Choosing the Right Hearing Aid: A Guide to the Different Styles

Hearing aids come in many shapes and sizes, designed to suit the unique needs of individuals experiencing hearing loss. Whether you prioritize comfort, functionality, or discreetness, there’s an option for everyone. With advancements in digital hearing aids and cutting-edge technology, these devices can enhance your lifestyle while addressing your specific hearing challenges. Let’s dive into the most popular types of hearing aids and how they cater to various lifestyles and levels of hearing loss.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Versatility and Power

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are a classic choice and remain a favorite for many. These devices rest comfortably behind the ear, with a slim tube connecting the main component to a custom-fitted earmold or earpiece inside the ear canal. They’re known for their durability and ability to accommodate various features, such as volume controls and, in some models, Bluetooth connectivity. While they are slightly more visible than other styles, their performance and versatility often outweigh any cosmetic concerns. BTE models work well for individuals with mild to profound hearing loss and are suitable for all age groups.

We recommend this BTE hearing aid!

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): A Balance of Form and Function

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are a modern favorite, combining a sleek design with superior sound quality. Unlike BTE models, RIC devices place the speaker directly in the ear canal, connected by a thin wire to the part that rests behind the ear. This design reduces the "plugged" feeling some users experience and offers a more natural sound. Perfect for mild to severe hearing loss, RIC hearing aids strike an ideal balance between aesthetics and performance.

In-the-Ear (ITE): Convenience and Customization

If you prefer something less noticeable than a BTE model, an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid might be the right fit. These devices are custom-molded to sit in the outer portion of the ear, offering easy handling and a variety of features like directional microphones. ITE hearing aids are available in half-shell or full-shell designs, depending on how much of the ear they cover.

While they are often chosen for their discreet appearance, they typically don’t provide the same sound quality as BTE or RIC models. Additionally, because they fill the entire ear canal, they can increase the occlusion effect—a sensation similar to plugging your ears with your fingers. This can feel unusual at first, but most users adjust to it over time.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC): A Discreet Solution

For those who value discretion above all, completely-in-canal hearing aids offer an excellent solution. These tiny devices are custom-made to fit entirely inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible to others. Unlike in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, CIC models are much smaller and fit deeper in the ear canal, offering even greater concealment. However, their minimalist design comes with trade-offs: shorter battery life, fewer advanced features, and sound quality that may not match the performance of larger models like BTE or RIC. Similar to in-the-ear aids, they can increase the occlusion effect, creating a sensation similar to plugging your ears. Again this can take some getting used to, most users adjust over time.

Extended-Wear Hearing Aids: Set It and Forget It

Imagine a hearing aid you don’t need to remove daily—this is the promise of extended-wear devices like the Lyric. Placed deep in the ear canal by a professional, these hearing aids can be worn continuously for weeks, even while sleeping or showering. However, they are not without downsides. Extended-wear devices are typically more expensive than other hearing aids, require professional placement and replacement, and are not suitable for all ear anatomies. Additionally, they can sometimes cause discomfort or irritation, particularly for first-time users. They’re ideal for those who value convenience and don’t want to think about their hearing aid throughout the day, but they may not be the best choice for everyone.

Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA): A Surgical Solution

Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) take a different approach by transmitting sound through bone conduction rather than air conduction. These devices are surgically implanted and are primarily used by individuals with conductive hearing loss, which occurs when sound cannot travel effectively through the outer or middle ear. They are also an excellent option for people with single-sided deafness who need sound transferred from the impaired ear to the functioning ear. While they require surgery, bone-anchored hearing aids can offer life-changing benefits for those with these specific conditions, particularly when traditional hearing aids are not effective or comfortable.

Finding the Perfect Fit

Choosing the right hearing aid is a deeply personal decision. Whether you need the power and versatility of a BTE device, the discretion of a CIC model, or the long-term convenience of an extended-wear solution, there’s a hearing aid to match your needs. Consulting a hearing instrument specialist is the best way to explore your options and find the best hearing aids for your lifestyle.

Have Questions?

If hearing loss is affecting your daily life, there’s no better time than now. Take a free online hearing test today and take the first step toward better hearing. Discover a solution that brings back the sounds you’ve been missing.