Hearing Aid Styles
Today’s hearing aids are as diverse as they are dynamic, and you may be surprised at how many options you have. Hearing aid styles will be discussed and demonstrated during your appointment and we will work together to select the style that fits your unique hearing and lifestyle preferences.
When it comes to selecting a pair of hearing aids, you’ll want to consider your hearing needs, physical abilities, activity level, lifestyle, cosmetic preferences, and budget.
Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids come in various styles and designs, each with their own sets of strengths and features.
Here’s a closer look at the available hearing aid styles for Littleton residents:
Behind The Ear (BTE)
BTE hearing aids have all their electronic components housed in a casing that sits snugly behind the ear. A small acoustical tube reaches over the top of the ear and toward the ear canal to deliver sound into the ear canal. These hearing aids come in a wide range of colors, so you can opt for a subtle or stylish shade. Their large, long-lasting batteries and easy-to-manage controls make them popular for children and seniors with dexterity issues.
Receiver In The Ear (RITE)/Open Fit
RITE devices have revolutionized the world of hearing aids with their innovative design. Like BTE devices, open-fit hearing aids consist of a small casing, which sits behind the ear, connected by a thin wire to the receiver and speaker component, which sits in the ear canal. The receiver in RITE hearing aids is made from a custom earmold and is individually programmed to amplify sound frequencies you struggle to hear while allowing in sound frequencies you’re able to hear naturally without amplification. These devices are known for their comfort, natural sound quality, and ease of use, making them the most popular hearing aid style in Littleton.
Invisible In the Canal (IIC)
If cosmetics are your concern, IIC devices may be for you. These hearing aids are virtually invisible to others because they’re inserted deeply in the ear canal. The placement of IIC devices utilizes your ear’s shape for natural directionality and sound localization. IIC hearing aids are very small, however, which means patients need good manual dexterity to change the battery and adjust settings. Their small size also means they offer fewer features and have a shorter battery life.
Completely In the Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are similar in size and style to IIC devices, but they are slightly larger. CIC devices are barely visible to others, rest in your ear canal, and are made from custom earmolds. CIC hearing aids use a slightly larger battery, which is easier to change and lasts a day or two longer.
In The Canal (ITC)
This hearing aid style sits in the outer ear canal and lower part of the concha, which is the bowl-shaped portion of your outer ear. While these devices are noticeable from the side, they are virtually undetectable from the front and offer longer battery life and easier-to-manage controls. ITC devices’ larger size also allows for more features, such as two microphones for improved directionality.
In The Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids fill the concha of the outer ear. They are partially visible from the front and fully visible from the side. This style of hearing aid is great for seniors who need large batteries and controls in order to make handling and adjusting the devices simpler.
Your Littleton hearing care professionals at Columbine Hearing Care will guide you in selecting the best style for your unique needs. You can start this process by scheduling your Functional Hearing Assessment today.