If you have hearing loss, choosing the best hearing aids is an important decision that can significantly improve your quality of life. With so many options available, however, it’s essential to understand the different types of hearing aids and how they can meet your unique hearing and lifestyle needs.

Here, we’ll explain the most common types of hearing aids, including their unique features and who would benefit most from them. Then, we’ll walk you through key steps to choosing the right hearing aids and show you how an audiologist can make the process easier and more effective.

What are the Most Commonly Used Types of Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, each designed for specific needs and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the most common hearing aid types:

1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

• Description: These devices are worn behind the ear with a tube connecting to an earmold or dome in the ear canal.
• Best For: Individuals with mild to profound hearing loss
• Features: Durable, easy to handle, and available with advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity

2. Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

• Description: These are similar to BTE but smaller, with the speaker located inside the ear canal.
• Best For: People with mild to severe hearing loss
• Features: Discreet, comfortable, and suitable for active lifestyles

3. In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

• Description: These hearing aids are custom-made to fit the entire outer ear.
• Best For: Wearers with mild to severe hearing loss
• Features: Easy to handle with larger batteries for extended life and optional telecoil for better phone use

4. In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

• Description: These devices are custom-made to sit partially in the ear canal.
• Best For: Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss
• Features: Discreet and comfortable with options for wireless connectivity

5. Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Devices

• Description: This type of hearing aid fits entirely inside the ear canal.
• Best For: Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss
• Features: Nearly invisible but the smaller size means fewer features and shorter battery life

6. Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids

• Description: These hearing devices are placed deep inside the ear canal.
• Best For: Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss
• Features: Completely invisible and great for those prioritizing discretion

7. Lyric Hearing Aids

• Description: These are extended-wear hearing aids placed deep in the ear canal by a professional.
• Best For: People with mild to moderate hearing loss
• Features: Worn 24/7 for months at a time, completely invisible, hassle-free

How to Choose the Right Option From the Different Types of Hearing Aids Available

Finding the best hearing aids to fit your needs depends on several factors:

1. Type and Degree of Hearing Loss

• The type and severity of your hearing loss will influence the type of hearing aid that’s best for you.
• An audiologist can perform a hearing evaluation to determine the most suitable options.

2. Lifestyle

• Active Lifestyle: Look for durable, sweat-resistant hearing aids with wireless connectivity.
• Quiet Lifestyle: A simpler model may suffice for minimal background noise.
• Work or Social Environments: Choose hearing aids with advanced sound filtering and directional microphones.

3. Appearance Preferences

• If discretion is a priority, smaller styles like Completely-in-Canal, Invisible-in-the-Canal, or Lyric hearing aids may be ideal.
• Larger models like BTE or ITE are easier to handle and accommodate more features.

4. Technology Features

• Consider features like Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, tinnitus masking, and smartphone compatibility.

5. Budget

• Hearing aids vary in price depending on technology and features. An audiologist can help you balance cost and functionality so you get the best of both worlds – hearing aids that DON’T break the bank but DO meet your needs.

Explore the Different Types of Hearing Aids with the Help of an Audiologist

When you choose to work closely with an audiologist, you won’t just get new hearing aids – you’ll get personalized care to ensure your hearing aids are tailored to your specific needs. From initial hearing evaluations to fittings, adjustments, and ongoing support, an audiologist can help you choose the right type of hearing aids and then get the most out of them.

At Advanced Hearing Group, we partner with leading hearing aid manufacturers and provide personalized care to ensure you get the best hearing solution possible. From Phonak and Starkey to ReSound, Unitron, Lyric, Oticon, and more, ourbroad selection allows us to offer a wide range of styles and features to suit every individual.

Choosing the right type of hearing aids doesn’t have to be complicated. With expert guidance from our Mesa and Scottsdale audiologists, you can find a hearing loss solution that fits your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Schedule an appointment with us today and discover the difference that the right type of hearing aids can make for your hearing health, quality of life, and overall well-being!