Types of Hearing Aids

The hearing aid market is rich with options, offering designs and features to meet every type of hearing need, lifestyle and budget. Smaller styles are designed to fit deep within the ear canal, making them nearly invisible, while other options include features that capitalize on Bluetooth® technology. Now more than ever before, there are a wide variety of choices for individuals who could benefit from hearing aids and our professionals are experts at educating you on the options that would best meet your specific needs.

Hearing Aid Styles

Today, there are more hearing aid models available than ever before. This wide range of options falls into two types of styles: Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-the-ear (ITE). Below is an overview of these styles. In the end, the best hearing aid for you will address your unique hearing ability, lifestyle and budget

Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids sit behind or on top of the outer ear with a tube that connects to an ear tip or mold inside of the ear canal. BTE’s offer the widest range of features, colors, sizes, battery types and degrees of power. Today, they’re offered in small, discreet designs that are often unnoticeable when worn. There are a variety of BTE styles available including:

Mini BTE

Mini BTEs are the smallest of the BTEs and equipped with a soft tip at the end of the tubing to enable airflow and sound to enter the ear canal along with the amplified sounds, creating a more natural experience.

Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-canal (RIC):

RITE hearing aids are designed with the speaker built into the ear tip instead of the main body of the hearing aid. They are often similar in size to the Mini BTEs and are also relatively unnoticeable when worn. Mini RITE’s are also available.

BTE with Earmold:

BTEs with Earmolds are designed with a custom earmold at the tip of the discrete tubing directing sound into the ear canal. These have a longer shape that follows the contour of the outer ear and enables them to house more features and power.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE hearing aids are worn in the ear instead of resting behind it and are custom-fit based on an impression of the ear. There are a variety of ITE styles available including:

Invisible In-the-Canal (IIC)

IIC instruments are the smallest custom hearing aids available. They sit deep within the canal and are nearly invisible to the naked eye.

Completely In-the-Canal (CIC)

CIC instruments fit into the ear canal, but not as deeply as the IIC models. Slightly larger than the IIC, they are still relatively hard to see.

In-the-Canal (ITC) or Half Shell

ITC instruments sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl. Since they are slightly larger than the CIC, they are able to hold additional features, including a larger battery, directional microphones and volume controls.

In-the-Ear (ITE) or Full Shell

ITE instruments fill the entire outer ear bowl. Their larger size allows for more features and functions, including a larger battery, directional microphones, volume controls and larger receivers for more severe hearing losses.

Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth Hearing Aids, Smartphone Apps and More

Hearing aids have come a long way since your grandparents wore them and today’s models are packed full of advanced features that make wearing them a breeze. Whether you enjoy listening to music or watching your favorite television program, hearing aids have the option of connecting to other devices via Bluetooth. Now the same small devices that help you hear better can enhance your day to day life like never before!

If using Bluetooth technology sounds intimidating don’t worry, as today’s hearing aids are designed to be easy to use. In most cases, simply install an app on your smartphone and begin controlling the volume and settings of your hearing aids with the touch of a screen. Our listening environments are never static, so as the sounds around you change, your hearing aid needs to follow suit. By integrating advanced technology into each device we sell, your hearing aid can now actively adapt to your environment to create the most pleasing listening experience possible.

Communicating with others just got a lot easier with your new devices, as you can connect your telephone directly to your hearing aid without any wires or cords. Streaming audio to your hearing aids eliminates the potential for feedback or missing out on what others are saying. If you enjoy podcasts or audiobooks, your advanced hearing aids have just opened up a new level of enjoyment for these and other activities.

Remember, hearing aids are designed to be user friendly and you have the entire team at Hearing Solutions of North Georgia supporting you every step of the way. Contact our office to learn more about the variety of hearing aids we have to offer and how we can assist you in meeting all of your hearing needs.

Which Hearing Aid is Right for You?

The world of hearing care can seem intimidating if you have just discovered that you have a hearing loss, but at Hearing Solutions of North Georgia it’s our goal to be your partner on the path to success. We take a customized approach to every patient’s hearing ability and our recommendations are based upon your type of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your budget. With over years of experience helping patients to choose the treatment plan that meets their needs, we’re committed to making hearing healthcare easy.

Finding the right hearing aid for your needs starts with a comprehensive hearing evaluation that allows us to determine the most appropriate solution for you. Our team is here to help you on the path to healthy hearing.

Crisp and clear hearing is only a phone call away.

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