It’s no fun finding out that you need help hearing, whether your hearing loss is age-related or noise induced. But now that you know you need a hearing aid, we’re ready to help you find the one that will work best for you. The good news is that hearing aids in the 21st century are sleek and have some great features, like being able to connect to your mobile phone. And there are three different types of fit. Let’s take a look at that first:
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
This is the discreet modern version of the classic hearing aid that most people see in their minds when they think of hearing aids. The aid rests behind the ear with a thin plastic acoustical tube going from the aid into the ear to amplify sounds via an earmold fitted inside the canal. These aids come in a range of skin tones to make them even more discreet. They are great for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
This is a good aid for you if you are a first-time wearer. The speaker goes inside your ear, with thin wires in a plastic tube that is designed to reduce distortion.
In-The-Ear (ITE)
These aids are less noticeable as they fit inside the shell (outer) portion of your ear. These aids tend to work well for people with mildly severe to severe hearing loss. Once again, these aids are custom-made to fit your ear so that they give maximum coverage and are color-matched to your skin.
In-The-Canal (ITC)
These aids are great if your hearing is steadily getting worse, and is somewhere on the range from mild to mildly severe. They tuck into the ear canal and although they can be seen, the fact that they come in a shade to blend with your skin tone means they are very discreet and look like part of your ear. They are easy to put in and pull out.
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
These hearing aids are tucked into the ear canal too. They can be easily inserted and removed with a tiny ‘handle’, and it is this that can be seen by others, but only if they’re really looking hard. CIC hearing aids are also custom-made for each person, with a shade range to match your skin tone. These aids are great if you have mild to moderate hearing loss.
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)
These tiny hearing aids go right inside your ear canal. Each one is individually made, so it will fit your ear exactly. They go deep inside your ear, so no one will be able to see you are wearing a hearing aid. They also come in a range of colors.