About Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are one of the most popular styles, known for their durability and versatility. These devices sit comfortably behind the outer ear and are connected to the ear canal via a thin tube. BTE hearing aids are suitable for individuals with a wide range of hearing loss, including those with profound hearing loss. While larger BTE models provide additional power and features, mini BTEs offer a more discreet option without sacrificing performance.

Types of BTE Hearing Aids

• Closed Fit
  These hearing aids use a fitted ear mould that fills the outer ear. Although they are larger than open fit hearing aids, closed fit BTEs are easier to handle because they seal the auditory canal, which minimises the whistling sometimes experienced by hearing aid wearers.
• Open Fit
  These contain a thin plastic micro tube that extends over the outer ear and into the ear canal. In addition to being small and cosmetically appealing, the open fit tube avoids the "stopped up" feeling of in-the-ear hearing aids.

Structure of a BTE Hearing Aid

All hearing aids have the same main components. A behind-the-ear hearing aid is made up of the following parts:

• A microphone picks up sounds and converts them into electrical signals
• An amplifier increases the volume of the microphone signals
• A loudspeaker converts electrical signals into acoustic signals
• A speech processor adjusts the signals to your individual hearing needs and filters out irrelevant sounds
• A volume control with buttons on the hearing aid
• An ear hook connects the hearing aid and the sound tube
• The audio input picks up signals from other external devices (audio shoe required)
• A disposable or rechargeable battery: disposable batteries need to be changed regularly; rechargeable batteries mean you need to charge your hearing aids regularly. They’ll last for up to 24 hours with one charge.

Other Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

• Micro-behind-the-ear models
  These hearing aids are smaller than normal BTE models and suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They can be worn comfortably behind the ear and come in a wide range of colours, shapes, and styles.
• External receiver model (receiver-in-canal, or RIC)
  The smallest behind-the-ear models are equipped with external receivers and usually also offer wireless functions.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are designed to fit snugly within the ear canal, providing a discreet and comfortable hearing solution. The hearing aid housing sits in the ear canal, thus only filling half of the ear.

As the name implies, in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids fit in the ear canal. They are slightly larger and extend a little farther out than completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids. However, due to their slightly larger size, in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids can fit more features than CICs. Like CICs and ITEs, ITC hearing aids are custom fit for your ear. They fit slightly farther out than CIC hearing aids and are partially visible. Wearers may choose from a variety of flesh-toned casings, making them difficult to notice.

Summary

• More discrete than a ITE
• Cuts down on feedback due to placement
• Wireless connectivity with additional accessories

Advantages of ITC Hearing Aids

• Discreet and Comfortable: ITC hearing aids are custom-made to fit inside the ear canal, offering a low-profile, comfortable solution for those who prioritize aesthetics and comfort.

• Rechargeable Options: Many ITC hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries, reducing the need for frequent battery replacements and providing long-lasting power.

• Reduces Feedback: The placement of ITC devices inside the ear canal helps minimize feedback, a common issue with some hearing aids.

• Stay in Place: ITC hearing aids are designed to fit securely in the ear canal, reducing the likelihood of them slipping out during daily activities.

Disadvantages of ITC Hearing Aids

• Higher Repair Costs: Due to their small size and custom fit, ITC hearing aids may come with higher repair costs if damaged.

• Prone to Moisture and Earwax Build-Up: Because ITC devices sit in the ear canal, they are more susceptible to moisture and earwax accumulation, which can impact performance.

• Fewer Features Than Larger Models: While ITC hearing aids offer excellent sound quality, they generally have fewer advanced features compared to larger hearing aid styles like Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are designed to fill the entire bowl of the ear, offering more space to accommodate advanced features that improve hearing quality.
ITE hearing aids are a good option if you want an easy-to-handle device. The traditional ITE hearing aid comes in different sizes and are typically worn fully inside the ear or ear canal. These types of hearing aids can house many electronic features within one single case, providing room for more features including a telecoil, multiple directional microphones and more.

All the components are located inside a small shell. Volume can be adjusted and programs can be selected by remote control. Many models can be connected wirelessly to electronic devices such as mobile phones and TV sets (additional accessories are required).

Summary

• More discreet than behind-the-ear options
• Convenient for people who wear glasses
• More comfortable to wear than other ITE models

Advantages of ITE Hearing Aids

• Convenient Controls: ITE hearing aids feature easy-to-use controls, making adjustments simple for users.

• Larger Battery: Due to their larger size, ITE devices can accommodate bigger, longer-lasting batteries, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

• More Features: The extra space in ITE hearing aids allows for additional features, such as Bluetooth compatibility and volume control, offering a more personalized hearing experience.

• Easy to Handle: ITE hearing aids are easy to insert, adjust, and manage, making them a great option for users with limited dexterity.

Disadvantages of ITE Hearing Aids

• Somewhat Conspicuous: ITE hearing aids are more visible than smaller models like CIC or ITC hearing aids, which may be a concern for users seeking a discreet option.
• "Plugged-Up" Feeling: Some users may experience a feeling of ear congestion, as ITE hearing aids fill the entire ear bowl, which can cause discomfort in some cases.
• Susceptibility to Moisture and Earwax: ITE hearing aids are more prone to moisture and earwax build-up, which can affect performance and may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.
• Higher Repair Costs: Due to their larger and more complex design, ITE hearing aids may come with higher repair costs compared to smaller hearing aid styles.

