Types Of Hearing Aids
Hearing aid technology has advanced rapidly in the last several years.
The team at Sierra Nevada Hearing Aid Center only partners with the leading brands in the hearing aid industry to ensure that you have access to devices that are high-quality, comfortable, and affordable.
Types of Hearing Aids
There are a variety of types of hearing aids that can help with different types of hearing loss or background noise concerns. Sierra Nevada Hearing Aid Center offers in-the-canal hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids, behind-the-ear hearing aids and receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids. Please note that the size or hearing aid style is independent of the type of circuitry that is inside the hearing aid.
Completely-in-the-canal
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are inserted deep into the ear canal for those who want “invisible” hearing aids. Advantages to CIC hearing aids include their discreet appearance and good sound quality because of the way they fit in the ear. Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are not typically the best choice to treat high-frequency hearing loss, severe hearing loss or poor speech understanding in noise.
In-the-canal
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids fill the ear canal and may be more cosmetically pleasing than the full shell style. These hearing aids may be susceptible to moisture damage and can make wearers feel “plugged up”. At times, the size can be an issue for wireless devices. Many ITC hearing aid wearers enjoy their discreet look and long battery life.
Full shell in-the-ear
Full shell in-the-ear hearing aids are the largest of the custom fitted in-the-ear aids. ITE’s fill the bowl of the ear. They are the most versatile and powerful of all custom fitted hearing aids and are typically a good option for people with poor dexterity.
Behind-the-ear
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are housed in curved cases that fit neatly behind the ear. A custom earmold made to the shape of the ear delivers the sound into the ear canal. BTEs are the most versatile and powerful of all hearing aids, fitting the widest range of hearing losses. Typically, these hearing aids come with a rechargeable battery option and can wirelessly connect to phones. Some BTE wearers have issues with the speaker being susceptible to moisture and ear wax and that the microphone behind the ear is visible.
Receiver-in-the-Canal
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) hearing aids have gained popularity in recent years due to their small size and natural sound quality of the wearer’s own voice. RIC style hearing aids sit snugly on top of the ear while a tiny wire sends the amplified sound down into the receiver (speaker) inside the ear canal.
If you are just now exploring their options for the first time, the number of styles and manufacturers on the market may seem overwhelming. At Sierra Nevada Hearing Aid Center, we offer a risk-free hearing aid trial so you can make the best choice for you. Whether you want a small device that integrates the latest technology or would rather have a more basic model that’s easy to use, there’s a hearing aid for every budget and lifestyle.
Explore your hearing aid options with the team at Sierra Nevada Hearing Aid Center
