Finding the right hearing aid is only a small portion of the purchase decision. Beltone Hearing Care Centre helps patients find the right style to match their hearing needs and wants. Getting the right set of options matters, and your choice is just as impactful as the treatment.
Why Styles Matter
Hearing aids come in different shapes and sizes. The features on each device are sometimes locked behind the available style types. An invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing device is more likely to offer privacy and natural sound experiences, but may not be ideal for those with dexterity issues. While a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid will favour powerful features and ease of handling.
Styles matter since they are connected to the shape, size and available features of each hearing aid. Although brands will have all styles available, their flagship hearing aid models will have a range of options. This has to do with certain features being tied to the type of style it’s available in.
Style Types
There is no superior style when it comes to hearing aids. They all have their own sets of pros and cons, so the benefits they offer are up to personal taste. With the help of a RHIP, you’ll have a better understanding of how it affects your treatment plan.
In the ear (ITE)
Hearing aids worn in the ear are usually custom-fit, based on a cast or impression of the ear. They’re available in different skin tones to camouflage with the outer ear. There are several styles – each is listed below, ranging from smallest to largest.
Invisible in canal (IIC)
The smallest custom style, IIC instruments, sit invisibly in or past the second bend of the ear canal. IIC devices are specifically designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Completely in canal (CIC)
One of the smallest custom styles, CIC instruments, fit deeply and entirely within the ear canal. They fit mild-to-moderate hearing losses and offer high cosmetic appeal, as they’re nearly invisible when worn.
In the canal (ITC)
ITC instruments sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl, making them comfortable and easy to use. Because they’re slightly larger than CIC models, they have a longer battery life, and can host additional features such as directional microphones for better understanding in noisy environments, and controls such as volume controls. They fit mild and moderate hearing losses.
Full shell in the ear (ITE)
Full shell models sit flush within the entire ear bowl. Their size allows the maximum number of additional controls and features such as directional microphones, which require space on the outer portion of the instrument. They use a larger battery size than the smaller styles and can fit a larger receiver with enough power for even some severe hearing losses. Because of their flexibility, they’re widely recommended for mild-to-severe hearing loss.
Behind the ear
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models sit behind or on top of the outer ear, with tubing/wiring that routes sounds down into the ear that connects to an ear tip or earmold to secure them in the ear canal. BTEs come in a variety colors to blend with hair or skin tones, and even chrome colors, leopard print and other funky designs to suit personal styles. Different BTE sizes accommodate different features, controls, battery types and degrees of power (larger instruments generally have more power than smaller ones). While many people choose discreet BTEs that are unnoticeable when worn, others are tempted to show off the cool designs. There are several styles – each is listed below.
Mini BTE with slim tube and tip
Mini BTEs are designed to hide behind the outer ear and have ultra-thin tubing/wiring to discreetly route sound into the ear. The tubing/wiring connects to a soft tip that sits in the ear canal but doesn’t occlude it. The result is a natural, open feeling as airflow and sound enter the ear naturally around the tip, while amplified sound enters through the tip. This is known as “open fitting” and is recommended for mild-to-moderate high frequency losses.
Receiver in ear (RIC)
RIC models are mini BTEs that have the speaker of the instrument incorporated in the ear tip, instead of in the main body of the instrument. RIC instruments fit mild-to-severe hearing losses. This hearing aid style looks similar to the Mini BTE when worn on the ear.
BTE with Earmold
BTEs with earmolds fit mild through severe hearing losses. Their longer shape follows the contour behind the outer ear and can house many features, including a program button and volume control. The earmold color and style, as well as the wearer’s hairstyle, determine exactly how they’ll look on each person.