4 FAQs About Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids are a common and effective treatment for hearing loss. They come in various styles but are made to custom fit the wearer. Hearing aids are very comfortable for this reason and you can choose the style that best suits you according to your unique needs and lifestyle. 

A hearing health professional will be able to help you select the right hearing aid. Many of the latest models also come with advanced features to enhance the quality of life of the wearer. Here are a few FAQs about hearing aid styles.

What Are the Most Common Styles of Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids can be worn inside or outside the ear and there are three main styles which each can have different variations:

• In the ear (ITE): In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are worn in the outer bowl and are custom fit. They sit within the outer bowl, so an impression is taken by a hearing health professional. The size and style can depend on and they can sit deep into the ear or nearer the outer ear. They are designed to match your skin tone, so they blend in subtlety.
• Behind the ear (BTE): Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids sit outside the ear canal. A small earpiece rests behind the top of the ear and a tiny tube directs sounds down into the ear canal. These are also designed to be subtle and comfortable and are available in different skin tones.
• In the canal (ITC): In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids sit in the ear canal. They’re slightly larger than other ITE models making them easier to put in and take out, and they can accommodate many features.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Each?

The main advantage of behind-the-ear (BTE) models is that they’re usually larger and less fiddly, meaning they are suitable for people with issues with dexterity. The smaller ITE or ITC models are more discreet, however, there are very subtle BTE hearing aids as well. Your hearing health professional will also explain the pros and cons of different hearing aids styles.

What Advanced Features Do Different Hearing Aid Styles Come With?

All hearing aid styles can come with various advanced features nowadays. These include connectivity options such as Bluetooth. You can sync your device with your TV, smartphone and other electronics. They’re also customizable and you can adjust the settings to suit your preferences. Many models also include a feature that filters out background noise, making it easier to concentrate on the sounds you’re trying to hear.

Which Is the Right Style of Hearing Aid for Me?

In order to determine the right style of hearing aid for you, it’s advisable to speak to a hearing health professional. They’ll be able to recommend a style that suits your lifestyle and preferences and that’s appropriate according to the degree of your hearing loss and any other health issues such as problems with dexterity. This way you can rest assured you’re making the right choice for you.