If you have started to experience hearing loss symptoms that make everyday life difficult, there is an option that can help you immensely. A hearing aid is a device that can improve your hearing, but there are several different options available. To get an idea of which option can best help you, here’s a guide to the different hearing aid styles.
Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aids
Best for: moderate to severe hearing loss
A BTE hearing aid is the most common and largest style you will find. The electronic parts reside in the case of a BTE hearing aid, which connects to the ear with either a slim tube or a customized ear mold that fits inside the outer ear. The larger electronic casing fits behind the user’s ear.
Canal Hearing Aids
Best for: mild to moderate hearing loss
Another type of available hearing aid style is one that can fit right inside the ear canal. You will need to get this hearing aid customized so it can fit perfectly in your ear. It’s a great option for those who want to conceal their hearing aid.
In-The-Ear Hearing Aids
Best for: mild to severe hearing loss
ITE hearing aids are also a highly customizable choice, and you have the option to get one that is a full-shell or a half-shell. An in-the-ear hearing aid can be easier to handle compared to other styles and usually comes with volume control, a longer battery life, and can be more visible than other hearing aids.
Receiver-In-The-Ear Hearing Aids
Best for: mild to moderate hearing loss
The final device on our guide to the different hearing aid styles is a receiver-in-the-ear-hearing aid. This option bears a resemblance to a behind-the-ear hearing aid but features a tiny wire instead of a tube. RIC devices are less prone to ear wax, which could clog the speaker, and aren’t as visible as a behind-the-ear hearing aid.
If are in need of a hearing aid, the best thing you can do is visit an audiologist. Visit a Cypress ENT or one of our other Allergy and ENT specialists in the Houston area to find the right hearing aid device for your needs.
