Behind the ear (BTE)

These are worn with a hearing aid placed on top of the ear, as well as behind the ear. The components of the device are located in the case of the back of the ear. As such, they are joined to the ear canal via a tube or tip. As this is the most common hearing aid style, there are various options available in size and color. Because the design is discreet, this is a great option for anyone looking to conceal their hearing aid. While many people can feel self-conscious about wearing one, this design can suit you perfectly allowing you to live your life without a device worn inside the ear. These devices are ideal for individuals with mild-to-profound hearing loss and can be equipped with features to help treat tinnitus.

In the ear (ITE)

ITE devices sit in the outer ear bowl and offer more privacy than a BTE hearing aid, but are easier to handle than the smaller canal counterpart. They are available in full and half shell varieties and can be selected in skin or hair tones to help them blend more naturally with your appearance. Because they are slightly larger than canal devices, they are typically more comfortable to handle by individuals with dexterity issues. These devices are suitable for individuals with mild-to-moderately-severe hearing loss and can be equipped with options to provide tinnitus relief.

In the canal (ITC)

The electronics sit in a device that fits inside your ear canal and can come in different types, including completely in canal (CIC), ITC and invisible in canal (IIC). These devices all sit within the canal, some, like the invisible option, however, are located deeper and can require an audiologist’s help to properly insert and remove. Offering more discreetness and privacy than the other options, ITC hearing aids provide a more natural hearing experience due to their location in the canal. These are most often recommended for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and can be equipped with tinnitus features if other advanced options are not required.

Hearing aid features

Hearing aids are commonly used to treat tinnitus because they can be equipped with features that mask or override the sounds you hear. This feature, known as masking, uses white noise to cover the ringing, buzzing or whooshing you hear. While most hearing aid styles can be equipped with features to mask tinnitus, the smaller options like canal devices may not offer enough power or settings to handle all the options you want. Your audiologist will work with you to find the right technology and features to accommodate your needs. Your audiologist may also recommend tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) in tandem with hearing aid treatment. This will help you emotionally cope with the sounds you hear, which can also help alleviate your symptoms.

As you can see, hearing aids have come a long way from the old-fashioned transistor hearing aids, the digital hearing aids of the 1970s, and even ear trumpets. Hearing aids aren’t seen as the frustrating, bulky device that you have to wear around your neck or in your pocket anymore. Hearing aids can be discreet, and allow you to function in your day to day life with minimal issue. And for those who have tinnitus, this condition can be treated effectively with the right hearing aid, allowing them to function with, and minimize the problem.

If you have misconceptions about living with a hearing impairment or think that hearing aids aren’t for you, as you can see, there are plenty to choose from to suit your lifestyle. Worrying about your hearing disappearing doesn’t need to be a major concern anymore, nor should living with tinnitus. But if you have any queries, or want to discuss your options, you can call the San Francisco Hearing Center.

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Here at San Francisco Hearing Center, we take great pride in helping hearing aid users find the perfect devices. Whether you’re a first-time wearer or desire an upgrade, here’s all you need to know.

Why does the choice of hearing aid matter?

As a first-time hearing aids user, you may think that all devices are pretty much the same. In truth, those feelings could not be further from the truth. The reality is that the type of hearing aid you choose will have a massive impact on your daily activities.

Some are better suited to mild hearing loss while others are better for moderate hearing loss. Meanwhile, some devices link up with ALDs and other products with far greater ease. Finally, you need to consider the comfort. After all, you will be wearing them for several hours at a time.

What is the best type of hearing aid on the market?

Everybody has their unique hearing profile and individual lifestyles. Therefore, the device that works best for a friend or relative might not work best for you. There are many options to consider, here are some of the best.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

BTE hearing devices are the type that most people picture when discussing potential devices. The casing, which is colored to match the skin tone, sits behind the ear while a rubber tube connects the speaker to a mold or soft tip that sits in the ear.

They are comfortable and very easy to use, not least because the power and volume buttons are easy to locate and manipulate. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are often among the most affordable options too, which is another major selling point.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

ITE hearing aids are custom made to the individual’s needs and the entire device sits in the bowl of the ear. They are available in shades that can blend with hair or skin tones to offer a more natural look and can be equipped with numerous features due to their size.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

In-the-canal hearing aids fit discretely in your ear canal and offer the privacy many are looking for when selecting a device. They offer natural listening experiences because of their placement in the ear and feedback reduction.

