Hearing aids have transformed the lives of millions of people with hearing loss, providing them with proper and improved communication and enhanced quality of life. With advancements and growth in technology, there are diverse types of hearing aids available today. Once you go through this post, you get to know about different types of hearing aids and what they can do for you. Of course, if you feel that these aids can tarnish your style statement, then relax. you can even check out the invisible hearing aids once you know you have to wear one. Hence, the aids will not be visible, and you can make the most of it for your hearing too.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids  

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are the types of aids that are the most common type and consist of a small plastic case worn behind the ear. They intensify sound and send it to the ear via a tube or earmold. BTEs are apt for people with mild to even profound hearing loss, and their massive size allows for more power and features, encompassing directional microphones and even telecoil technology. In addition, BTEs are quite easy to handle and maintain, and they can even include different types of earmolds for a comfortable and proper fit.

In-the-Canal (ITC) and even Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids  

Now ,In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are somewhat tinier and more discreet than BTEs and ITEs. ITCs fit partially in the ear canal, while CICs fit wholly inside it, making them closely invisible. These types of hearing aids are apt for mild to moderate hearing loss. Due to their tiny size, they may have fewer features and a shorter type of battery life. ITCs and CICs offer you cosmetic appeal and can be a great option for those concerned about the visibility of their overall hearing aids. Come on, yes, if you want to experience the best hearing outcomes but without getting the aids noticed, you should opt for this option if it suits your needs.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids  

You know what? In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made to fit inside your ear. They are available in different sizes, from filling the whole outer ear (full shell) to even fitting within the ear canal (completely in canal). ITEs are suitable for mild to even severe hearing loss and offer features such as volume control, even telecoil, and directional microphones. They are even easier to handle than smaller models and, most of the time, even have longer battery life. ITEs can house additional features like wireless connectivity and even rechargeable batteries. You can make the most of these aids if they go well for your needs.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) & Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) aids 

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) and Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) aids are quite similar to BTEs but with the speaker placed inside your ear canal. They include a small device worn behind the ear, connected to the speaker by a thin wire or even tube. RICs and RITEs are somewhat apt or suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss and even offer excellent sound quality. Their open-fit design permits natural sound to enter the ear, making them comfortable and even dropping occlusion. RICs and RITEs are somewhat discreet and offer features such as telecoil and wireless connectivity.

Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) aids 

Then you know what? Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) and even Completely-in-Canal (CIC) aids are the tiniest and the most discreet types available. IICs are kept deeper in the ear canal, while CICs sit wholly in the canal. Both types are somewhat custom-made to fit the individual’s ear canal, making them virtually invisible when you wear it . IICs and CICs are somewhat apt for mild to moderate hearing loss. because of their size, they may have lesser features and a shorter battery life. They provide even natural sound quality, eliminate feedback, and are cosmetically appealing.

Bone Conduction Hearing Aids  

Talking bone Conduction Hearing Aids, transmit sound vibrations through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear, bypassing the outer and even middle ear. They consist of a tiny device worn on the bone behind the ear or even implanted under the skin. These aids are advantageous for individuals with conductive hearing loss or even certain types of hearing loss in the outer or even middle ear. Bone Conduction Hearing Aids can even be an option for individuals with ear canal malformations, single-sided deafness or chronic ear infections.

Extended Wear Hearing Aids  

Talking about extended Wear Hearing Aids, these are a unique type of hearing aid that you can wear continuously for several months without removal. These devices are somewhat inserted deep into the ear canal by a hearing care expert and can be worn during daily activities, including showering and even sleeping. Extended Wear Hearing Aids are specifically designed to be replaced by a professional, removing the need for regular maintenance and battery changes. These are suitable for individuals having mild to moderate hearing loss and offer you convenience and discretion.

CROS and BiCROS Hearing Aids  

CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signals) and even BiCROS (Bilateral Contralateral Routing of Signals) Hearing Aids are specifically designed for people having single-sided deafness or significant hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in their other ear. CROS systems pick up sound from the non-hearing type of ear and transfer it wirelessly to the ear having the better hearing. BiCROS systems not just transmit sound from the non-hearing ear but even amplify sound in the hearing ear. These aids enhance the ability to localize sound and even boost speech understanding in challenging listening conditions.

Disposable Hearing Aids  

Talking about the disposable Hearing Aids, these are a temporary and affordable option for people who may not require long-term amplification. These aids are somewhat pre-programmed and ready to use, removing the need for adjustments or custom fittings. Disposable Hearing Aids are somewhat characteristically worn for a few weeks and then discarded. They are even apt or suitable for individuals with mild to even moderate hearing loss and can be an easy solution for occasional users or even those seeking a budget-friendly option.

Conclusion 

To sum up , whether you want to try out hearing aids for tinnitus or any other issue, it gets critical that you get them only from the professional, experienced and certified audiologist only. The right aid at the right time can be advantageous for you.