Top Hearing Device Styles to Consider

When you experience hearing loss, visiting an audiologist is an important step. They can help you understand your condition and find ways to manage it. Often, this involves choosing a hearing aid. You’ll have several options to consider, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

While your audiologist will guide you through these choices, it’s helpful to learn as much as you can about them before your appointment. It’ll help you figure out the best hearing aids for your needs. Usually, three particular options are recommended, as they’re the most common types of hearing aids. Let’s take a look at each.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

As the name suggests, these devices sit behind or on top of your outer ear and use tubing to direct sound into your ear canal. You can choose from a wide range of colors to match your skin tone or hair color, helping the device blend in if that’s what you prefer. They’re also some of the more durable options, and they’re frequently prescribed to children because of their longevity. With children, for example, they could need newer ones or replacement parts as they grow. These can also be worn for a wide range of hearing losses.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE hearing aids are designed to fit within the bowl of your outer ear. If you are experiencing mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss ITE hearing aids might be the right option for you. ITE hearing aids can also be tailored fit to your unique ear shape, ensure optimized comfort. Due to the size they offer a discreet look. Talk with an audiologist if you are considering an ITE hearing aid, as you need to make sure they fit your hearing needs, not just your personal preference.

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

ITC hearing aids are designed to fit snugly within the ear canal, offering a discreet and comfortable option for those seeking less visible hearing solutions. ITC hearing aids are suited for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Due to ITC hearing aids being in the canal of your ear, it can capture sound directly. This can help isolate and focus on desired sounds while minimizing background noise, offering a better listening experiencing. ITC hearing aids might be harder to handle for people with dexterity issues because they are small and fit deep in the ear canal, making adjustments and maintenance more difficult.

See an Audiologist Today

If you have noticed signs of hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist. They can diagnose your hearing loss and find the right hearing aid for your specific needs. They will discuss the severity of your hearing loss, the three main styles with you and the different features available to offer a better listening experience. An audiologist can walk you through the process of getting hearing aids and how to properly maintain them. If you want to learn more about the different style of hearing aids your audiologist can recommend, schedule an appointment. By working with your audiologist, you’ll find the best hearing aids for your needs.