RIC or RITE hearing aids

Receiver-in-canal and receiver-in-the-ear devices are basically the same things. The terms describe a range of devices that are very similar to the BTE devices. The main difference is that the speaker sits in the ear rather than behind it.

The speaker is connected to the case via a thin wire. They offer a comfortable fit but are a little less inconspicuous than some of the alternative options out there.

Bluetooth hearing aids

Technology evolves at a rapid rate and this is especially true in the hearing aids market. Devices that are equipped with Bluetooth facilities often link up with ALDs far easier. If you believe that those features will be useful, this can be the way to go.

The audiologist will give you the full overview of the features and whether the added facilities are needed in your personal circumstances. When they are right for you, these options offer fantastic value for money for a long time to come.

What else should I consider?

In addition to choosing the right type of hearing aid device, it’s vital that you pick the right model. You deserve a hearing aid that you can rely on and ASOSF works with four of the most reputable manufacturers on the market:

• Lyric invisible hearing aids
• Oticon miniRITE hearing aids,
• Phonak hearing aids,
• Widex Beyond hearing aids.

All of the above manufacturers produce a range of models while our audiologists can help with the specifications, fittings, and calibrations. Whichever option is deemed right for you, San Francisco Hearing Center will ensure you receive the very best setup for your needs.

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What is the Difference Between BTE and ITE hearing aids?

ITE styles

When you’re looking at a smaller hearing aid, you could think about the ITE style of hearing aid. Due to their size and their discreet appearance, they are a good option for those who may feel a little embarrassment about their hearing loss. There are several different types of in the ear style hearing aids, and there are various sizes.

ITE hearing aids are smaller than the behind the ear type, and this can make them difficult to handle if your dexterity is bad. However, this shouldn’t stop you from having this type of hearing aid. There are low-profile styles that feature a half shell or full shell that make them easier to insert and remove into the ear. They’re not normally recommended for those with a severe hearing loss, because the battery doesn’t last as long as the behind the ear type. Those with a severe hearing difficulty generally put their hearing aids through a heavy wear, so need a longer life.

BTE styles

These hearing aids are the largest of the three main styles and can handle multiple features and customizations. Whether you want muted skin tones or more vibrant colors, BTE hearing aids come in a variety of styles to meet your aesthetic wants. Because they are slightly larger than the other styles, they also can be ideal for individuals with dexterity issues.

These are the hearing aids that accommodate a more severe hearing loss, as their battery lasts a lot longer and they’re easier to handle. There are the mini styles that are popping up on the market, which accommodate thinner tubes. The best way to know which is right for you is speaking to your audiologist.

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3 Main Types of Hearing Aid Styles

Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices

As the name suggests, this type of hearing aid fits behind the ear. The BTE device is typically fitted onto your ear with a plastic hook. While you might think this would be uncomfortable, the hearing aid is actually surprisingly light. The main section of the hearing aid has a plastic, transparent tube that is connected to a receiver, which is placed into the ear canal. This is the most common type of hearing aid available on the market, and it can also be the cheapest. When it comes to hearing aids, the general rule is that a large device will be less expensive. The other thing to bear in mind about these devices is that they are very easy to remove. While these devices can be quite large, they also come in a miniature variety that is less noticeable.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

Again, the name gives away where this device fits. It slots firmly in your ear in a mold. This mold will be shaped to your ear precisely by a trained audiologist to make sure that it is as comfortable as possible. One of the benefits of this type of device is that it is subtler. Unless someone is staring directly down your ear, it’s unlikely they’ll be able to tell you are wearing one. The device is still connected to a receiver that fits inside your ear canal. This device can be used for both mild and severe hearing loss and is often considerably smaller than the BTE hearing aid. One of the benefits of this hearing aid is that it is easy to adjust and it’s also available in a variety of different colors. As such, you can get one to match the skin tone of your ear.

Invisible-in-canal (IIC) technology

Yes, these devices are completely invisible to anyone else when you are wearing them. If you speak to your audiologist, they will tell you that these devices are slotted inside the ear canal. As such, you won’t notice them at all when they are worn. Unfortunately, they are only suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss due to their size and potential power. They also need to be removed on a daily basis to promote good ear health. If you want a device that doesn’t need to be removed, you will need to look at implants instead.

We hope this helps you understand the 3 main types of hearing aid styles that you can choose.

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