What Do You Need to Know About Hearing Aid Styles?

Hearing aids can be such a great help to those who experience hearing loss, but there are many different styles to choose between, making the process feel confusing. Thankfully, learning the difference between the most popular styles needn't be difficult, as this guide contains everything you need to know about hearing aid styles so that you can make a more informed decision today. 

In the Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids fit snugly inside the 'bowl' of your ear, being individually custom-made to match the shape and size of your ear. They are often referred to as some of the most comfortable hearing aids as they are not intrusive, and their position inside the ear bowl means that they are generally barely noticeable. They can come in a range of different colors to suit your unique skin tone, too. An ITE hearing aid can be one of two styles: a 'full shell' that fills most of the bowl area of your ear, or a 'half shell' that fills just the lower part of your ear. Both can be beneficial for people who experience mild to severe hearing loss.

The main benefits of in the ear hearing aids are: 

• Space for extra features like volume control
• Often far easier to handle than smaller styles
• Has a larger battery for longer life, as well as rechargeable battery options

Though it's important to note there are also some disadvantages: 

• Earwax can easily clog the speaker
• Can pick up more wind noise when compared with smaller devices
• Is likely to be more visible than other smaller devices

Behind the ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids are easy to install without fuss and usually provide the largest levels of amplification. This means that they are often the most popular choice for people who experience more severe or profound hearing loss which have to use their hearing aid on a full-time basis. A BTE hearing aid rests over the top of your outer ear, and a small tube connects the hearing aid to a custom earmold that sits much deeper inside your ear canal. As a result of its position, it is, unfortunately, more visible than other styles, but their strength and durability make them a great choice.

The advantage of a BTE hearing aid are:

• Ideal for severe hearing loss
• Recent investment means newer mini designs can be streamlined and less visible
• Benefits from directional microphones
• Capable of stronger amplification than most other hearing aid styles

There are also a couple of disadvantages, including: 

• Can experience wind noise 
• More visible for those with shorter hair

In the Canal (ITC)

ITC hearing aids are sculpted to fit inside the entrance of your ear canal (medically known as the cavum concha). This means that they can be more difficult to install, as you need to place the hearing aid inside your ear itself; however, you can utilize extraction cords to aid the process. This style can help those who experience mild to moderate hearing loss, and are close to invisible thanks to their positioning. ITC hearing aids are the perfect choice for those who want all of the benefits of a hearing aid without their device being seen.

Some advantages are:

• Total invisibility when compared to larger styles
• May offer a clearer sound

Though brief, the disadvantages include:

• Device can be tricky to adjust thanks to its smaller size
• Earwax can clog the speaker

Don't hesitate to get in touch with a reputable audiologist if you feel as though you need more information to make the right choice.