Hearing aids come in a number of different styles, and depending on factors like degree of hearing loss, the size and shape of your ears, and personal preferences, the perfect one is out there for you.
Hearing Aid Styles
You might be surprised to learn that there are five different types of hearing aids available to those with hearing loss. One style does not always fit all, so having a choice and knowing a little bit about each type may help you decide which would work best for you. The five different styles of hearing aids include: behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), and CROS/BiCROS.
- Behind-the-ear: BTE hearing aids are the most common type of hearing aid used worldwide. This type of hearing aid is useful for all ranges of hearing loss. The body of a BTE hearing aid fits nicely behind your ear and attaches to a thin tubing or mold that fits into the ear canal. The hearing aid is easy to hold and put in place and battery and rechargeable options are available.
- In-the-ear: There are two variations when it comes to in-the-ear hearing aids, those that fill the entire ear and those that fill a portion of the bowl of the ear. This type of hearing aid is suggested for those with moderate to severe hearing loss. ITE hearing aids are customizable and easy to handle. They actually resemble a bluetooth ear piece, so many people appreciate that they do not look like a typical hearing aid.
- In-the-canal: ITC hearing aids fit more deeply into the ear canal than BTE hearing aids making them less visible. There are even completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids which are smaller and fit even more deeply into the ear canal. Because of the small size of this type of hearing aid, it is not a good fit for those with finger dexterity issues.
- Receiver-in-the-ear: RITE hearing aids are most similar to BTE hearing aids. The body of a RITE hearing aid sits behind the ear and a thin wire extends from the body into the ear canal. The speaker of the RITE hearing aid sits inside of the ear canal at the end of the wire, while the speaker of a BTE hearing aid is encased, with the rest of the components of the hearing aid, behind the ear. RITE hearing aids are appropriate for those with mild to severe hearing loss.
- CROS/BiCROS: This type of hearing aid is different from the other types in that it is recommended for people with normal hearing in one ear and very little or no hearing in the other ear. A hearing aid is worn on the ear with better hearing, while a microphone is worn on the ear that cannot hear. This allows sounds on the poorer hearing side to still be heard by the better hearing ear. CROS stands for “Contralateral Routing Of Signals”, while BiCROS refers to “Bilateral Contralateral Routing Of Signals”.
The options and available features of each hearing aid will differ from style to style. When you’re considering a hearing aid, it is important to think about your lifestyle and expectations for the hearing aid. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, someone who likes to stay home and read, or a person who enjoys a great rock concert, there is a hearing aid for you!
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
As mentioned, your lifestyle will dictate which type of hearing aid you choose to purchase to a degree. Other factors to consider include the severity of your hearing loss, the look of the hearing aid and how visible it is, the ease of changing batteries or recharging the hearing aid, as well as the ease of cleaning and adjusting the hearing aid. All of these factors should be talked through with a hearing care professional, like an audiologist.
An audiologist can determine based on all of the factors above which type of hearing aid will work best for you. They will conduct a comprehensive hearing test, assess any challenges you may have with using hearing aids, and suggest options that fit your lifestyle and budget. An audiologist, like those at Hearing Solution Centers, is the best person to assist with all of your hearing aid needs.
Have questions about which type of hearing aid is best for you? Reach out to Hearing Solution Centers today to schedule an appointment!