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are designed for those who prefer a discreet hearing solution. This used to be the smallest model, the CIC offers the ultimate in discretion and typically have a nylon strand to help the removal from the ear.

CIC hearing aids are perfect if you lead an active lifestyle—or if you want a hearing aid that’s virtually invisible to others. CICs are placed directly into the ear canal, making them one of the most discreet devices on the market. Because of their smaller size, they may not have as many advanced features as other, larger models.

These one-piece hearing aids are custom moulded to your ear canal. A small speaker rests on the back of the aid, while the microphone and battery door is on its face.

Summary

• Very discreet and light weight
• Custom fit to your ear and canal
• Due to it's small size its features can be restricted

Advantages of CIC Hearing Aids

• Discreet and Invisible: CIC hearing aids are incredibly small and fit deep inside the ear canal, making them one of the most discreet hearing aid options available.

• Natural Hearing Experience: The microphone’s placement close to the eardrum allows for a more natural hearing experience, as it picks up sound directly from the ear canal.

• Ideal for Phone Calls: CIC hearing aids offer natural phone placement when answering calls, providing clear sound quality without interference.

• Secure Fit: These hearing aids stay securely in place within the ear canal, reducing the likelihood of slipping out during daily activities.

Disadvantages of CIC Hearing Aids

• Short Battery Life: Due to their compact size, CIC hearing aids use smaller batteries, which typically have a shorter lifespan compared to larger models.

• Not Suitable for Those with Vision or Dexterity Issues: The small size of CIC devices can make them difficult to handle for individuals with vision or dexterity challenges.

• Susceptible to Moisture and Earwax Build-Up: The location of the device within the ear canal makes CIC hearing aids more prone to moisture and earwax accumulation, which can affect their performance.

• Fewer Features Than Larger Models: CIC hearing aids generally offer fewer features compared to larger hearing aid styles like ITE or BTE devices.

• Not Suitable for Smaller Ear Canals: CIC hearing aids may not be a good fit for individuals with very small ear canals, as they require a specific ear shape for proper insertion.

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids are designed to sit deeply within the ear canal, making them virtually invisible when worn. These hearing aids are an excellent choice for individuals seeking the most discreet solution, particularly those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Because of their compact size and hidden placement, IIC hearing aids provide a sleek, low-profile hearing solution without sacrificing performance.

Advantages of IIC Hearing Aids

• Extremely Discreet: IIC hearing aids are the least noticeable hearing aid option, as they fit deep inside the ear canal, making them virtually invisible to others.

• Natural Sound Localization: The deep placement of IIC hearing aids enhances natural sound localization, allowing users to perceive sounds more naturally, especially when identifying the direction of sounds.

• Comfortable and Secure Fit: Since IIC hearing aids sit deep in the ear canal, they remain securely in place, providing comfort and stability throughout the day.

Disadvantages of IIC Hearing Aids

• Short Battery Life: Due to their small size, IIC hearing aids use tiny batteries, which typically have a shorter battery life compared to larger models.

• Limited Features and Power: IIC hearing aids are not suitable for severe hearing loss, as they have fewer features and less amplification power than larger hearing aid styles like BTE or ITE.

• More Susceptible to Earwax Buildup and Pressure: The placement of IIC hearing aids deep in the ear canal makes them more vulnerable to wax buildup and pressure, which can affect performance and comfort.

Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids are similar to open fit BTEs but offer a more discreet design in terms of size and visibility. RICs are a type of open-fit hearing aid that uses a thin plastic “micro” tube that extends from the body of the hearing aid (housed behind the ear) over the outer ear and into the ear canal. A small, soft tip sits inside the ear canal without sealing it. This way, air and sound can continue to flow to the ear canal naturally.

RIC hearing aids—also referred to as receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or canal receiver technology (CRT)—are smaller than standard BTE models, but are easy to manoeuver and can still house a variety of features. Like standard BTEs, they can be worn comfortably behind the ear. However, unlike regular BTE hearing aids, the RIC’s loudspeaker is located outside the housing and positioned at the end of a thin ear wire, placed near the eardrum. Since generated sound only has to travel a very short distance with lower transmission loss, less sound energy (and battery power) is required to produce a superior listening experience.

Advantages of RIC Hearing Aids

• Suitable for All Levels of Hearing Loss: RIC hearing aids are versatile, offering effective amplification for mild to profound hearing loss, making them a great choice for a wide range of users.

• Less “Blocked-Up” Feeling: Unlike some other hearing aid styles, RIC devices provide a more open fit, reducing the feeling of fullness or occlusion in the ear canal.

• Natural Sound Quality: The receiver's placement inside the ear canal enhances sound quality, providing a more natural listening experience, especially in challenging environments.

• Discreet and Comfortable: RIC hearing aids are smaller and less visible than traditional BTE models, offering a sleek, discreet appearance without sacrificing performance.

Disadvantages of RIC Hearing Aids

• Sensitive to Wind: The microphone of RIC hearing aids, positioned behind the ear, can pick up wind noise, which may affect sound quality in windy conditions.

• Receiver Wires are Expensive to Replace: While the slim receiver wire offers a discreet design, it can be costly to replace if damaged, leading to additional maintenance costs.