Hearing aids come in a variety of prices, styles and sizes. So it is important that we help select the hearing aid that is most comfortable for you.
Depending on the hearing test AND the individuals reported hearing difficulties a hearing aid maybe necessary. There are different styles of hearing aids (shown below). A hearing aid helps boost sound to a comfortable level that allows you to hear conversation more easily.
A behind-the-ear (BTE)
A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind the ear. A tube connects the hearing aid to a custom earpiece called an earmold that fits in your ear canal. This type is appropriate for people of all ages and those with almost any type of hearing loss.
Receiver in canal or receiver in the ear (RITE)
The receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) styles are similar to a behind-the-ear hearing aid with the speaker or receiver in the canal or in the ear. A tiny wire, rather than tubing, connects the pieces.
A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid (CIC):
- Is the smallest and least visible type.
- Is less likely to pick up wind noise.
- Uses very small batteries and can be difficult to handle.
- Doesn’t contain extra features, such as volume control or a directional microphone.
- Is susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker.
In the canal (ITC)
- Is less visible in the ear than larger styles
- Includes features that won’t fit on completely-in-the-canal aids, but may be difficult to adjust due to its small size
- Is susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker