A Comprehensive Guide to Hearing Aid Styles

If you have noticed that you are experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, you might want to book a trip to the audiologist to see whether you need hearing aids. Your hearing is one of the most important senses that you have, and experiencing these symptoms can make your everyday life pretty difficult. There is an option that can help you, and that’s a hearing aid. An appointment with an audiologist should be your jumping off point, and they will be able to talk you through the range of options available to you for your hearing needs. Below, we’ve put together a short guide to the range of hearing aid styles out there that could benefit you. Let’s take a closer look – one of the hearing aid styles that you may be wearing could be on this list!

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

These are the hearing aids that are best for mild-to-profound hearing loss, and they are the most common style! They are the largest style around and they sit – as you guessed it – at the back of the ear with a microphone and slim tube inside the ear through an earmold. The customized earmold sits in the outer ear, with a casing worn behind the ear. These are typically the largest of the options, making them suitable for children and adults with dexterity issues.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

This is a style for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and is worn directly in the canal. This is a hearing aid that requires a custom fit so it isn’t one you should just go out and buy without a hearing test and a conversation with your audiologist. It’s one that will fit perfectly in the ear canal so that you don’t have to worry about it falling out. It’s perfect or those who want to conceal their hearing aids.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

For those with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss, ITE hearing aids are a great all-round option. In the ear hearing aids are always a customizable choice and you can choose a half shell or a full shell, and ITE hearing aids can be easier than most other styles. They come in skin and hair tones, allowing them to be as discreet as you prefer. Your audiologist will be able to walk you through the benefits of this style.

Considering hearing aid features

When selecting your preferred hearing aid style, it’s also important to think about the features you’ll need. Larger hearing aids, like BTE varieties, can typically be equipped with more features than the smaller options like canal-worn devices. Additionally, if you want more direct control of these features, you may prefer a BTE devices that is worn outside the ear and is easier to handle. Talk with your audiologist about any concerns you have regarding your device selection to ensure you find the technology that not only address your hearing loss, but fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.