What Kind of Hearing Aid is Best for Me?

• Posted on: Sep 15 2018
• By: The ENT and Allergy Centers of Texas

Though there are many types of hearing aids, they are all similar in a few ways. They’re mostly digital and all run on small batteries. They all contain tiny microphones that are used to collect the sounds you’re missing, and amplifiers to help bring those sounds to you. However, hearing aids vary in the features, cost, and how visible they are when you wear them.

Completely in the canal (CIC) or mini CIC

A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid fits inside your ear canal and is the least visible type of hearing aid. These can be used to improve mild to moderate hearing loss and are probably best used for adults. Because they are so small, the batteries to power them are also small. That means that you may be switching out batteries more often than you would like.

In the canal

An in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is often custom-molded to your ear and fits partly into your ear canal. These are also good for improving mild to moderate hearing loss and are best suited for adults. These types of hearing aids have more options and features than a CIC hearing aid, though they are still small and may be hard to adjust.

In the ear

An in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid can be custom-made in one of two styles that fill half or all of the bowl-like shape of your outer ear. These are good for a larger range of hearing loss but are obviously more visible. These do also offer a longer battery life.

Behind the ear

A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid may be familiar to you in the shape that curves over the top of the ear and has a component that sits behind the ear. These are suitable for adults and children, as well as almost all types of hearing loss.

Receiver in canal or receiver in the ear

The receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid is similar to a behind-the-ear style but has a wire instead of a tube that connects the front and back portions of the hearing aid. This makes them a little less noticeable.

Open fit

An open-fit hearing aid is a type of a behind-the-ear hearing aid that allows for the ear canal to stay open, which allows for some sounds to still enter the ear normally. The hearing aid amplifies some sounds, such as high-frequency sounds. This is a good fit for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss, and who want to use the hearing they still have.

Schedule a Consultation

If you’re ready to learn more about hearing aids, call us today at (972) 984-1050 to schedule a consultation.

Posted in: Hearing Center