Hearing aids are essentially designed to capture sounds from the environment and amplify them in order to help people with hearing problems hear better. Hearing loss can be mild, moderate, or severe. Based on the intensity of the problem, hearing aids are designed to artificially amplify sound. That said, how does one choose a device that can restore hearing abilities with minimal discomfort? We’ve narrowed the list down to some of the common types of hearing aids and devices:
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid
Recommended to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, a CIC hearing aid is designed in a way that it goes completely inside the ear canal. There are a number of benefits of using this device. It is the smallest of the commonly used types, and is almost invisible, unless someone looks closely. The wearer can place these devices deep within and it is simple to remove after use—you simply need to tug at a string attached to the receiver. But due to its small size, there are no dedicated volume controls or program buttons on the device. Another variant of the CIC hearing aid is the invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid, an even more discreet and compact hearing device that is best suited for those with mild to moderate loss.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid
BTE hearing aids are completely visible when worn, but are a much better option to consider in terms of functionality. The earpiece is connected to a small transparent tube that goes behind the ear, and is attached to the main power and sound unit. With BTE aids, you get the flexibility of adjusting the volume conveniently, setting up hearing preferences, and even configuring wireless connectivity. The ear mold can be easily replaced if damaged. The device is also versatile, in that it is suitable for people with different intensities of hearing loss. It is also less prone to moisture damage. BTE hearing aids are also suitable for children, owing to the flexibility of their design and programming.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid
Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids are not so discreet, and are slightly visible, as compared to the CIC and IIC variants. They are suggested to people with moderate to severe hearing loss. The tip of the device sits comfortably inside the ear canal, and is connected to the receiver, which rests behind the ear, through a transparent tube. RIC hearing aids are equipped with directional microphones to catch sound more efficiently, and have options for volume and basic device control. Some brands may also provide you with rechargeable batteries for the device. However, one of the drawbacks of this type of hearing aid is that the receiver can be damaged quickly if ear wax continues to accumulate inside the device.
Open-fit hearing aid
These devices have been gaining popularity of late, and are available as a variation of CIC, RIC, and BTE versions. Custom fitting and compatibility are two of the major advantages of open-fit hearing devices. These aids allow wearers with mild hearing loss to naturally listen to low-frequency sounds, by keeping the ear canal open. At the same time, high-frequency sounds are artificially amplified by the device to balance the volume and improve the wearer’s hearing ability. Therefore, you get the best of both worlds with open-fit hearing aids.
It should be noted that the above list is not an exhaustive one; there are many more types and sub-types of hearing aids. Also, before buying a hearing aid, it is important to consult an audiologist, who may advise you on one that best suits your needs.
