Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Aids Available in 2023

Living in a modern world, there is a difference in hearing aid types and quality of hearing aids has grown massively over the past twenty to thirty years. Whether you’re well accustomed to hearing aids already or you’re considering them for recently diagnosed hearing loss, there are several different types worth exploring.

The Benefits of Hearing Aids

There are many benefits to wearing hearing aids and if you are a first time wearing, what should you expect? Some of the benefits for wearing hearing aids include:

• You may end up hearing sounds you previously lost.
• Hearing conversations more clearly.
• No longer need to lip-read people speaking.
• You’ll become more socially confident.
• Helps with symptoms like tinnitus.

What Types of Hearing Aids Are There in 2023?

When you speak to a hearing instrument specialist (HIS), you’ll be given the option of a number of hearing aid types. Which one you pick will depend on your severity of loss and your personal preference. Let’s look at each type available, as well as the pros and cons that come with each. That way, you’ll be able to make a more informed about the different hearing aid styles. Your hearing instrument specialist will guide you along the way, discussing your hearing needs and which might best suit you.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE hearing aids have a microphone, amplifier and receiver. These are all packed in one component that you were in the outer bowl of your ear. These hearing aids are suitable for an individual with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss. Some of the pros and cons include:

• • Less likely to pick up feedback usually caused by wind.
  • They’re comfortable to wear with glasses.

Discreet.

• They are rarely available with rechargeable batteries.
• Not really suitable for those with severe hearing loss.
• Some ear canal shapes might not be suited to this device type.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids are designed so that the main component of the hearing aid is sitting behind the ear. It’s accompanied by a clear tube that connects to the earmold placed inside the ear canal.

They’re a widely used device type and are the largest style of hearing aid, compared to other styles. Some pros and cons of BTE hearing aids include:

• Great for first-time wearers of hearing aids.
• Easy to adjust and operate.
• Tend to last longer than the smaller devices.
• Ideal for those with mild-to-profound hearing loss.
• Can sometimes make phone use a little awkward.
• Are larger than the other styles of hearing aids.

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

ITC hearing aids fit within the ear canal. A small portion of the device will often show in the outer ear though. You can often still see in-the-canal hearing aids, although you can get them in colors that match your skin tone in particular. There are a number of styles and sizes, with some being placed in the ear and others further into the canal. Here are some of the pros and cons of them:

• Can be custom-fit to your ear canal.
• Less visible than other hearing aid types.
• Often includes different controls that aren’t available on smaller hearing aids.
• Smaller batteries that may need changing frequently.
• Small size may mean it’s harder for those with dexterity issues.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

For those who might be looking for something more discreet, CIC hearing aids are the perfect match. They’re placed right within your ear canal, making them virtually invisible depending on how hard someone looks into your ear. With CIC hearing aids, there are various pros and cons, this includes:

• Virtually invisible making them great for those who need subtly.
• Helps to block out a lot of wind noises.
• Custom-fit.
• Not as powerful as other types.
• Very small batteries are used.
• There are not as many features available.

Different Features Available

Many modern hearing aids now come equipped with wireless connectivity, enabling seamless integration with smartphones and other devices. This feature allows wearers to stream audio directly to their hearing aids, facilitating clearer phone conversations, music listening and connectivity with TVs or computers. Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities have made significant strides, providing hearing aids with adaptive functions that automatically adjust settings based on environmental sounds. Noise reduction and directional microphones remain prevalent features, assisting in filtering out background noise and focusing on speech. Rechargeable batteries have gained popularity, offering convenience and sustainability compared to traditional disposable batteries.

Contact Us Today

At Hear More Medical Centers of America, our hearing instrument specialists will give you advice on which hearing aid might be right for you, and the different features available. Call us today at (352) 877-9243.