Hearing Aid Styles
If you’ve done some research, you will see that hearing aids come in a variety of styles. Each model offers unique advantages, whether it’s a discreet appearance, a long battery life, or accessible volume control. Which hearing aid you choose depends on your lifestyle and other factors.
Here are eight different hearing aid styles that you can find at Smoky Mountain Hearing Specialists.
In-the-Ear Hearing Aid Styles:
Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)
If you want a hearing aid that other people can’t see, consider an IIC instrument. An audiologist inserts the pea-sized device into the ear canal until it reaches the ear canal’s second bend. The hearing aid combats all four types of hearing loss: conductive, sensorineural, mixed, and auditory processing disorders.
We recommend IIC instruments for patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. These digital hearing aids are the smallest type of hearing aid on the market, so they may not work for patients with dexterity issues.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are only slightly larger than IIC instruments. A hearing professional can personalize the device based on your ear canal’s shape and size. This aid is ideal for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
CIC hearing aids offer a high degree of aesthetic appeal for hearing aid wearers, mostly because they’re less visible than larger, more traditional styles. However, the compact build cannot accommodate memory controls or manual volume adjustments.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
ITC devices are among the most straightforward hearing aids to use. The instrument rests in the lower part of the outer ear bowl, so a hearing aid wearer can easily adjust them. They’re also slightly larger than CIC models, so they have superior battery lifespans.
While the size makes ITC hearing aids less discreet, wearers can take advantage of added features. These aids can accommodate volume controls and directional microphones, making it easier for users to navigate loud listening environments.
Full Shell or In-the-Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids rest flush inside the outer ear bowl. These types of hearing aids give you the maximum amount of control over listening programs and volume. It also comes with directional microphones and long-lasting rechargeable batteries.
If an audiologist performs a hearing test and finds mild-to-severe hearing loss, there’s a good chance they’ll recommend an ITE hearing aid. The style delivers tremendous flexibility and comes in half and full shell designs. As long as you’re okay with hearing slightly more wind, ITE hearing aids are a worthwhile investment.
Call us at (423) 307-8846 to schedule your hearing test appointment today.
Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid Styles:
Receiver in the Ear (RITE)
The RITE hearing aid style looks identical to BTEs. The difference is the location of the speaker. While BTEs place the speaker inside the shell, RITE hearing aids put it in the tip, which goes into the ear canal.
You can wear the two-piece ear hearing system comfortable behind or on top of your ear. The open design provides such a natural experience that you may forget you’re wearing a hearing aid altogether. We recommend RITE devices for anyone with significant hearing loss.
Mini Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Mini BTEs attach around your outer ear. The device inserts a slender tube in your ear canal with a soft tip to keep it in place. The malleable ends don’t obstruct airflow and draw minimum attention to itself.
These styles of hearing aids feel natural, letting you experience airflow and sounds as they pass through the tip. Mini BTEs have an open fit, so audiologists can attach them in minutes. The hearing aids are also available in standard and power sizes for individuals with all degrees of hearing loss.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) with Earmold
Individuals with the most severe hearing loss should consider BTE hearing aids with an earmold. The device aids hearing through a range of features, such as programmable buttons and volume adjustments. You can also select from several different sizes and colors.
BTE hearing aids are among the most popular for overall well-being. They deliver outstanding technology levels without sacrificing comfort. It also takes minutes to fit during your visit to Smoky Mountain Hearing Specialists.
Call us at (423) 307-8846 to schedule your hearing test appointment today.
Contact Us
No one hearing aid is better than any other. It’s more important for the devices to negate hearing loss and meet the users’ needs. Contact the hearing professionals at Smoky Mountain Hearing Specialists in Morristown, TN, to determine which hearing aid is right for you!
Book Your Free Hearing Consultation
For more information or to schedule service, call us at (423) 307-8846 or fill out the form below.
Still Unsure?
We understand that there are many hearing aid types to choose from. In fact, at times it can be overwhelming to select from many hearing aid styles! That’s why we offer a FREE hearing consultation for you to explore all of our options.
