Contrary to what some people may believe, there is a good number of hearing aid styles. This variety helps meet various hearing needs, mixed with a desire to have more discreet hearing aids than past generations enjoyed.

To help you learn more about the various hearing aid styles, our hearing instrument specialist at Modern Hearing Solutions of Wyoming is here to help. Each hearing aid style will be discussed, with summarizing bullet points concerning the benefits and potential downsides of each hearing aid style.

BEHIND-THE-EAR STYLE HEARING AIDS

There are two main styles of hearing aids. These styles are differentiated by wear the main body of the device rests. With hearing aids which are Behind-The-Ear (BTE), the main body of the hearing aid device rest behind the wearer’s ear, with tubing extending to the ear canal. Some of the BTE hearing aid styles can create a plugged-up feeling called occlusion. Thanks to the larger body of the BTE hearing aids, more features like Bluetooth, telecoils, directional microphones and more can be incorporated.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

Benefits of the BTE are:

• Can accommodate all levels of hearing loss

• Tubing and earmold can be replaced without affecting the main device

• Less endangered by moisture than other styles of hearing aids

• Largest control switches, making them easier to use than smaller hearing aids

• Longer battery life due to larger batteries

Potential downsides of the BTE are:

• Most visible type of hearing aid

• When earmolds are used, can cause occlusion

• Vulnerable to wind noise interference

• Thick tubes can cause issues for glasses-wearers

Mini Behind-The-Ear (Mini BTE)

Benefits of the Mini BTE are:

• For mild-to-severe hearing loss

• Thin tube option for a more discrete design than the regular BTE

• Rocker-style power switch

• Less endangered by moisture than other styles of hearing aids

• A lower feeling of occlusion

Potential downsides of the Mini BTE are:

• Slightly smaller hearing aid batteries, with shorter lifespans

• Can be difficult to handle smaller parts

Receiver-In-Canal or Receiver-In-The-Ear (RIC) (RITE)

Benefits of the RIC/RITE are:

• Can accommodate all levels of hearing loss

• Tubing can be replaced without affecting the main device

• Less endangered by moisture than other styles of hearing aids

• Largest control switches, making them easier to use than smaller hearing aids

• Longer battery life due to larger batteries

Potential downsides of the RIC/RITE are:

• Fairly visible style of hearing aid

• Vulnerable to wind noise interference

Mini Receiver-In-Canal (Mini RIC)

Benefits of the Mini RIC are:

• For mild-to-severe hearing loss

• Simple, one-button adjustments

• A lower feeling of occlusion

• Less endangered by moisture than other styles of hearing aids

• Low-profile design with thin tubing

Potential downsides of the Mini RIC are:

• Slightly smaller hearing aid batteries, with shorter lifespans

• Can be difficult to handle smaller parts

IN-THE-EAR STYLE HEARING AIDS

Highly popular for their low-profile design, In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are designed to have the main body of the hearing aid device rest inside the ear. Some of these devices are so small that they can rest entirely inside the ear canal, invisible to others. However, due to the small size of some of the hearing aids, not as many features can be fitted into some of the ITE hearing aids. Also, a couple designs are not appropriate for those with severe hearing loss.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

Benefits of the ITE are:

• For mild-to-severe hearing loss

• More natural than BTE/RIC hearing aids

• Easy to handle

• Large enough for directional microphones

Potential downsides of the ITE are:

• Still exposed to wind noise

• Fairly visible hearing aid option

• Can cause feelings of occlusion

In-The-Canal (ITC)

Benefits of the ITC are:

• For mild-to-severe hearing loss

• Half the size of ITE, but still easy to handle

• Custom-made to your ear

• Multiple control options

Potential downsides of the ITC are:

• Still visible to others

• Susceptible to moisture damage

• Battery life shorter than ITE or BTE-style hearing aids

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

Benefits of the CIC are:

• For mild-to-moderate hearing loss

• Almost invisible solution in the canal

• Only plastic antenna and part of case potentially visible

• Custom-made to your ear

Potential downsides of the CIC are:

• Need high dexterity to use and clean these hearing aids

• Uses very small batteries, shortening the battery life

• Susceptible to moisture damage and wax buildup

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)

Benefits of the IIC are:

• For mild-to-moderate hearing loss

• Invisible in most ears, only plastic antenna possibly visible

• Custom-made to your ear

Potential downsides of the IIC are:

• Need high dexterity to use and clean these hearing aids

• Uses very small batteries, shortening the battery life

• Susceptible to moisture damage and wax buildup

FIND ALL HEARING AIDS STYLES AT MODERN HEARING SOLUTIONS OF WYOMING

For the greatest selection of hearing aid brands, styles, and colors in the Powell/Cody Wyoming area, you will want to go to Modern Hearing Solutions Of Wyoming.

Don, our hearing instrument specialist takes great pride in meeting the exact needs of each person who comes into our hearing clinic. He will determine what your level of hearing loss is and help you choose what hearing aids are the right one for you.

For an appointment with our hearing specialist, contact us and start taking control of your hearing needs.