Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids are available in a variety of shapes and sizes to treat different types and severity of hearing loss. While some are bigger than others and have different features, all hearing aids consist of the same three major parts: a microphone to capture sound, an amplifier to make it louder, and a speaker (or receiver) to process that sound so that you can hear it. Customizable features can include Bluetooth (for cell phones & wireless devices), telecoil (for looped venues and landline phones), and rechargeable batteries.
There are seven main styles of hearing aids, and each comes with its own set of benefits for the wearer.

Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)
One of the smallest and most discreet options, invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids fit deeper in the ear canal and are functionally invisible to those around you. They are great for those with a more active lifestyle and can effectively treat mild to moderate hearing loss.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Similar to IIC styles, completely-in-canal hearing aids sit snugly in the ear and are great for those with an active lifestyle, but they are not quite invisible. They are custom fit to sit comfortably in the canal with features for more control. This style is effective for most mild to moderate hearing losses.

In-the-Canal (ITC)
Slightly larger than IIC and CIC styles, in-the-canal hearing aids are custom-molded to your unique ear shape and sit closer to the outer ear. They have a longer battery life than other smaller styles and are still suitable for active individuals. ITC hearing aids have the option of rechargeability, and a second microphone for better hearing in noise.

In-the-Ear (ITE)
For those with dexterity issues or in need of more power, in-the-ear hearing aids are a great solution. They have a longer battery life, are easier to handle, and rechargeability is an option.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Among the most popular styles of hearing aids, receiver-in-canal devices are probably what most people think of when they envision a hearing aid. Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are lightweight and comfortable. This style can accommodate mild to severe hearing losses. Battery operated and rechargeable options are available.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The largest hearing aid available is the behind-the-ear style, where the vast majority of the device components sit behind the ear, and sound travels to the ear canal through acoustic tubing instead of a receiver. They are easily adjustable, have a long battery life (7 days or greater), and are a very reliable hearing aid option. Rechargeability is an option.

Lyric

Apple AirPods and Over the Counter Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Resources
What degree of hearing loss requires a hearing aid?
Most people assume that the best time to explore hearing aids is when there are obvious signs of missing conversation...
Am I too young for hearing aids?
In recent years, awareness of hearing and the consequence of untreated hearing loss have been in the spotlight. Curio...
I’m disappointed with my hearing aids
We see people every week who are not wearing their hearing aids because they fall short in performance. The technolog...
Are Apple Second Generation AirPods right for me?
Apple may finally break the barrier of hearing aid stigma by getting more people to wear their AirPods pro 2 as heari...
My hearing aid is dead
Any hearing aid that stops working is much more than just an inconvenience. The good news is that most of the time, a...
What happens if my hearing aid gets wet?
Moisture is the hearing aid’s enemy. The good news is that newer, prescriptive hearing aids are moisture resist...
Can I sleep with my hearing aids?
Can I sleep with my hearing aids? We get this question often, especially from those with severe hearing loss and folk...
Don’t Panic If Your Hearing Aids Fail You
Life can be stressful, and certainly the past few weeks have placed us in a situation that we were not prepared...
When Hearing Aids Aren’t Enough
Patients enter our practice when they notice that something has changed with their hearing and the treatment of cho...
Can I Wear One Hearing Aid?
Do you have two working ears? If the answer is yes, then you will benefit from wearing two hearing aids. It’s a...
Why Don’t I Hear Well With My Hearing Aids?
If you’ve made the investment in hearing aids and you are not satisfied with the way you are hearing, there are man...
Find the right hearing aid for you with Audiology Associates of Deerfield
Hearing loss is an experience that requires a personalized approach to treatment. Our team is dedicated to getting to know you so we can help you find a hearing device that will suit your unique needs and lifestyle.