A Guide to Hearing Aid Styles

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A Guide to Hearing Aid Styles

By now, you have arrived near the end of your journey toward better hearing. You’ve made an appointment for a hearing test, worked closely with your hearing specialist to answer questions about your hearing loss, and given them the information they need to guide you along the way.

You’re now at the final stages of finding a hearing solution that’s right for you. With your budget and hearing needs in mind, your hearing specialist has chosen a few hearing aid manufacturers and models based on your type of hearing loss, severity and lifestyle.

But a hearing aid manufacturer and model is only part of what makes that hearing solution right for you. When your hearing specialist recommends a hearing aid manufacturer and model, they have chosen the technology that fits you best – or, simply put, the “computer” inside the hearing aid. The next step is to decide which wearing style is best for you – and that’s a decision that you get to make!

Most hearing aid “computers” are available in plenty of wearing styles, so that you can customize your aid to fit your lifestyle and needs. Although not every model and manufacturer is available in all of these styles, these are the common wearing styles you might choose from.


Invisible In-the-Canal (IIC)

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Invisible-in-the-canal styles have become more popular in the last decade, as younger hearing aid wearers have opted for more discreet designs. IIC hearing aids sit deep within your ear canal and make it difficult for anyone to know that you are even wearing a hearing aid.

They are also perfect for active wearers and have improved telephone performance over other styles. An impression of your ear is needed for these custom hearing aids styles.


Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

behind-the-ear-hearing-aids-tucson-150x150Although appearing to be a bit more cumbersome at first glance, Behind-the-ear aids make up for in versatility what they lack in invisibility. Designed to sit behind the ear – and connected to the ear canal with a tube and an earmold – BTE styles are usually designed to be super light and secure. Since the computers within them aren’t confined to the size of your ear canal, they sometimes boast more advanced technology and better ability to help with more severe hearing loss.

BTE styles are more open to the elements than other styles, so they often come with advanced water- and dust resistant features so they won’t slow you down. Many hearing professionals say that BTE devices are more reliable in the longterm. And with customization in mind, manufacturers of BTE styles usually have lots of optional attachments to make them even more versatile for athletes, active lifestyles and comfort.


Open Fitting (RITA) and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Aids

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Unlike standard BTE styles – which connect to the ear canal via a solid and larger tube – open fitting (otherwise known as RITA, or Receiver-In-The-Aid) connect with a thinner and more flexible tube. This makes them more comfortable for people who are sensitive to the feeling of the ear being plugged up. This more natural feel, combined with the more discreet look, makes these a popular choice for many hearing aids wearers.

Similar to the open (RITA) fitting style is the receiver-in-canal (RIC) aid, which appears identical but operates differently. Instead of the speaker being within the computer that sits behind the ear, receiver-in-canal aids have the receiver within the ear canal instead. This can change the way sound is perceived between aids, so ask your hearing specialist if this wearing style might be best for you. Many hearing specialists and hearing aid wearers report improved sound quality with RIC hearing aids. This is most likely a large reason for the surge in popularity of RIC devices in the last 5 years.


In-the-Ear (ITE)

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Sometimes referred to simply as ITE aids, In-the-ear aids are custom-made hearing devices that sit inside the ear and ear canal. Unlike canal aids, you can see a small part of an ITE aid outside of the ear. Although most of the aid is nestled snuggly in the ear canal, they are usually a bit bigger than canal aids and not entirely invisible.

To make a custom ITE, your hearing professional will need to take an impression of your ear. This impression allows the factory to build a model to fit your specific ear canal. To make them a bit more fashion friendly, most manufacturers design ITE aids in a variety of skin-toned colors to help them blend seamlessly into your ear. That way, they remain all but invisible and especially snug and comfortable in your ear.


In-the-Canal (ITC) Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

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Although not entirely invisible like IIC aids, in-the-canal styles are the most easily hidden out of hearing aid wear types. Also known as ITC and CIC styles, in-the-canal hearing aids are designed to be supremely incognito as well as comfortable.

Given their small size, ITC and CIC styles are usually best for mild to moderate hearing loss (after all, the computer must be small enough to rest snuggly within the ear). And since they are made to rest inside your uniquely shaped ear canal, they are usually custom-fit just for you – and very comfortable as a result! Just like ITEs, your hearing professional will also need to take an impression of your ear.


Just like every step along your hearing journey, you won’t be making the decision of wear style alone. Our licensed hearing aid specialists will give you the information you need to make a decision you can feel confident about. Call Lifestyle Hearing Solutions of Tucson and Oro Valley today at (520) 323-0099 to make an appointment, and get started on finding a hearing solution for yourself!

 

Lifestyle Hearing Solutions of Tucson, AZ
6425 E. Broadway
Tucson, Arizona 85710
(520) 323-0099
[email protected]

Lifestyle Hearing Solutions of Oro Valley
200 W Magee Suite 100
Oro Valley, AZ, 85704
(520) 323-0099