What are the different types of hearing aids?

Whether you have been newly diagnosed with hearing loss or have a long-standing history of using hearing aids, buying a new hearing aid can be a daunting endeavor. Given the myriad of hearing aid types available in the market, you can easily be confused over what type of hearing aid would suit their lifestyle the best. You are likely to have concerns regarding the fit or look of the hearing aid, and whether it is right for your specific hearing loss condition.

Although there are just two basic types- in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, various versions of these devices are available in the market, which differ based on the degree of hearing loss and a person’s lifestyle choices.

• ITE Hearing Aid: Ann ITE is fitted inside a person’s ear canal. Due to this reason, they are required to be custom-designed for one’s ear anatomy. Different components of the hearing aid are usually placed inside a shell, fitted into the ear’s outer part. ITEs generally consist of additional features, such as telecoils and directionality components. They are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss cases. Common variants of ITE hearing aids include Invisible in the Canal (IIC), Completely in the Canal (CIC), In the Canal (ITC), and Low-profile.

• Invisible in the canal (IICs): IICs have negligible visibility as these devices are placed deep inside the ear canal. They are usually prescribed to patients having extreme privacy concerns. IICs are the smallest available type of hearing aid and are therefore very comfortable and discreet. Further, their placement inside the ear offers advantages related to the natural acoustics of one’s ear.

On the other hand, such kind of hearing aids are extremely prone to damage induced by earwax. In addition, patient with dexterity issues are usually advised against using IICs for their hearing loss. IICs are prescribed to patients with mild to moderately severe hearing loss, and people with wide ear canals.

• Completely in the canal (CICs): CICs are almost similar to IICs, however, are more visible and more resistant to wind noise. They are not placed as deeply inside the ear canal because of their slightly bigger size than IICs. Similar to IICs, these devices do not generally possess many features due to size constraints.

• In the canal (ITCs): Such type of hearing aid is placed on the lower side of the outer ear, and is partially fitted inside the ear canal. As compared to IICs and CICs, they are bigger and more comfortable to use. In addition, their bigger size can accommodate several additional features. They also tend to have significantly longer battery life and are useful across a wide range of hearing losses. On the downside, ITCs are prone to moisture-induced damage, as well as can cause a sensation of plugging in the ear.

• Low-profile: Such types of hearing aids are available as half-shell (filling only half of the ear bowl) and full-shell (filling the whole ear bowl) variants. These devices are similar to ITCs but are larger and can accommodate additional features, such as directional microphones and manual controls. On the other hand, they are less discreet, and can also cause occlusion.

• BTE Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are placed behind or on top of the outer part of the ear. The components are enclosed inside a casing, which is placed behind one’s ear. A BTE hearing aid consists of a clear plastic tube responsible for directing the amplified sound into the earmold placed inside the ear canal. BTEs are one of the most popular hearing aids and are usually large. They are appropriate for patients having moderate to severe hearing loss. Nowadays, BTEs come in a variety of styles, accommodating everyone’s personal preferences. Different types of BTE devices include a Receiver in the ear (RITE) and behind the ear with an earmold.

• Behind the Ear with Earmold: BTE devices with earmolds can be used by patients with any degree of hearing loss. The majority of the components are enclosed within a tiny plastic case, that is placed behind or on top of the ear. As it is bigger, it can accommodate several features, including long-lasting batteries and other control options. Because of its significant flexibility, a BTE is suitable for people of any age group, especially children who need to replace their hearing aids as they grow old. Further, BTEs are sturdy and are easy to clean and handle. The only disadvantage associated with BTEs is that they are not at all concealed and can significantly cause discomfort to people who wear glasses. 

• Receiver in the ear (RITE): RITEs are open-fit devices, which are usually available in rechargeable models; this implies that you don’t need disposable batteries for these devices. A RITE’s components are enclosed in a small case, which is fitted behind or on top of the ear. They come with an easy-to-replace speaker, which is located in the ear dome. This makes it susceptible to earwax and moisture damage. In a RITE, the sound transmits electronically from the case to a tiny speaker placed in the ear canal. This feature renders it more flexible and efficient than other BTE devices. RITEs are suitable for patients having mild to severe hearing loss. They are available in a variety of styles to suit patients’ skin tones and other preferences. 

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid 

In addition to the degree and type of hearing loss, various factors come into play while deciding on a suitable hearing aid. For instance, are you a sportsperson or someone who spends most of the time indoors? Do you want to conceal your hearing aids or is it okay to show them off? 

Knowing the various pros and cons associated with different types of hearing aids can empower you to make the best purchase. Although a hearing care specialist would be able to guide you through the selection process, it’s good to be aware of all the choices available in the market.