Hearing Aid Types
Hearing aid types can be broadly grouped into 2 main categories, Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE). Suitability is dependent on several factors, including degree of hearing loss, shape of hearing loss, ear anatomy, lifestyle requirements and ease of use dexterity. Your audiologist will make an informed recommendation following your comprehensive assessment to guide you toward the most appropriate hearing aid solution.
In the Ear Styles
ITE devices have all of their working parts contained within a custom moulded shell and the whole device fits inside of the wearers ear. These hearing aid types are available in a range of sizes ranging from large to completely invisible. In-The-Ear (ITE) aids will fill up all the ear, whilst an In-The-Canal (ITC’s) device will generally fill up around half of the ear. Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC’s) aids and Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) hearing aids are much smaller and tend to sit deeper in the ear canal where they cannot be seen.
ITE and ITC Models
- Are easier to handle than smaller models
- Include features that won't fit on smaller custom aids such as a control button
- Has a bigger battery for longer battery life. Also, has some rechargeable model options not available with smaller custom aids.
- More prone to earwax blocking up the wax filters or speakers
- Can be difficult to adjust due to their small size or lack of a button
- May pick up more wind noise compared with smaller devices that sit deeper in the canals
- Are more visible in the ear than smaller devices
CIC and IIC Models
- Can be more difficult to handle due to their small size
- Unable to fit in extra features, such as volume control or a directional microphones
- Use the smallest battery size, which have shorter life and can also be difficult to manipulate
- Pick up less wind noise as they sit protected, deeper in the canals
- Are almost invisible in the ear
- More prone to earwax blocking up the wax filters or speakers
- Can make the users voice echo or feel blocked up
Behind The Ear Styles
This category of hearing aid devices includes both Receiver-In-The-Canal (RIC) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE) styles, offering flexibility for different levels and shapes of hearing loss.
BTE Models
A Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid contains all its working components in a housing external to the ear. This hooks over the top of your ear and sits behind the ear. The sound is then delivered into the ear via a rubber or plastic tube connected to a custom-made ear mold. This type of hearing aid is compatible with almost any type of hearing loss and is very reliable.
A behind-the-ear hearing aid:
- Has directional microphones
- Has user control push buttons
- Is very reliable with all electronics contained externally to the ear canal
- Is the most powerful device style
- Are easy to clean and manage
- Usually include a telecoil option
- Has a rechargeable battery option
- Is prone to pick up more wind noise than other styles
- Are generally the largest type of hearing aid
- Tubing does need replacing approximately once per year (done by us)
RIC Models
- Is smaller than a traditional BTE style device
- Normally has push button control options
- Has rechargeable battery options
- Has directional microphones
- Allows for a very open fit which ensures a natural sound quality and comfortable fit
- Does not block up the wearers own voice
- Comes in a wide variety of colours
- Earwax can clog the speakers but filters and speakers are easily changed over without the whole device needing it to be sent away for repair
- Can be more difficult to manipulate the fine wire with a non-custom dome into the ears
