Types of Hearing Aids
The idea of big, beige hearing aids is a thing of the past, as hearing aid manufacturers now create sleek designs that allow you to restore your hearing ability discreetly. If you find that you are in need of a hearing aid, you’ll be pleased to discover that a wide range of styles and features are available, and there is an option for you no matter what your lifestyle, budget, or hearing loss entails. The team at The Hearing Care Professionals is well-versed in helping patients select the specific device that’s just right for your needs.
Hearing Aid Styles
The hearing aid industry offers patients more options than ever before, yet all devices find themselves in one of two categories: Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-the-ear (ITE). Keep reading to learn about these styles and discover which design might work best for you.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Sitting behind or on top of the outer ear, a BTE design utilizes a tube that connects to an ear mold or tip inside of your ear canal. With the widest selection of colors, sizes, features, degrees of power, and battery types, BTE’s are so small that they are often unnoticeable to others. Some of the various BTE styles include:
● Mini BTE:
The smallest BTE option on the market, a Mini BTE creates a natural hearing experience through a soft tip at the end of its tubing. This encourages airflow and sound to enter into the ear along with amplified sounds.
● Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-canal (RIC):
A speaker built into the ear tip instead of the body of the device is what makes RITE hearing aids different. Their size is similar to that of a Mini BTE and they are nearly invisible to others. Mini RITE’s are also an option.
● BTE with Earmold:
Patients can enjoy more features and a longer battery life with a BTE with Earmold. It uses a custom-shaped earmold at the tip of its tubing, directing sound straight to the ear canal. These devices are slightly larger and use a shape that follows the contour of your ear.
In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
Instead of resting behind the ear, ITE hearing aids sit inside of the ear using an impression for a custom fit. We offer many types of ITE styles including:
● Invisible in-the-canal (IIC):
Sitting deep within the ear canal, IIC devices are the smallest hearing aids on the market and are nearly invisible to the naked eye.
● Completely in-the-canal (CIC):
These devices are slightly larger than the IIC, yet are still quite discreet. CIC hearing aids fit inside of your ear canal in a more shallow fashion than other styles.
● In-the-canal (ITC) or Half Shell:
Patients looking for features like volume control, directional microphones, and a larger battery will benefit from an ITC device. These typically sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl and are slightly larger than a CIC.
● In-the-ear (ITE) or Full Shell:
Best for individuals with more severe hearing loss, an ITE device fills the entire outer bowl of the ear. Patients can enjoy advanced features like volume controls and longer battery life due to their larger size.
Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth Hearing Aids, Smartphone Apps, and More
Today’s hearing aids offer more than just amplified sounds – they feature advanced digital options that allow you to connect via Bluetooth to your favorite electronic devices. Some hearing aids are designed specifically for your iPhone® while others feature adaptability for televisions, radios, and more. Now, hearing aids offer even more benefit to your daily life!
Part of what makes this wireless connectivity so incredible is the ease of use that comes along with your advanced hearing aid. In most cases, you can install an app onto your smartphone that allows you to adjust the volume or change the settings of your hearing aid. You can create a customized hearing experience depending on the environment you’re in, all with the discreet and simple action of touching the screen of your phone. Some hearing devices can even work to pick up the sounds around you and automatically adjust your settings based on your specific hearing needs.
Wireless features also work to improve your hearing ability and the ease in which you can communicate with others. Many hearing aids can link to your phone via Bluetooth technology to provide clear and crisp conversations. By streaming directly to your aids, you remove the possibility of feedback or asking people to repeat themselves. Other audio activities like enjoying podcasts, audiobooks, listening to music, and more can also stream directly to your devices, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hobbies once again. Try using your hearing aids as a high-definition headset as well for an unparalleled listening experience.
You’ll be pleased to know that these wireless features are very user-friendly and can enhance your daily life with minimal effort on your part. If you think an advanced hearing device might meet your needs, be sure to discuss your options with our team.
Which Hearing Aid is Right for You?
The hearing aid industry is always evolving, and it may seem that there are an overwhelming amount of options before you. A variety of factors will determine which device will best meet your needs, including your specific type of hearing loss, your budget, and your lifestyle. The team at The Hearing Care Professionals has 30 years of experience helping patients to choose the best device for them and we’re committed to making the process easy and straightforward.
The first step to finding the right hearing aids for you comes with a hearing evaluation, allowing us to determine exactly which features will work the best for you. It’s our goal to reconnect you with the world again and provide clear hearing day in and day out.
Discover which hearing aid is best for your needs.
The Hearing Care Professionals provides patients with a range of services, and you don’t need to have hearing loss in order for us to help.
Quick Links
Contact Info
- 7620 Southern Blvd. Boardman, Ohio 44512
- (330) 623-6142
- (330) 629-2140
Hours Of Operation
Mon – Fri : 8:30 am to 4:30 pm