You don’t have to settle or be limited to one style. There are various hearing aid styles for every type and degree of hearing loss. The choices vary depending on the types that they are built for, differentiating in build, comfort, function, feature, connectivity, design, price and the way they are placed in the ear. Some models peek out of the ear, some are positioned behind the ear, while some are practically invisible to the naked eye. The cost of a hearing aid will depend on its style, features, technology and design.

The trend for hearing aids is leaning more towards smaller hearing aids to meet the demand of consumers for discreet or invisible hearing aids. While this may be aesthetically pleasing, it’s worth noting that smaller hearing aids may not have the same power and features of their bigger counterparts. The hearing aid selection process can be quite overwhelming, that’s why we at Austin Hearing Aid Center are more than ready to assist you.

With the help of our audiologist, it will be easier for you to review and weigh the features that are most relevant to your specific hearing needs and lifestyle. Since hearing aids are expected to be worn for many hours in a day, we couldn’t emphasize enough the importance of finding a hearing aid that would best match your hearing needs and preference.

Make sure that the hearing aid is turned on

This is probably the most basic troubleshooting procedure. Some people who are not yet fully-familiar with the hearing aids they are using might forget to turn it on before use.

Invisible in canal (IIC)

IIC hearing aids are the smallest invisible hearing aids placed inside the ear. This style of hearing aids goes furthest down the ear canal which makes it well-hidden and almost impossible to be seen by others.

Completely in canal (CIC)

CICs are molded to fit inside the ear canal. It is ideal for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. This is the smallest and least visible type and is less likely to pick up wind noise. Since it is very tiny, it also has very small batteries, which have a shorter life span compared to bigger batteries. Additionally, it may also skip extra features like directional microphones or volume control.

In the ear (ITE)

In-the-ear hearing aids can be custom made in two styles – half shell or full shell. Both are ideal for adults with mild to severe hearing loss and are available with directional microphones for better hearing in noise. ITEs have features that don’t fit on smaller style hearing aids, such as volume control. Since these devices are larger, they are easier to handle and have larger batteries for longer battery life. Users can also opt for models with rechargeable batteries. ITE hearing aids may pick up more wind noise than smaller hearing aids and are more visible in the ear.

Behind the ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids are hooked over the top of the ear and rests behind the ear. A custom earpiece (ear mold) is fitted inside the ear canal and it is connected to the hearing aid by a tube. BTE hearing aids are versatile, appropriate for people of all ages and with almost any type and degree of hearing loss.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are the largest type of hearing aid, although newer designs are made to be barely visible. It comes with directional microphones and is capable of more amplification than any other hearing aid style. Depending on the brand, BTEs may be available with a rechargeable battery.

Receiver in canal (RIC)/Receiver in the ear (RITE)

In terms of its speaker or receiver, RIC and RITE hearing aid styles are similar to behind-the-ear hearing aids, as it sits behind the ear canal. However, instead of a tube, a tiny wire connects the piece behind the ear to the receiver or speaker. Compared to BTE hearing aids, RICs and RITEs have a less visible portion. These hearing aid models have directional microphones, manual control options and may be powered with rechargeable batteries.

Open-fit

Open-fit hearing aids is another variation of BTE hearing aids with thin tubing or RICs or RITEs with an open ear dome. This style makes the ear canal very open, allowing high-frequency sounds to be amplified through the hearing aid and low frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally. Open-fit hearing aids are a good choice for people with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss and better low-frequency hearing. Unlike in-the-ear hearing aid styles, open-fit hearing aids don’t plug the ears, making your own voice sound better without any distortion.