Hearing aids have improved greatly with the advent of digital technology. If you’re picturing big and bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you’ll be pleased to learn today’s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide sound that is more natural. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding one that appeals to your lifestyle needs and cosmetic preferences should be easy.
Here are the types available:
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
An RIC hearing aid consists of a tiny housing containing all electronics except the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear. A thin tube connects the housing to the receiver, which is worn in the concha (bowl-shaped portion) of the ear.
It’s a small and discreet unit but powerful enough for treating mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The most popular style of hearing aid (about 60 percent of users choose this type), a BTE device is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The housing, which contains all the electronics, is encased in plastic and connects to the ear canal with a thin, clear tube or ear mold.
Though more visible than other styles, the BTE is simple to use, making it a popular choice for children. It’s powerful enough for all types of hearing loss.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
This hearing aid is placed in the ear canal and is the smallest available. It takes advantage of the ear’s natural ability to collect sound, and its discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others.
The trade-off is a shorter battery life, and it may prove difficult to adjust for those with poor manual dexterity. This is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
This style is also designed to fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as a CIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. It’s a little larger, making it easier to insert and remove and extending the battery life.
Best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear, and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust.
A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style.
MADE-FOR-iPHONE HEARING AIDS
Several manufacturers have designed hearing aids that can “pair” to your iPhone or Android device, allowing for wireless streaming of sound (phone calls, music, etc). Your phone can individualize your listening experience through the use of a downloadable app.
LYRIC
Lyric is an extended wear hearing device that is 100% invisible. It is placed in the ear canal by one of our audiologists and is worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for up to 3 months increments. This unique hearing aid is dispensed as a one-year subscription, allowing patients to annually assess best hearing aid solutions.
EARLENS
This revolutionary hearing aid is driven by light (laser) rather than the conventional acoustic signal. No other hearing device can provide the expansive frequency response providing unparalleled sound quality and hearing performance. Our audiologists are the only private practice professionals trained and recognized to dispense this product.