Choosing the right hearing aid from various hearing aids is not easy. Moreover, finding a hearing aid can take more of your time if you don’t even know its features. What’s the solution? Well, here we have categorized all types of hearing aids for you. With all the benefits, features, and proper product descriptions, we ensure that you will find the most suitable fit for your hearing needs.
Analog Hearing Aids Vs. Digital Hearing Aids
Analog hearing aids and digital hearing aids work differently. See why they are different and which one better:-
Digital ones are more widely used. Analog ones are less common now.
Analog hearing aids make all sounds louder without much customization.
Digital hearing aids are better because they process sound more precisely. They can adjust specific frequencies based on your needs, giving you a more personalized and natural listening experience. So, even though analog hearing aids are not used as much, digital ones have become the standard for better customization and improved hearing.
1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Components
BTE hearing aids consist of two main parts: a small plastic case that sits behind the ear and a custom earpiece or earmold that fits inside the ear canal.
Benefits
- These hearing aids are comfortable for all types of hearing loss.
- They are easy to handle and clean.
- The design allows for additional features like directional microphones and larger batteries.
How It Works
Sound is captured by a microphone in the hearing aid, processed in the device’s electronic circuitry, and then amplified before being delivered through the earmold into the ear canal.
2. In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
Components
ITE hearing aids do not fit inside the ear but on the very outer portion of the ear. The components, including the microphone, amplifier, and battery, are housed in a single shell.
Benefits
- These are less visible than BTEs.
- They are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Easy to handle and offers convenient features.
How It Works
The microphone picks up sound, the electronic circuit processes it, and the amplified sound is delivered directly into the ear canal through the device’s speaker.
3. Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
Components
CIC hearing aids are designed to fit entirely within the ear canal, making them nearly invisible. They include a tiny faceplate for easy removal.
Benefits
- Virtually invisible when worn.
- Reduces wind noise due to placement in the ear canal.
- Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
How It Works
The microphone, amplifier, and speaker are all housed within the small shell, capturing and delivering sound directly into the ear canal.
4. Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids
Components
IIC hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet type, fitting deep within the ear canal. They have an even smaller faceplate compared to CIC.
Benefits
- Virtually invisible to others.
- Reduces feedback and wind noise.
- Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
How It Works
Much similar to CIC, IIC devices have all components within a tiny shell, ensuring discreet amplification directly into the ear canal.
5. Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
Components
RIC hearing aids have a behind-the-ear component that houses the electronics and a small receiver (speaker) placed within the ear canal.
Benefits
- Open-fit design reduces the “plugged” feeling.
- Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Allows for natural sound quality.
How It Works
Sound is picked up by the microphone in the BTE component, processed electronically, and transmitted via a thin wire to the receiver in the ear canal, providing amplified sound.
Durability And Longevity Of Hearing Aids
When getting hearing aids, it’s important to check all the different types of hearing aids. You want ones that can handle everyday use. The best ones usually come with a warranty, which means the hearing aid company believes in their durability. A warranty is like a promise from the company to fix any problems for a certain time. Also, look for hearing aids that are tough against things like moisture, heat and sudden drops. Taking good care of them, following the instructions, and getting regular check-ups will help them last longer.
