Guide to Hearing Aid Styles

Today's hearing aids come in a wide selection of styles to match the hearing needs and lifestyle of people of all ages. Whether you need a powerful hearing aid to help you hear in places with a lot of background noise or a sleek device that can make hearing on the phone a breeze, there's a style for everyone that can be tailored to match your unique hearing profile and budget.

Choosing the Perfect Hearing Aid

When it comes to choosing the perfect hearing aid, there are a few things to take into account. Some hearing aids are very small, and if you have severe hearing loss, these small devices might not have the space for a large enough battery to provide enough power to match your hearing loss. You'll also need to consider what programs and settings you want, such as connectivity features, or T-coil technology, and think about your budget.

Digital hearing aids can be entry level or premium, and the level you select will determine the price, as well as the programs and features your device will be capable or running. Another thing to consider when choosing a style is manual dexterity. Some devices can be manually adjusted using a small button on the device, and others are completely automated, sensing changes in the listening environment, and automatically changing programs and settings, and adjusting the volume.

Before coming in for your first appointment, think about where you struggle the most to hear, and we'll recommend the style that will suit you best, along with the programs that will help you hear.

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Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids come in all shapes and sizes, and at Palm Beach Hearing Associates, you'll find a wide selection of our favorite styles, from sleek devices that nestle behind the ear to hearing aids that are nearly impossible to spot.

behind the ear hearing aid

Behind the Ear Hearing Aid

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) devices are extremely popular for every level of hearing loss. At the name suggests, all the components of the hearing aid sit behind the ear, and a small, clear tubing runs from the device to the ear canal, directing the sound into your ears. These devices match your skin tone, but if you want to make a statement, you can order a BTE device in a vibrant color to match your personality and style.

Some BTE styles have an earmold in the ear, and the thin tubing connects the hearing aids to a custom earmold that sits in the ear. The earmold can provide better sound quality for those with low frequency hearing loss, and can reduce feedback.

RIC device

Receiver in Canal Hearing Aid

Another popular style is Receiver-in-Canal (RIC). Part of the device is behind the ear, and is connected by a thin wire to the receiver, which sits inside the ear canal. These are a great style for anyone with mild to severe hearing loss, and can house all the programs and features you love.

in the ear aid

In the Ear Hearing Aid

In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids house all the components of the hearing aid in the outer ear. These custom fit devices perfectly match the contours of your outer ear, and provide a great seal again feedback or whistling. They're large enough to house a powerful battery, and are great for those with mild to severe hearing loss since they can accommodate higher power demands as well as a range of advanced programs.

in the canal

In the Canal Hearing Aid

In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids fit inside the ear canal, and the lower half of the outer ear. They're comfortable to wear, and have an average battery life. They have controls on the case that allow you to change between settings and adjust the volume.

completely in the canal

Completely In the Canal Hearing Aid

Sitting in the canal and leaving the outer ear empty, Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are very small, and are great for anyone with mild to moderate hearing loss.

IIC

Invisible In Canal Hearing Aid

Invisible-In-the-Canal (IIC) devices are so small they're invisible. They sit far within the canal, and no one will notice there's anything in your ear. They leave the entire ear and ear canal open, and provide natural sound and a range of advanced programs and features. IIC devices are recommended for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.