What Are the Types of Hearing Aid Products & Which Is Right for You?

Hearing loss can affect the quality of your life by hindering your ability to communicate effectively and enjoy your daily activities. That’s why you must wear hearing aids, which come in different forms, types, and designs. But due to these features and types, selecting the perfect one that suits your needs and preferences can be challenging. 

Read on to learn more about hearing aid device types and tips on choosing the right one.

Types of Hearing Aid Products

1. In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

These types are custom-made to fit inside the ear canal. They are more suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They’re easy to use and manage but may not offer advanced features because of their tiny size.

Pros: 

• Easy to insert and remove
• Custom-made for comfort
• Privacy and discretion
• Ideal for a wide range of hearing loss

Cons:

• Visible in the ear
• Prone to ear wax buildup

2. Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids have a small case behind the ear, connected to a tube and earpiece. They are typically recommended for people with mild to profound hearing loss. BTEs are also popular with children because they can easily exchange their earmold when their ear canal grows.

Pros:

• Ideal for handling severe to profound hearing loss
• Ease of use and cleaning
• Comfortable

Cons: 

• Visible behind the ear
• Sometimes susceptible to wind noise

3. Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

RIC hearing devices are similar to BTE hearing aids, but this type has a receiver inside the ear canal. It is suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss, providing a natural sound that is clear and unobstructed.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Customizable
• Provides clear natural sound

Cons:

• Wax buildup can affect sound quality
• May not be suitable for people working in noisy conditions

4. Completely-In-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

CIC hearing aids are custom-made to fit completely into the ear canal. CICs are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, providing a natural sound in a tiny package. They are the smallest hearing aids available in the market and are easily recessed in the ear canal.

Pros: 

• The most discreet hearing aid
• They offer a natural sound

Cons:

• Their tiny size limits the integration of advanced features
• Shorter battery life
• Susceptible to earwax buildup

5. In-The-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

ITC hearing aids sit partly in the ear canal, balancing size, functionality, and ease of use. They come equipped with additional features such as directional microphones and volume control. ITCs are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Pros:

• Have more features
• Reasonably small
• Offer a natural sound

Cons: 

• Can be visible in the ear
• Susceptible to wind noise
• Short battery life

6. Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids

IIC hearing devices are placed deep inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible when worn. This type of hearing aid is custom-made to fit the inner ear canal’s unique shape and is often recommended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Pros:

• Invisible
• Natural sound
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Requires good dexterity to insert and remove
• Not ideal for those with severe hearing loss
• Shorter battery life

Note that before you can purchase a hearing aid product, you need to have a checkup with a qualified professional like NewLife Hearing. They can assess your hearing needs and help you select the suitable model for your lifestyle.

Tips on Picking the Right Hearing Aid Product

The following are a number of helpful tips to help you choose the perfect hearing aid product:

• Seek Professional Help. Getting your hearing tested by a hearing specialist is crucial before purchasing a hearing aid. Your consultation involves a detailed hearing evaluation to determine the extent of your loss and what device will suit your needs. If you don’t know any hearing specialists near you, ask for recommendations from the people you trust or look online. For instance, type “hearing aid centers near me” on search engines to narrow your search within your location.
• Consider Your Lifestyle. Consider your lifestyle before choosing a hearing aid product. If your daily activities expose you to much background noise, consider purchasing a hearing aid with noise-canceling features. If you’re more active, choose a hearing aid that is durable and water-resistant.
• Look for Advanced Features. Advanced features, such as noise reduction, Bluetooth connectivity, and directional microphones, can enhance your overall hearing experience. Consider the features you need before choosing a hearing aid product. The internet is a good start for researching different hearing aid products.
• Choose the Right Style. Hearing aids come in different styles, including in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), completely-in-canal (CIC), in-the-canal (ITC), and invisible-in-canal (IIC). Each style has its unique attributes, advantages, and disadvantages. Ensure to go for the one that best meets your personal preferences.
• Take Your Budget into Consideration. Hearing aids can be quite expensive, so you should choose one that suits your budget without sacrificing quality and performance. Consider the overall value and quality of the hearing aid, as well as any additional expenses like repairs, accessories, and maintenance.
• Take Advantage of Free Trials. Most reputable hearing aid companies offer free trials or trial loaners before purchasing. Take advantage of these free trials, and wear the hearing aid in different environments to determine if it suits you.
• Comfort. Comfort is crucial when selecting a hearing aid. It must fit well in your ear and be comfortable enough to wear longer. You don’t want to end up with a state-of-the-art hearing aid that is uncomfortable to wear.

Overall, selecting the right hearing aid product should not be taken lightly. With numerous options available, it’s essential to research and consult a professional before buying. They have the education and training to evaluate your hearing and recommend the most suitable device. Contact your practitioner to learn more about audiological evaluation.