If you find yourself in need of hearing aids, there are many different styles to choose from to suit your unique hearing needs, as well as your cosmetic and lifestyle preferences. At Dunn Audiology, our audiologists can take you through a comprehensive hearing evaluation and provide recommendations on the most ideal hearing aid style for you.
Types of Hearing Aids
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids
In-the-ear hearing aids are custom fit by an audiologist using an ear impression to perfectly match your unique ear canal shape, and are produced in skin tone colours to provide a discreet hearing aid solution. In-the-ear hearing aids are most ideal for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
In comparison, BTE hearing aids sit behind / on top of the outer ear. This style of hearing aid uses tubing to route sound down into the ear canal to an earmold, to amplify hearing. They can be made to match skin/hair tones, or there even unique colours to make a fashion statement! Behind-the-ear hearing aids are most ideal for patients with moderate to profound hearing loss.
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) hearing aids
RIC hearing aids also sit behind / on top of the outer ear, but are generally smaller in size compared the BTE hearing aids. These are made in a variety of colours, as well. There is a very thin wire (almost invisible) that connects the part behind the ear to a “speaker” that sits in the ear canal. Often there is a dome on the speaker, allowing for the ear canal to remain mostly open, preventing a “plugged up” feeling when wearing the hearing aids. Receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids are most ideal for patients with mild to severe hearing loss.
Invisible in the canal (IIC), Completely in the canal (CIC) or In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are also excellent options. These styles are custom fit using ear impressions like ITE hearing aids, but are smaller in size.
What Hearing Aid is Right For You?
There is no “one size fits all” approach to matching you with a hearing aid style. Our experienced audiologists consider a number of factors to determine which hearing style would be most beneficial for you. Hearing aids can be rechargeable, even have Bluetooth connectivity. The first step in the process is scheduling a hearing evaluation at Dunn Audiology to get closer to a personalized hearing healthcare plan. Contact us today!