Types of Hearing Aids

There are several types of hearing aids: behind-the-ear, receiver-in-canal, in-the-ear, in-the-canal, completely-in-canal and extended-wear. The right type depends on your hearing loss, your ear, how well you handle small parts, and the features you want. Your audiologist helps you choose after a hearing test. Call our Harrison office at (914) 949-0034 or our Somers office at (914) 556-6720 to book.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

A BTE hearing aid hooks over the top of the ear and rests behind it. Many models send sound through a tube to a custom earmold in the ear canal. The Mayo Clinic says BTE aids suit almost any hearing loss and all ages, and can give the most volume. Newer models are smaller and hard to see when worn. They can pick up more wind noise.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids

A RIC hearing aid, also called receiver-in-the-ear, works like a BTE. The speaker sits in the ear canal and connects to the part behind the ear by a thin wire. The Mayo Clinic says RIC aids are usually harder to see than BTE aids. Earwax can clog the speaker. Some RIC models are rechargeable and connect to a phone.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

An ITE hearing aid is made to fit the outer ear. It comes as a full shell or a half shell. The Mayo Clinic says ITE aids help mild to more serious hearing loss. They have room for features such as volume control and directional microphones, and a larger battery. They are easier for others to see, and can pick up more wind noise.

In-the-canal and completely-in-canal hearing aids

An in-the-canal (ITC) aid fits partly in the ear canal. A completely-in-canal (CIC) aid is the smallest type. The Mayo Clinic says both are for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults, and are harder for others to see. They have smaller batteries, fewer features, and controls that can be hard to handle. Earwax can clog the speaker.

Extended-wear and invisible hearing aids

Some hearing aids sit deep in the ear canal and stay in for months at a time. Lyric is one example. These do not suit every ear. Read our page on Lyric hearing aids in Westchester and our guide to invisible hearing aids.

How to choose a type of hearing aid

Four things matter most. The first is your hearing loss: a larger device can give more power. The second is your ear, because the canal size and shape decide what fits. The third is handling: small devices need steady fingers and good vision. The fourth is features, such as rechargeable batteries, phone connection and directional microphones. A hearing test and an ear exam show what is possible for you.

The Advantages of Wireless Hearing Aids

If you would like the ability to pair your hearing aids directly with your smartphone or TV, wireless hearing aids may be the solution you want. Audiology Associates of Westchester can help you find wireless hearing aids and program them to suit you.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive Listening Devices - (ALDs) If you’re in an area with a lot of noise, ALDs can strengthen the sounds you actually wish to hear. They can also be used in conjunction with hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices - (AAC) These enable you to express yourself if you have a communication disorder.

Alerting Devices – These can send an alert from your doorbell, phone, or alarm directly to your hearing device.

Infrared Systems: These use a signal that can’t penetrate walls, which means they are ideal in classrooms, movie theaters, and rooms where private information is being discussed.

Personal Amplifiers: These can be used when watching TV or outside. They are usually used when any of the aforementioned systems aren’t available.