Types of Hearing Aids
All Hearing Aids
Nearly 50 million Americans are affected by hearing loss, which also affects roughly 1 out of 3 adults 65 and older in the United States to some extent. If you are living with hearing loss that's impacting your quality of life, you may benefit from hearing aids, many of which are designed to fit discreetly in ears. Here are some of the options available for your consideration.
Completely In-Canal
A big part of hearing care is comfort. If you prefer a more secure feeling, you may benefit from a hearing aid that completely fits in your ear canal. The only part that's visible is the small handle you use to insert and remove it.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The most common hearing aid style, BTE devices fit on top of and behind the ear. Most or all of the components are in the back part of the ear. A sound tube connects the device to the other part that's inside the ear.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
An ITE design is made so all electronics fit within the outer part of the ear. These models can be completely within the canal or invisible in the canal. In-the-ear designs can be appealing if you want a device that's discrete and easy to adjust.
Receiver-In-Canal
Similar to BTE hearing aids, receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are discreet and often recommended for first-time hearing aid users. The main design difference is that the receiver, or speaker, is fitted into the ear canal and linked to the hearing aid's case, which holds the amplifier and microphone, via a thin wire.
Tinnitus Hearing Aids
Affecting about 30 million people in the U.S., tinnitus is a persistent ringing in the ears. Hearing aids designed to minimize this problem increase stimulation between the brain and auditory pathways while masking distracting ringing.
Single-Sided
If you have one weaker ear in terms of your hearing ability, a single-sided hearing aid may be right for you. These devices use either a CROS or BiCROS system to improve hearing with help from the better ear.
Smartphone Compatible
Remain connected to your Android or Apple device with this a smartphone compatible hearing aid. These devices are designed to eliminate distracting buzzing and whistling. They can also be used to stream music or phone calls from your device to your hearing aid.
Microphone-in-Helix
A microphone-in-helix device is a Beltone hearing aid designed to be practically invisible. The main part of the hearing aid is in the ear canal. The microphone is separate and worn within the curved groove of the outer ear (concha). A transparent tube links the microphone to the part that's in the canal.
Invisible Hearing Aids
As the name implies, invisible hearing aids are designed to be efficient and effective but unseen by others. These smaller devices are recommended for people with mild to moderately severe hearing difficulties.
Hearing aid types are available in multiple colors and varying sizes. Most of them are designed for individuals with mild-to-severe hearing loss, although there are some exceptions. Successful hearing care is largely dependent on finding a hearing aid that's right for your unique needs. Contact our hearing center today to learn more about how you may benefit from a personalized hearing enhancement solution.
