One of the main reservations people have about wearing hearing aids is the fact that they don’t want to draw attention to themselves. However, with all the new advances in digital technology, hearing aids have never been more discreet. Hearing aids today range in different sizes and styles, and depending on your personal preference and degree of hearing loss, you can find hearing aids that are customized to fit your needs. If you’re wondering about which hearing aid is right for you, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the best fit.
Types of Hearing Aids
Different types of hearing aids are designed for different levels of hearing loss. The four main styles are Behind-The-Ear (BTE), In-The-Ear (ITE), In-The-Canal (ITC), and Completely In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aids.
- BTEs are the most common. Like the name implies, BTE hearing aids rest behind the ear. Since BTEs are a very sturdy and durable hearing aid, BTEs are usually recommended for children and people who have trouble with smaller hearing aids.
- ITEs fit in the outer part of your ear. This type of hearing aid is smaller than BTEs, but larger than ITCs. This type of hearing aid is customized to fit your ear and match your skin tone.
- ITCs are very discreet, as they actually fit either partially or fully into the ear canal. Because they are so small, the main complaint with these hearing aids is that they’re often hard to handle or adjust.
- CICs are even more discreet, and are rarely seen by others due to the fact that they are fitted deep inside the ear canal. In addition to being virtually invisible, they also reduce wind noise, and are ideal for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
If you’re interested in learning more about the different styles of types of hearing aids and how they may fit in with your lifestyle, there is a lot of extra information at Miracle-Ear.com – or stop by a store near you for a free hearing test.
Extra Features
With all the new and improved technology hearing aids have to offer, there are various extra features that you can choose from. Most of these will help you hear in specific situations, but some are optional to help improve communication.
- Directional microphones will reduce background noise while helping you hear people in front or beside you. This is great if you’re commonly in busy and noisy settings.
- Bluetooth technology in hearing aids is becoming more common, meaning you can answer your telephone, listen to music or the TV, and more with your hearing aid.
- Some hearing aids also offer remote controls, which allow you to wirelessly control the volume and other settings. This is perfect with invisible hearing aids because they are difficult to customize without a remote control.
Dexterity
Due to the smaller size of certain hearing aids, dexterity might be an issue for some. While there are small and invisible hearing aids, they might be unwieldy if you have a hard time using your fingers. If you think you may have a harder time adjusting a smaller hearing aid, then it might be a good idea to get a larger hearing aid that’s easy to install and adjust.
There are many hearing aids on the market, but you need to find the one that really works for you. Not only should it address your type of hearing loss, but it should have some extra features and a good design that fits your needs and preferences.
If you want a hearing aid with the most features, then a BTE is best. Most BTEs also offer the option of choosing rechargeable batteries. However, if you’re interested in a less noticeable and more concealed hearing aid, then ITEs or ITCs may be a better fit. These are smaller ones, and they typically have volume control, very long battery lives and they are easy to insert. Now that you have a better idea of the different types of hearing aids, check with your hearing care provider to see which hearing aid is best for you.
Kendra Bergstrom joined Amplifon in August 2013 and has been part of the hearing aid industry since 1998, where she worked as a hearing instrument dispenser. After leaving the clinic, Kendra spent 15 years providing technical support for a hearing aid manufacturer. Before coming to Amplifon, Kendra worked in a sales office supplying products to hearing care professionals. Her experience in each position has utilized her background and given her a broad range of experience from various perspectives within the hearing aid industry. Kendra is now committed to working for Amplifon as the Product Manager and tracking the ever-changing technology and trends that continuously improve communication for those with hearing loss.
