This article is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified audiologist for personalised advice. Individual results may vary.
Hearing aids come in different shapes and sizes, each with their own advantages. The right style for you depends on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Here’s a guide to help you understand your options.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Styles
BTE hearing aids sit behind your ear, with a tube or wire that carries sound to your ear canal. They’re versatile, powerful, and suitable for most types of Hearing Loss?”>of hearing changes.
The most popular modern version is the Receiver-in-Canal (RIC), where a tiny speaker sits directly in your ear canal connected by a thin wire. These are very discreet and offer excellent sound quality.
BTE styles are often easier to handle, have longer battery life, and can accommodate the most advanced features. They’re a good choice for people with dexterity challenges or those who want the latest technology.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Styles
ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit the shape of your ear. They range from larger styles that fill the outer ear to tiny devices that fit entirely in the ear canal.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) models are the most discreet options available. They sit deep in the ear canal and are virtually invisible to others.
These smaller styles work well for mild to moderate hearing changes. However, their size limits battery life and the features they can include. They also require good dexterity to handle.
Factors to Consider
Your hearing needs: More significant hearing changes often benefit from the power of BTE styles. Milder changes offer more flexibility in style choice.
Your lifestyle: Active people who exercise, work outdoors, or want phone connectivity might prefer BTE styles. Those prioritising invisibility might lean toward ITE options.
Dexterity and vision: If handling small objects is challenging, larger BTE styles with rechargeable batteries are often easier to manage.
Ear shape and health: Some ear canal shapes or conditions suit certain styles better than others. Your audiologist will assess this during your appointment.
Finding the Right Fit
The best hearing aid style is the one that meets your hearing needs and fits your life. There’s no single answer that works for everyone.
Your audiologist will discuss all these factors with you and help you try different options. Many people are surprised by what they find most suitable once they’ve experienced different styles firsthand.
Key Takeaways
- BTE styles are versatile and suit most hearing needs
- ITE styles offer maximum discretion but have size limitations
- Your lifestyle, dexterity, and hearing needs all factor into the decision
- There’s no one-size-fits-all answer
- Trying different styles helps you find the right fit
Wondering which style might suit you? Our audiologists can show you different options and help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Individual results may vary.