If you’ve found yourself reading this blog, you’ve probably been considering purchasing new hearing aids. But wait, what? There’s more than one style to choose from? That’s right. Hearing aids have come a long way since they first came on the scene. Gone are the big, clunky hearing aids that have been heavily stigmatized in the past because of their unappealing appearance. With the development in advanced hearing technology, most hearing aids now are so discreet, with some being almost invisible to the human eye.
Which style is right for you?
The best thing to do when considering new hearing aids is to come into the clinic to speak to one of our lovely Audiology specialists who will talk to you about your options and what you might find more comfortable. From here, we can pair this information up with your specific hearing needs which will help us come to a conclusion on the hearing aid style best suited to you.
Types of hearing aids
Hearing aid styles are typically categorized based on where the hearing aid sits in the ear and the visual appearance of the equipment. These different types of hearing aids are tailored to suit a variety of hearing needs. Below we have summarized some details about the main types, but please don’t hesitate to come in and speak to one of our Audiologists who will explain them in more detail.
Behind the ear
The behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid is the style that most people recognize or associate with a hearing aid. Usually worn by those with moderate to severe hearing loss, this type has a housing which sits behind the top of the ear while the clear plastic acoustical tube sends the amplified sounds into the earmold that sits inside the canal. They slightly lack in sound quality compared to more expensive models, but they are completely user friendly with the controls being situated on the housing, so no fiddling about!
In the ear
For those who would prefer a more discreet option, the in-the-ear (ITE) style might be a more favorable choice than the BTE. These are typically custom-made to fit within the outer ear and can be styled to be skin-colored to add to the discretion of the design. They are often recommended for mild to severe hearing loss because of their flexibility and range in controls. However, this style does tend to break down more than others, but with the right maintenance support from your audiologist this needn’t be an issue if the in-the-ear style sounds like the right one for you.
Get started
Book an appointment with Clarity Hearing to explore hearing aid devices that best fit your needs, lifestyle, and budget.