feedback than other styles. They are available with both disposable and rechargeable batteries.
Some BTE hearing aids even feature remote control. This allows you to easily control the volume and programs without touching the device directly.
In addition, they’re much smaller than other styles. These mini BTE hearing aids are extremely discreet.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids is one of the most popular styles of custom-fit hearing aids. These are a great choice for people who don’t want a bulky hearing aid in their ears but still want the benefits of technology like telecoils and directional microphones.
ITEs are designed to fit securely in the ear canal and come in two different sizes: full shell and half shell. These devices are available from all major hearing aid manufacturers and offer a range of features to help you hear better.
These are the most discreet and comfortable style of custom hearing aids. They are also available in various colors to blend with your skin tone and can be custom-fit by a professional.
If you want to improve your hearing but still have a discreet and manageable style of hearing aid, in-the-canal (ITC) may be the perfect option. These styles are small, easy to insert and remove and offer high-quality audio output.
This hearing aid has all the essential components in a shell that fills half the ear canal. It can have directional microphones, volume controls, and other features that allow you to customize your listening experience.
Another great feature of this style is that they are less prone to feedback or whistling noises caused by the microphone and receiver being too close together. It’s also more comfortable to wear than IIC and CIC styles as it sits lower in the outer ear bowl, making it easier to insert.
ITC devices also tend to have a larger surface area than completely-in-the-canal or invisible-in-the-canal models, which reduces the risk of them coming loose as you move or chew.
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
Receivers-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids are one of the most popular styles of hearing aids today. This style of hearing aid combines many of the advantages of Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids with the benefits of In-The-Canal (ITC) devices and also offers some unique features.
RIC hearing aids are a great option for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss who need a discreet device that can be adjusted to suit their needs and lifestyle. They are smaller than These hearing aids can be fitted to a wide range of degrees and types of hearing loss and are available with varying receiver power levels. They are ideal for people who want a hearing aid that can be adjusted to match their needs and are available with many options for cosmetic appearance.
RIC hearing aids are available from all major manufacturers and are widely available through your audiologist or hearing professional. While they have a few drawbacks, they offer many advantages for a large majority of hearing loss patients and are often the most cost-effective type of hearing aid for those with mild to moderate loss.
A RITE Hearing Aid (Receiver-In-The-Ear) is a hearing aid with a speaker that fits inside your ear canal. This creates a smaller, sleeker device that is less visible than BTEs.
RITE hearing aids also offer a more open-fit style, which helps your voice sound more natural. A more open-fit style prevents a common problem called occlusion, which occurs when a hearing aid fills the ear canal and impedes sound flow.
This can make your voice sound harsh or echo-like. A RITE hearing aid can be fitted with a soft, custom-fit dome that does not seal the ear canal, allowing sound to flow naturally in and out of the ear.
Low-Profile
Low-Profile Hearing Aids are a great option for people who want a basic, nearly invisible hearing aid. These devices are available in several colors and can fit most ear sizes.
In addition, these devices often have wireless connectivity. This allows you to listen to music and talk on the phone through your hearing aids using Bluetooth-compatible devices like smartphones, computers, and music players.
Some of these devices also include telecoils, which reduce background noise when talking on a telecoil-compatible telephone or using a public induction loop system that can be found in places of worship and theaters.
Another feature to look for is a warranty and money-back guarantee. These features are important for peace of mind and ensure that you can get your money back if you’re not satisfied.
These devices range from half-shell designs that fill half the ear to full-shell styles that cover the outer ear. They’re large enough to house directional microphones and manual controls like a volume wheel or push-button.
