Different styles of hearing aids

There are many different types of hearing aids! The ones that work best for you will depend on many different factors. Here are just a few:

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

Behind-the-ear hearing aids function with the receiver, microphone and amplifier housed in a shell that sits behind the ear. A clear plastic tube connect the shell to a custom-made earmold that sits within the ear. With a larger shell that sits outside the ear, BTE’s are able to hold more circuitry than other types of hearing aids. BTE’s are very durable hearing aids, and can be fitted for a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to severe.

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

Similar to BTE hearing aids, RIC’s also have a shell that fits behind the ear – but they are also smaller and less visible to the naked eye. RIC’s have a transmission wire that connects the shell to the receiver, which is housed in a custom earmold or dome-shaped ear bud, allowing for better sound control than a BTE.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

In The Ear (ITE) are custom fit devices that fits into the ear. It can be further categorized into In-The-Canal (ITC), Completely-In-Canal (CIC) or Invisible In Canal (IIC).  These customized hearing aids are only suitable for wearers whom hearing loss is not too severe and may not be suitable for wearers with narrow ear canals.

6 Benefits of getting hearing aids

  1. They increase your safety: you not only become aware of hazards earlier, you also recognize where the danger is coming from more reliably.
  2. Whether it's the doorbell, telephone or loudspeaker announcements, you are much less likely to miss auditory cues and information.
  3. It makes things easier for those around you: you no longer have to ask anyone to repeat announcements or to speak more loudly.
  4. You stand out less: you no longer talk too loudly or turn the TV and radio volume up too high.
  5. You can avoid misunderstandings: in conversations you perceive not only words but also emphasis, nuances and volume, and therefore understand your conversation partner better.
  6. You are more successful: several studies have shown that even slight hearing problems reduce earnings potential.