Choosing a Hearing Aid: Your Guide to Styles and Technology
- marcouxtanya
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Choosing a hearing aid can feel like a big decision. With so many options available, how do you know where to start? Fortunately, the decision can be broken down into two main parts: choosing a style and selecting a level of technology. Your audiologist is there to guide you through the entire process.
Styles of Hearing Aids
The style you choose depends on your aesthetic preferences and your specific hearing loss. Individuals with a milder hearing loss will have more options, while someone with a more profound hearing loss may be more limited since they need a hearing aid that can deliver a lot of power.
There are two main categories of hearing aids based on where they are worn:
In-the-Ear (ITE): These hearing aids are custom-made to fit the unique shape of your ear. They can range from very small, completely-in-the-canal (CIC) models to larger ones that fill the bowl of the ear. ITE hearing aids are appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss.
CIC Hearing Aid Behind-the-Ear (BTE): These sit behind the ear and connect to a piece in the ear canal via a tube or wire. They are appropriate for mild to profound hearing loss and come in a variety of sizes. Within the BTE category, you'll find:
Classic BTE: These use a tube that connects to a custom earmold. They are often used for hearing losses that require more power.
Open-Fit BTE: An ideal option for those who don't need as much power. Their small domes don’t occlude the ear canal, which offers more comfort.
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC): These have part of the electronics behind the ear and the receiver directly in the ear canal, which offers excellent sound quality and flexibility.
RIC Hearing Aid
Your audiologist will help you find a style that works best for your hearing loss, preferences, and the shape of your ear.
Levels of Technology
The level of technology inside a hearing aid is what dictates its performance. The right level for you depends on your lifestyle, hearing loss, and budget.
Every manufacturer offers a range of technology levels for most of their products, from basic to top-of-the-line. While all hearing aids amplify sound, the difference in technology becomes most apparent in challenging listening situations, like noisy restaurants or large gatherings. More advanced hearing aids have specialized features that perform better in these environments and offer superior sound quality.
The cost will vary with the level of technology. While the most advanced hearing aids offer the best performance, they may not be necessary if you have a quiet lifestyle and are rarely in noisy environments. Your audiologist will guide you in determining the right balance for you.
Ready to Learn More?
With so many choices available, finding the right hearing aid can feel like a challenge. We are here to help you navigate the styles and technology and find a solution that's perfect for your unique hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget.
