Hearing Aid Overview

Types of Hearing Aids

With so many different hearing aid options available, it can be overwhelming to understand what kind is right for you. Although this decision is best made in concert with a hearing professional, the following descriptions of hearing aid types will help you understand the differences, as well as the benefits and challenges each style can pose.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Receiver in Canal (RIC)

The Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aid (also known as a Receiver In The Ear or RITE) is a small device that rests behind the ear. The case at the back of the ear houses most of the technology, while a small diameter wire sends the electrical signal to the receiver (speaker) that is placed in the ear canal. Most often a flexible dome is placed over the receiver, but it can be encased in a mold or shell. It’s discrete, small, powerful, and more repairable in the office, making it the most frequently sold device in the US.

In the Canal (ITC)

An In The Canal (ITC) hearing aid is smaller than the RIC and fits more discreetly into the bowl of the ear and into the ear canal. It is suitable for hearing losses from mild to moderately severe. It can include all levels of technology and often can have multiple features, including telephone switches or additional program options. Canal aids are able to handle multiple microphones to accommodate the user needs of reducing noise in adverse listening situations. Ongoing and consistent maintenance is needed to keep it clear of wax and debris.

Completely in the Canal (CIC)

A Completely In the Canal (CIC) hearing instrument is the most discreet style available. It is often unseen in the ear canal, except by the most curious observer. Even then it is not clear that it is a hearing device. It appears as more of a shadow because it tends to blend in more that the larger ITC devices. It is suitable for all levels of technology and can be fit to people with mild to moderately severe losses. It is not the best choice for people with manual dexterity problems or very poor vision. At present it cannot accommodate multiple microphones due to its small size. It is able to have noise reduction circuits that are built into the tiny shell. Ongoing and consistent maintenance is needed to keep it clear of wax and debris.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

A Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aid is a hearing aid enclosed in a small plastic cast that is worn around the back of the ear, with an ear mold attaching it to the bowl an canal of the ear. It is available in all levels of technology and can be used for all hearing levels including those from the mild to the severe and profound category. Often it is the best choice for children who need lots of flexibility and durability. Maintenance may be less than needed with some other styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs can help you understand some other features of hearing aids that may be of interest.

Although this question really depends on the frequency and duration of use, a larger batter tends to last longer. Small batteries may need to be replaced after one week of constant use, while larger batteries can last for 10 to 14 days. Of course, most hearing aid users do not use them constantly, so less frequent replacement may be possible. Newer hearing aids come equipped with a signal to let the user know when replacement is necessary.

Those who only have loss in one ear may wonder why it is necessary to wear two at once. A few of the following considerations can help you understand why two hearing aids can be better than one.

Better hearing in noise: Hearing in noise can be improved if the signal reaching each ear arrives at a slightly different moment in time. This time difference can help the brain process a speech signal more efficiently.
Improved ratio of signal-to-noise: This is related to the position of the ear in relation to the sound source. If you have a hearing aid in only your left ear and the person speaking to you is on your right side, much of the speech signal is lost by the time it gets to your aided ear. At the same time, the level of the noise in the room enters the aided ear at its normal volume level.
Improved localization: The brain uses the sound entering the ears from the right and left side of the head to determine the direction of the sound source. Having a hearing aid in one ear can alter this sense of direction and equilibrium. As each ear sends its signal to one hemisphere of the brain, the synergy of two working ears is greater than the sum of the individual ears.

Hearing aids are not immediately comfortable for many users, and some people will even feel overwhelmed by the new sounds they have not heard for so many years. Relearning takes place in the central auditory nervous system, and the brain needs some time to sort out this new information entering the ears. It may take several months to reap the full benefit of hearing aids, but most people know if they are comfortable within about a month. With this in mind, we offer a 30-day trial period that allows you time to adjust to your hearing aids and evaluate their benefit.

Some people are surprised at the high cost of hearing aids. One reason for the relatively high cost is that hearing aids are sold in relatively low volume (approximately 1.7 million hearing aids for some 30 million people with hearing loss). Another reason is the very high cost of research and development in hearing assistance technology. Warranties for loss and damage can raise the price of hearing aids, as well.

Audio Hearing Center partners with a number of different manufacturers to make sure you have the widest range of options available. We pride ourselves on evaluating each patient’s individual needs in order to customize the choice of hearing aids. Some hearing aid manufacturers are better for more advanced technology or specialized products, whereas others may offer a better value with limited functions.

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