Choosing the best hearing aid to match your hearing diagnosis and personal style can be challenging. This post makes it easier for you with this overview of how to get the right fit and design for your unique situation.
We’ll look at the different types of hearing aids, as well as the different styles, to help you make a more informed decision about your hearing health.
What factors influence the hearing aid style you choose?
To select the best assistive hearing device for you, there are a number of things that can influence your decision.
After a hearing evaluation from a hearing specialist, you will know the type of hearing loss you have, which will play a significant role in which hearing aid suits you best. So, too, does the degree of hearing loss – from mild to profound – and the shape and size of your ear.
The level of activity in your lifestyle is also a factor, as well as your preference regarding the visibility of hearing aids.
Other things to consider include how easy it would be to handle the small controls on the hearing aid, as with some in-ear hearing aids.
With these points in mind, it’s time to decide which styles might work for you.
Questions to ask yourself
Before deciding, consider what you want from your hearing aid.
- Do you want your hearing aid to be visible or not?
- How versatile do I want my hearing aid to be, especially if I have dexterity issues?
- What level of technology would I like from my hearing aid?
With these answers, you are able to choose from a range of hearing aids for your unique circumstances.
Hearing aid styles
There are two main categories of hearing aid styles: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Both offer different features in their ranges, with pros and cons to each style. Let’s take a look.
Behind-the-ear
Behind-The-ear (BTE) is the most common hearing device, and can work for mild to profound hearing loss, making it versatile and generally cheaper. Bluetooth is included in this device, and other hearing aid technology includes telecoils and directional microphones.
A good choice if you want:
- a versatile and easy-to-manage device
- a more affordable option
- additional tech.
Mini-Behind-The-Ear (Mini BTE) is the smaller version; however, it is still visible. It has some of the same technology as the BTE, including directional microphones. These devices are better suited for individuals with moderate hearing loss.
A good choice if you want:
- a device that is easy to clean
- good technology, but don’t want the hearing aid to be too visible
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) is another popular style among hearing aid users, as it offers a discreet design. While the main body of the RIC is placed behind the ear, the receiver sits in the ear canal.
A good choice if you want:
- a discreet hearing aid
- a device that is manageable and easy to keep clean.
In-The-Ear
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made for sitting inside your ear. They are also more visible, but the larger size does make it easier to handle. ITE hearing devices are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
A good choice if you want:
- a minimalist design that isn’t very visible
- an accessible hearing aid that is relatively low on maintenance.
In-the-canal (ITC) assistive hearing devices are also designed to fit inside the ear. The more discreet design, however, does mean that the ITC is further inside your ear. This increases the risk of wax buildup and moisture damage. Generally, the ITC is recommended for mild to mildly severe users.
A good choice if you want:
- longer battery life
- a hearing aid that is well hidden.
Completely-in-canal (CIC) aids are for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The custom-made hearing aid offers higher sound clarity while minimizing feedback. As the name suggests, the CIC is placed inside the ear canal, making it mostly invisible.
A good choice if you want:
- an almost unseen device
- good sound quality.
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) devices are completely hidden when in use. Owing to its small size, it can be hard to clean if dexterity is a challenge. The custom-fit IIC works well for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
A good choice if you want:
- a completely invisible device
- excellent sound quality with little to no feedback.
Lyric devices are one of the more modern hearing aid models on the market, with advanced features to provide a pleasant sound experience. It is inserted deep inside the ear canal, which means it can be worn for weeks at a time without the need to remove it. The Lyric has a yearly subscription, and must be inserted by a licensed professional.
A good choice if you want:
- A device that does not require cleaning or charging daily
What about single-sided deafness?
A recent study found that more than 340, 000 people in the States face single-sided deafness. There are various assistive hearing options for those with SSID:
Contralateral Routing of Sound (CROS) and Bi-Contralateral Routing of Sound (BiCROS) hearing aids use advanced technology to move sound waves from both ears and feed them into the better-hearing ear. If the hearing abilities of this ear decrease, the CROS and BiCROS can function simultaneously as a hearing aid.
The surgically implanted Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) works in a similar way through the use of a titanium screw, which is placed inside the cranium and works with an external transmitter.
Get the best hearing aid for you
At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, we are ready to help you make the best decision about which hearing aid to use.
A hearing evaluation from one of our hearing care professionals will help you know and understand the level of your hearing loss, which will then inform the type of hearing aid you choose.
Contact us today to get professional advice on your hearing health.
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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