The Pros & Cons of Different Hearing Aid Types 

The Pros & Cons of Different Hearing Aid Types 

In Hearing Aids, Hearing Health by Dr. Jason Leyendecker

Dr. Jason Leyendecker
Latest posts by Dr. Jason Leyendecker (see all)

Intervening in hearing loss can significantly affect your quality of life. People with undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss tend to have much higher rates of depression, anxiety, and feelings of isolation. Once you’ve decided to take the critical step towards a fuller and easier life with hearing devices, making an appointment with your audiologist is the best next step. Don’t get fooled by the latest gadgetry or the best sale offer. Different types of hearing loss require different capabilities in a hearing aid, and among the myriad of options, there’s sure to be one that is the best fit for your life. 

Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Composed of a custom earmold connected to the hearing aid unit with a small plastic tube behind the ear, hearing devices will work for hearing loss that is mild to profound. They’re great for first-timers. They’re larger, for one, which makes them much easier to adjust and operate. They also tend to last longer than the smaller devices on the market, so behind-the-ear hearing devices are for you if longevity is a significant concern. These models can accommodate a directional microphone and offer volume control. Behind-the-ear hearing devices are ideal for people with smaller or hard-to-fit ear canals.

BTE hearing devices can make phone use awkward, but that is less of a concern now that Bluetooth technology so seamlessly integrates with your smartphone. You might, however, want to avoid these types of hearing devices if subtlety is what you’re after. They are a more prominent option, and those same attributes that make them accessible also make them visible. 

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

The RIC hearing aid houses the microphone and amplifier, which is then connected via wires to either an earbud or custom mold receiver that sits in the ear canal. These are a frequent choice for people who want their hearing aid to be undetected. Their sleek design and minimal size make for a very subtle product. They also tend to have an excellent sound performance of all available options and are less likely to have feedback problems.

However, choosing a receiver in a canal model might lead to a future that includes many repairs. Because the receiver sits in the ear canal, it is more vulnerable to moisture.

In-the-ear (ITC) Hearing Aids

These hearing devices contain the entire mechanics of the hearing aid in one custom-made unit that sits in the ear. They are straightforward to insert and have a lower price point. However, they’re not the most exciting design style and are fairly conspicuous as far as hearing devices go. 

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

These tiny wonders are remarkable in that they deliver excellent sound quality, all while hiding within the ear canal. Part of this genius design is the human body: the outer ear acts as a funnel to aid sound amplification and location. CIC hearing devices are very discreet. 

Technological advances in hearing devices have resulted in immense amounts of power and capability in even the smallest devices. However, some features might not be available in all CIC hearing devices. Because they sit within the ear canal, they are also more susceptible to moisture damage.

Invisible-in-the-canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

They are a popular choice because they are nearly invisible; these are the most discreet hearing devices available to users. They are small enough to fit deeply within the ear canal, placing them next to the eardrum for easy sound delivery. This exact placement of the invisible in canal option, right up next to the eardrum, is an easy sound delivery system for users to adjust to. Using the eardrum as an amplifier more closely mimics natural sound. The minuscule design also allows sound and air to continue moving through the ear canal, so they’re incredibly comfortable. 

These hearing devices aren’t an option for everyone. They don’t treat significant hearing loss and perform best when hearing loss is mild. They don’t have the space to house more intelligent technology or more than one microphone, so sound sort of enters the device from all around instead of multi-directionally. 

Talk options with our team

The perfect hearing devices for you will be entirely different from the next person. Our team will best be able to evaluate your unique hearing loss, lifestyle, and the most compatible option for your needs. Schedule an appointment with us today!