What to Consider When Choosing a Hearing Aid
Your level of hearing loss, lifestyle needs and personal preferences all play a role in the hearing aid selection process. Some factors to consider include:
- Degree of hearing loss (power requirements)
- Budget
- Desired appearance
- Skin sensitivities
- Anatomical/medical considerations
- Ability to see and handle small devices
- Lifestyle and listening needs
Budget is a significant factor in style selection. The cost of hearing aids generally depends on the technology and number of advanced features a device has, not necessarily on a specific style. As hearing technology advances, so will the availability of special features across different models.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a hearing aid is to discuss your needs and preferences with a hearing professional. Book an appointment today and one of our providers will help match you with the right solution.
Hearing Aid Styles: Behind the Ear (BTE), Receiver in Canal (RIC), In the Ear (ITE), Completely in Canal (CIC), In the Canal (ITC), Invisible in Canal (IIC)
Hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes. Some are sleek and discreet, while others are more powerful and can be equipped with advanced features and technology. With so many styles and options available today, you’re guaranteed to find a device that fits seamlessly into your everyday life.
Types of Hearing Aids
Behind the Ear (BTE)
Powerful, Adaptable Technology
BTE hearing aids are hearing aids you wear outside your ear. A small tube then routes the sound down into your ear canal. The best hearing aids provide the most amplification behind the ear, making them the preferred solution for users with severe-to-profound hearing loss. BTE hearing aids are available in many sizes, shapes, and colour options. You can choose one that matches your skin tone or hair colour.
Features and Benefits
- Comfortable since it doesn’t sit deep in your ear
- Available with the thin tube or with a personalized earmold
- Provides the best amplification for better hearing
- Despite the size, they are barely visible when worn
- Easy to handle and clean for better hearing solutions
Receiver in Canal (RIC)
Comfortable, Flexible and Versatile
Receiver in the ear hearing aids is one of the most popular hearing aids thanks to their ease of wearing and effectiveness. The receiver in the ear hearing aid consists of a small casing that comfortably sits behind the ear—the casing houses all of the hearing aid’s electronic components, except the receiver. An enclosed wire transmits sound to the receiver that rests in the ear canal.
Our hearing aid clinic offers RIE hearing aids that combine a brilliant sound experience, an unrivalled full spectrum of streaming, more options for support and personalization.
Features and Benefits
- Less susceptible to feedback sounds from your hearing aids
- Good at amplifying high-pitched sounds, giving you a more precise, more natural sound quality for better hearing solutions
- Small, discreet
- Light and comfortable to wear for better hearing
- Available in many different colours
In the Ear (ITE)
Power and Comfort for All-Day Wear
Custom-made inside the ear (ITE) hearing aids are measured to match your ears and made just for you. This type of hearing aid is ideal for active people and it does not interfere with glasses. There are many types of hearing aids available, but custom-made hearing aids are simply unique. Custom hearing aids are tailored to your individual hearing needs, ear shape, size, and structure. The custom device is created using an earmold, which your hearing specialist will make directly from your ear. The smallest custom hearing aids are very discreet and almost invisible in the ear. Each hearing aid will be personalized for you!
Features and Benefits
- Size and discretion
- Natural wind noise reduction
- Usability, comfort, and custom fit
- Natural and personalized sound
- Connectivity with devices and Bluetooth
In the Canal (ITC)
Advanced Features in a Discreet Package
While slightly larger and easier to handle than smaller canal models, ITC hearing aids are still fairly discreet and can be equipped with a wide range of features. Many ITC models are available with volume control and directional microphones, which can help wearers better adapt to different sound environments.
Features and Benefits
- Custom-molded for a comfortable fit
- Less noticeable appearance
- Best suited for mild-to-moderate hearing loss
- Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
Completely in Canal (CIC)
Discreet and Direct Sound Delivery
CIC hearing aids are custom-molded to sit within the ear canal, providing a natural, nearly invisible look. They work with the ear’s shape to direct sound to the microphone and enhance sound quality. Best suited for mild-to-moderate hearing loss, CIC hearing aids are a great option for wearers that live a more active lifestyle.
Features and Benefits
- Custom-molded, secure fit
- Nearly invisible look
- Reduced wind noise, whistling and feedback
- Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
Invisible in Canal (IIC)
Out-of-Sight Sound Amplification
IIC hearing aids are the smallest invisible hearing aids available. Sitting deep inside the ear canal, so it’s practically undetectable to everyone around you. IIC hearing aids are custom-made to fit the shape of your ear. The custom device is created using an earmold, which your hearing specialist will make from your ear. The custom style is very small so this style might not fit a more severe hearing loss.
Features and Benefits
- Size and discretion
- Natural wind noise reduction
- Usability, comfort, and custom fit
- Natural and personalized sound for better hearing solutions
- Connectivity with devices and Bluetooth