Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids are available in many shapes and styles. Each style possesses unique characteristics that make them most effective for specific types of hearing loss. The style of aid can affect the amount of volume it is capable of and how visible it will be to others. The style also may affect how comfortable it is to wear or even influence the sound quality for the listener. Hearing aids are available in a wide array of technologies to meet your individual lifestyle, listening needs and most importantly your budget. We can assist you in choosing the best aid for your hearing loss and your lifestyle.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The BTE places the sound processor, speakers and microphones behind the ear. It is often designed for more severe hearing impairments or when the hearing loss changes significantly from one pitch to the next. They can be the most powerful style of aid and the advances in technology mean they are smaller and have all the latest technology so that people with severe hearing loss don’t have to compromise on features anymore.
Open Fit
Open fit hearing aids are designed to be small, discreet and keep the ear canal unobstructed. They are appropriate for a wide variety of hearing loss and have become one of the most popular hearing aid styles due to their small size and comfort. The other big advantage of this style is that by keeping the ear canal open the remaining natural hearing is preserved and reduces the feeling of being plugged. This results in better sound quality and the most natural listening experience.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
This style offers good concealment with the addition of advanced features such as directional microphones and wireless capabilities. They fit primarily into the ear canal so they are not easily seen in the ear and are still appropriate for a broad range of hearing loss.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
This style is custom made to fit mainly into the bowl of the ear. Their size allows them to be fit using powerful amplifiers for more significant hearing loss. They are comfortable, easy to insert in the ear, and can be made using all of the latest technology and features in order to provide excellent hearing benefits.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
This style offers the ultimate in concealment by fitting deeply into the ear canal. Placing the instrument closer to the eardrum means less amplification is needed. They are custom made for each patient and are appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss. Not all options are available on CIC style aids.
Lyric Extended Wear
Lyric is the world’s first invisible extended-wear hearing device. There are no batteries to change, no maintenance is needed and no daily insertion or removal is required. It’s unique design and placement works with your ear’s anatomy to deliver exceptional sound quality in quiet and noisy environments. Unline many hearing aids, Lyric can be used during almost all your daily activities, such as exercising, showering, talking on the phone and sleeping.
The type of aid you choose is a very important part of finding a solution that meets your needs.
(Pictures courtesy of Phonak)