What Are the Best Styles of Hearing Devices?

If you are in the market for a new hearing device, you are in the right place. Nowadays, you have several options for devices based on the style you prefer and your functional requirements. Below you can find some of the most popular hearing aid styles, and they might suit in general.

Completely in Canal (CIC)

A completely-in-canal hearing aid is very small; it is custom-made to fit an individual’s ear canal, making it comfortable and effective. These hearing devices are very popular because they are virtually invisible and still provide excellent functionality, but there are a few drawbacks.

CIC hearing aids are custom-made; additionally, they use smaller batteries that need to be replaced more regularly, but small batteries are needed to make them discrete. If you need a hearing aid and don’t want it to be visible, these are the best.

In the Canal (ITC)

Another discrete hearing aid option is an in-the-canal hearing aid. These devices also fit in the ear canal and offer limited visibility, but they are a little more visible than the CIC ones. These hearing aids are useful for mild hearing loss, but they also have downsides.

The in-the-canal hearing aids are custom-made, making them more than in-the-ear devices; they are also small, so they have smaller batteries that need to be replaced frequently. These devices are best for those with mild hearing loss and value discretion.

In the Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids are also discrete, but they are slightly more visible than CIC and ITC devices. ITE devices are available in two types, full shell and half shell devices. Full shell devices fill the bowl of the outer ear completely, and half-shell devices fill half the bowl area.

In-the-ear hearing aids are a little larger than CIC and ITC devices, this makes them a little more visible, but it also allows them to have more features. ITE devices have a larger battery that lasts longer, user-friendly volume controls and easier handling. ITE devices are best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

One of the most popular hearing aid types is the BTE hearing device. This device sits behind the ear and has a plastic tube that links to an earpiece in the ear canal. Although it is the largest hearing device, it is easier to handle and repair.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are popular for people of any age; they are very cost-effective and functional. A BTE hearing aid is an excellent first hearing aid to use as it allows you to get used to the device before opting for a custom-made device. Talk to an audiologist about BTE devices.

Open Fit

Finally, an open-fit hearing aid is a suitable alternative to a BTE hearing aid if you want better natural sound quality. The open-fit hearing aid has an earpiece but allows airflow through the ear canal. It allows low frequencies into the ear but amplifies higher frequencies when needed.