Choosing the right hearing aid is good for your hearing and comfort for your ear. Today, hearing aids come with advanced technology and the latest features. Hearing aids are essential for individuals who are facing hearing loss. So first you understand there are different hearing aid styles available that can help you find the perfect fit for your needs and lifestyle. At Meenakshi Speech and Hearing Clinic, we give information related to different hearing aid styles and fit for your ear. In this blog, we can explore the primary hearing aid style, focusing on in-the-ear hearing and behind-the-ear hearing aids, and provide a detailed overview to help you find the best hearing aid.

1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid: This hearing aid is most commonly used by people with hearing loss. A BTE hearing aid is worn over the ear and rests behind it, with a tube connecting the device to an ear mold or dome that fits inside the ear canal. It comes in various sizes, including the full shell, half shell, and canal styles. BTE hearing is appropriate for all people of all ages.

Feature

Size and Visibility: It is larger compared to other hearing aids, but it is customized to match your hair’s skin tone or colour, which is beneficial for a less noticeable look.

Power: It is suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, which is best for mild to severe hearing loss.

Battery Life: The BTE hearing aid is run for a longer period due to its large battery size compared to the smaller style.

Benefits

Comfort and Fit: The BTE hearing aid is designed for comfort and stability. The device behind the ear contains the main electronic components, while the earpiece or mold has a profound and precise fit.

Flexibility: It adapts a range of additional features and accessories, such as a remote control and FM system.

Durability: It is less affected by moisture and earwax compared to smaller models.

Advanced Features: Many BTE hearing aids come with advanced technologies such as Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, and directorial microphones.

Who Should Consider BTE Hearing Aids?

1. It is suitable for those who are facing hearing loss, mild to profound.
2. Those who prefer a more powerful device with a longer battery life.
3. People who want advanced function and technology.

1. In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids: In-ear hearing aids are custom-made to fit various inside the outer ear. They are less visible than the BTE model and come in various sizes, including full shell, half shell, and canal style. 

Features:

Size: The in-the-ear hearing aid is small, but it is visible in the ear but less conspicuous than BTEs.

Power: It is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.

Controls: Easy to handle due to their large size, making them user-friendly for those with dexterity issues.

Benefits:

Comfort: Its comfort fits in the ear and provides comfort for hearing.

Ease of Use: Its features are easier to manage and easily change the function according to your comfortable hearing. This hearing aid easily controls the volume, and a telecoil improves the sound quality.

Amplification: This can accommodate a range of hearing needs and includes additional features like directional microphones and telecoils.

Who Should Consider In-the-Ear Hearing Aids?

1. Those who prefer a more discreet hearing aid.
2. It is good for those who are suffering from hearing loss, which is mild to moderate hearing loss.
3. People seeking a custom-fit device with practical features. 

Other hearing aid types:

• In-the-Canal (ITC): These hearing aids fit partially in the ear canal and are less visible than ITE styles. This is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, and it strikes a balance between discreteness and functionality. 

• Completely in the canal (CIC): CIC hearing aids are the smallest. It easily fit inside the ear canal. They are highly discreet, but features are limited, and battery life is also less. The sound comes very naturally due to inside the ear. They are almost invisible when worn, making them ideal for users concerned with appearance.

• Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids: RIC hearing aids are a variation of BTE models where the receiver is placed inside the ear canal with a thin wire connected. They are a blend of the advantages of BTE and ITE styles, providing good sound quality while maintaining a discreet appearance. The battery of this hearing aid is very good because it is separated from the receiver and the main unit. It is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. The sound quality provides generally better and less occlusion.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid

When you choose the right hearing aid, first you check these points, which I share with you below:

• Hearing Loss Severity: BTE hearing aids are more suitable for severe hearing loss, while in-the-ear models are typically for mild to moderate loss.

• Discreetness: The appearance factor, it’s significant, but an in-the-ear hearing aid may be preferred more due to being less visible.

• Comfort and Fit: Firstly, you check the hearing aids that are more comfortable for your ear and use for a long time.

• Features and Accessories: Get the knowledge about features that are more suitable for you, and hearing aids come with advanced functional, easy-to-use, and sound quality and noise reduction is there. Lastly, also check accessories such as directional microphones, telecoils, or wireless connectivity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right hearing aid involves considering various factors, such as hearing loss severity, comfort, aesthetics, and technological features. Behind-the-ear and in-the-ear are both different hearing aids, but understanding these points can help you make the right decision. At Meenakshi Speech and Hearing Clinic, our expert audiologist is here to guide you through the selection process and ensure you find the best and perfect hearing aid that suits your needs.

If you have any questions and need personalized advice, don’t hesitate. To book an appointment today through the website or call us if you are anywhere in north India or central Delhi.