What are the 5 Different Kinds of Hearing Aids?
There are five different designs of hearing aids available. The most suitable hearing aid for you will depend on factors like severity of hearing loss, whether it’s in high or low tones, what feels comfortable for you, and if you have any precise needs like difficulty with handling small objects due to restricted dexterity.
1# Behind The Ear – BTE
Behind-the-ear or also referred as BTE hearing aids fit securely behind the ear and have a small plastic case holding all the important components. This case connects to your ear mold or dome via a stretchy tube.
BTE hearing aids are popular among children because they can fit different earmold types and works well for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They’re also durable, easy to manage, and simple to clean. Overall, these hearing aids are a common and versatile choice.
2# Receiver In Canal – RIC
Receiver-in-canal, these hearing aids have a unique design. They feature a small receiver that goes directly into the ear canal and a shell that goes behind the ear. These aids are connected by a thin wire, with the body of the hearing aid set behind the ear and the receiver snugly placed in the canal.
These hearing aids are great for all types of hearing loss, whether it is for someone with a minor hearing loss or intense loss. They’re a top choice for those who prefer a sleek and discreet device packed with advanced features.
Additionally, RIC hearing aids are widely used and popular among users.
3# In The Ear – ITE
In-the-ear hearing aids rest snugly inside the ear’s bowl and are a good choice if you prefer a comparatively smaller device. However, since they fill the ear’s bowl, they can be more noticeable compared to behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) styles.
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, particularly those from over-the-counter (OTC) brands, may not always offer features like telecoil, rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming, etc. These aids are suitable for people with mild or also severe hearing damage. Custom-fit ITE aids, such as the Oticon Own, entail an ear-mold impression for a personalized fit.
4# Completely In Canal – CIC
Completely-in-canal hearing aids are very discreet compared to in-the-ear options. These tiny devices fit completely inside your ear canal, justifying their name. They’re custom-made to match your ear canal’s size as well as shape, giving them a subtle appearance. Some CIC models like Eargo, Signia, Oticon, etc are incredibly small, making them almost invisible to the people around you, when worn correctly.
CIC hearing aids are usually recommended for people with mild or also moderate hearing impairment. However, certain custom-made CIC devices can also effectively treat other more critical hearing loss conditions.
5# Invisible In Canal – IIC
Invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids are the tiniest and rest deep inside the ear canal, making them entirely invisible to everybody, even the wearer. Because of their small size and placement, they may need professional insertion. For instance, the Phonak Lyric is a special IIC device which has to be inserted deep into the ear by a hearing specialist. It’s designed to be worn for weeks and later replaced at regular intervals during clinic visits.
While invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids may not suit everyone, experts suggest they can be an excellent option for individuals dealing with dementia or similar health issues. These aids can reduce the risk of misplacing the device or accidentally altering the settings, providing a more secure and convenient solution.
Hearing Aids Benefits
Wearing hearing aids not only helps cure hearing loss nonetheless also benefits your overall health, both physically and mentally. Correct use of these hearing aids can prevent various long-standing health issues such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, dementia, brain atrophy, social isolation, and also various fall-related wounds. So, when you correctly wear these devices on a regular basis, you may notice the following benefits:
- Higher level of freedom
- Better communication with family and friends
- More fun in gatherings and restaurants
- Introduction to new sounds
- Reduced chances of falling
Do hearing aids last for a long time?
Typically, hearing aids can last around 5 years with proper care and maintenance, according to advice from experts we’ve consulted. Regular cleaning and following guidelines like replacing wax guards as well as tubing as suggested by your hearing aid manufacturer or specialist can significantly prolong the lifespan of your hearing aids.
