How to Find the Right Hearing Aids for Your Needs

To find the right hearing aids for your needs first you’ll need to learn about the different styles of hearing aids available. Let’s take a look at the various options on offer.

Completely-in-canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

Completely-in-canal hearing aid. As the name suggests, these styles are molded to fit directly inside the ear canal. These hearing aids are the least visible and smallest type of hearing aid. The great thing about these hearing aids is that they won’t filter through wind noise. CIC only need tiny batteries, meaning that the battery life is shorter than most other hearing devices. Usually, these hearing aids are recommended with people with mild or moderate hearing loss.

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

This type of hearing aid sits partly inside the ear, and partly outside. Like CIC, ITC hearing aids are popular due to their discrete style. ITC hearing aids are slightly bigger than CIC. This means that they have some extra features, whether that’s a directional microphone or volume adjustment. These are also suitable for moderate or mild hearing loss.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-the-ear hearing aids are custom made, there are two style options, half shell or full shell. Either type is appropriate for those with mild, moderate or severe hearing loss. These usually have volume controls and directional microphones. ITE can provide a longer battery life compared with both ITC and CIC. These styles are more visible and unlike smaller devices, they tend to pick up wind noise.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids 

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are positioned at the top of the ear, sitting just behind your ear. They work with a tube that connects the device to an ear mold, the earmold is designed to fit inside the ear. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are suitable for individuals with any level of hearing loss. These feature directional microphones and can often have more amplification compared to other types of hearing device. Most have rechargeable batteries. These styles are the most visible and least discrete.

How to Find the Right Hearing Aids for Your Needs?

To find the right hearing aid for your needs it’s best to make an appointment with your audiologist. Your audiologist will be able to provide support in the following ways:

• Give you a hearing test to assess your level and type of hearing loss.
• Investigate any underlying health conditions that may be causing your hearing loss.
• Provide advice on the best style to suit your lifestyle and hearing health.
• Answer any queries and concerns you have about hearing aids and their features.
• Order you a custom-fitted hearing aid that’s appropriate for your hearing loss.

The first step is to arrange an appointment with your audiologist. Perhaps you have a hearing aid but you’re not happy with the performance? Your audiologist will be able to help you to find a new device. To learn more, contact your local audiologist to make an appointment.