Styles of Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids are miniature computers that utilize sophisticated technology. Hearing aids have an interesting history that started with the hand cupped around the ear and has lead to today’s hearing aids that are almost invisible. No matter whether you wear one hearing aid or two, all hearing aids fall into three basic styles.

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

These hearing aids have a portion that hooks over the top of the ear and another that rests behind the ear. A tube connects the hearing aid to a custom earpiece called an earmold that fits in your ear canal. When fitted for this style of hearing aid, the audiologist will make a mold of your outer ear for a perfect fit. This style of hearing aid is for people of all ages and all levels of hearing loss, even the most severe.

Pros

• Can generally provide more amplification than other styles
• Best for children, as only the earmold needs to be replaced as child grows

Cons

• Can pick up wind noise easily
• Largest and most visible hearing aid style

In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

The in-the-ear hearing aids style fits completely inside the outer ear. This style is appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss. The case holding the electronic components is made of a hard plastic and is fitted to your ear.

Pros

• Larger size accommodates features like telecoil, directional microphones, and volume control
• Easy to put in and take out

Cons

• Not for children, would need replacement as child grows
• Can be damaged by ear wax buildup and moisture

In-the-Canal Hearing Aids

As their name implies, these hearing aids fit in the ear canal. There are styles that are completely in the canal (CIC) and in the canal (ITC). Either style can be used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Pros

• Low visibility
• Not susceptible to wind noise

Cons

• Small size limits their power and ability to amplify
• Short battery life

Best Style of Hearing Aid

The best style of hearing aid depends on the person, their level of hearing loss, and their lifestyle. Your audiologist will work closely with you to determine the best style of hearing aid for you. Some factors to be considered:

Your manual dexterity – can you handle small batteries or controls easily?

Your vision – can you see small controls or devices clearly?

Your activities – do you play sports or musical instruments?

Your listening environments – do you work in a noisy setting or frequently use the phone?

In addition to the level and type of hearing loss, these are all factors to be considered when selecting a hearing aid. No matter the style or brand, trust your provider to show you how to use and care for your hearing aids . In addition, they will give you advice on adjusting to your new hearing aids .