Types of hearing aids

The hearing aid industry has made significant advancements in technology to assist individuals with hearing loss over the last several years. Benefits include improved listening in background noise, rechargeable batteries, and Bluetooth connectivity. Current hearing aids can stream to Bluetooth devices, including Android phones, iPhones and certain tablets. 

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What kind of hearing aid is right for me?

There are many types of hearing aids on the market, and the audiologists at Melosound have the expertise and experience to find the right one for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Your audiologist will work with you closely to determine the style and technology that is best for you.

The sizes and styles of hearing aids currently available include the following:

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Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

In order to fit traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids, custom ear molds are made to the shape of your ear. This mold fits into your ear, while the device wraps around the back of your ear. The device and earmold can come in different shapes and colors. 

Who is this right for?

People who have all types of hearing loss.

Pros

Cons

 

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)

Receiver-in-the-canal devices are a very popular choice for many patients. RIC hearing aids can be open-fit, meaning your ear canal is not entirely blocked and natural sound is able to enter your ear in addition to the amplification from the hearing aid. These devices come in a variety of shapes and colors. They are not custom-made and instead come in different sizes depending on the length and shape of your ear.

Who is this right for?

Typically, people with high frequency hearing loss.

Pros

Cons

In-the-Ear (ITE)

In-the-ear hearing aids are custom made to fill the bowl of your outer ear. Custom impressions are taken of both ears, which is used to make a custom hearing aid encased in a hard shell.

Who is this right for?

People with mild to severe hearing loss.

Pros

Con

In-the-Canal (ITC)

In-the-canal hearing aids are less visible than larger in-the-ear hearing aids. These hearing aids are custom made from impressions of your ear canal, so they fit discreetly down into the ear canal.  

Who is this right for?

People with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. 

Pros

Cons 

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are custom fit and are placed deeply into the ear canal, making them the least visible. There is typically a small handle or cord on the device to help remove it.

Who is this right for?

People with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

Pro

Cons


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