What are the 3 Most Common Hearing Aid Styles?

You might have recently had an appointment with an audiologist and at this meeting, you may have been told that you need hearing aids. Hearing aids are the typical treatment option for those suffering from hearing loss or hearing difficulties regardless of their age. With hearing aids, you will be able to improve your quality of life, helping you hear again once more and allowing you to socialize effectively. You may not be aware of this but there are actually a variety of different types of hearing aids. These include, behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC). Let’s look at each of these options to discover which is the right possibility for you.

BTE

BTE hearing aids are the most common on the market today. As you may have noted by the name, BTE hearing aids actually fit behind your ear. The rest of the device is small and slots inside your inner ear. This part is used to transmit the sound through your ear canal. The two pieces are connected by a thin plastic tube. The device itself then hangs on the ear with a plastic or metal hook. In the past, these hearing aids were quite heavy and thus noticeable. Today, they can be remarkably light.

They are also the largest type of hearing aid and that means that they can include a stunning variety of tech. From Bluetooth to infrared, noise reduction and even memory options, BTE hearing aids pack a powerful punch. They are suited for any level of hearing loss, from mild to profound.

ITE

ITE hearing aids are also a popular option because they are subtler and lighter than the typical BTE options. ITE hearing aids are more beneficial for someone who has an active lifestyle. So, if you love your exercise this could be one of the best possibilities for you. They can still be used for mild-to-moderate hearing loss and may include some of the different features typically available from modern pieces of equipment.

ITE hearing aids are significantly smaller than BTEs but are often designed to be just as tough and durable.

ITC

ITC hearing aids are the most discrete devices you can purchase and are typically completely hidden. They are worn in the ear canal and offer a more natural listening experience than some of the other options because of their location in the canal.

They are suitable for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and despite their small size, can still be equipped with features that are the most important to you.