The Most Common Hearing Aid Styles

When it comes to choosing a hearing aid, it is important to consult with your hearing healthcare provider regarding which style of hearing aid may be suitable for your specific requirements. However, it can be helpful to have background knowledge of the various hearing aids available when entering into this discussion – so, below, we’ve listed the most common hearing aid styles and provided insight into the capabilities each can offer.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids

BTE hearing aids are arguably the most common form of hearing aid currently in existence. The style places all of the essential components of the hearing aid behind the ear, with a tube connecting to the primary device in order to deliver sound to the ear canal through the connected earmold.

BTE hearing aids particularly well known for their suitability for most forms of hearing loss, as well as their ease of use. Due to their larger size, BTE hearing aids are generally easier to handle and maintain, while also providing excellent battery life – a great choice if you wish to use your hearing aids for long periods.

The only possible downside of BTE hearing aids is that they are the largest of all hearing aid options. For some users, this conspicuousness is concerning, though this feeling may diminish over time.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

ITE hearing aids nestle inside the ear, covering almost all of the ear bowl or – with the smaller, half-shell styles – the entrance to the ear canal. Unlike BTE hearing aids, ITE varieties are completely contained within themselves, with no need for extra tubes.

Due to their medium size, ITE hearing aids are considered to be a viable option for those concerned with discreetness and power. They can be equipped with multiple features and handling is still comfortable for individuals with possible dexterity issues.

While ITE hearing aids can also be problematic in terms of maintenance – their proximity to the ear canal can result in earwax buildup and higher moisture levels – this is offset by good general ease of use, enhanced sound quality and higher comfort levels thanks to the customized design.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

ITC hearing aids are the smallest style available and within the ear canal. As a result, they have many of the same benefits as ITE devices: the sound quality is excellent and their custom design means that they are very comfortable to wear. Similarly, the same downsides are shared: the risk of higher moisture and wax build up.

There are a few small differences, however. On the plus side, ITC hearing aids are especially discreet due to their smaller size – even more so than ITE hearing aids. However, these can be difficult to care for and maintain if you have dexterity issues.

In order to ascertain which of the three hearing aid styles mentioned above, is suitable for you, it’s always best to speak with your hearing specialist for further, expert advice.