Hearing Aids Overview
Progress on hearing aids has skyrocketed in recent decades. Today's hearing aids are filled with innovative functionality and help the user hear better than ever – all in smaller and more discreet packages. Going online, you can find out a great deal about the many kinds of hearing aids. This searching can quickly become daunting with the more you learn. That is why we have developed this guide to understand the hearing aids and their features better.
Hearing Aid Types
Hearing aid makers are usually clear with how they classify "styles" of hearing aids. To make it simpler, manufacturers classify the types of hearing aids with three or four-letter acronyms.
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)
The most discreet choice on the market. These hearing aids fit into your ear canal and make them entirely or almost entirely invisible.
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
Like IIC models, CIC hearing aids are designed to fit deep into the wearer's ear channel. These hearing aids are very discreet, but a small tab is visible that removes the hearing aid.
In-The-Canal (ITC) and In-The-Ear (ITE)
These types are very similar to each other. They fit in the outer ear, instead of inside the ear canal. In-The-Ear (ITE) types appear to take up more space in the outer ear, making them slightly more noticeable.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
With this style, the device is nestled behind the outer ear. This device is connected by a thin and very discreet metal wire to a custom earbud that sits in your ear canal. They tend to have a broader range of features and a longer battery life than the smaller models.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
This style is somewhat similar to the RIC. The main difference is that BTE hearing aids use a plastic tube to connect the outer shell to the ear canal, rather than a thin metal cable. Because of this, BTE types seem to appear less discreet, but more than make up for it with features, battery life, and cater to the broadest range of hearing losses.
Hearing Aid Features
Along with choosing hearing aids, it's also essential to explore the features that excite you most and suit your lifestyle and hearing profile best. Here are some of the most exciting new hearing aid features.
Direct Bluetooth Connectivity
With Bluetooth technology, hearing aids help people of all ages remain connected to their smart devices, such as phones, tablets, and televisions, to name a few. Back in the day, while listening to music when at the gym, people who are hard of hearing had to remove their hearing aids to use their earbuds to listen to music.
Many hearing aids can connect personal electronic devices and transmit signals directly to their hearing aids, thanks to direct Bluetooth technology being incorporated into modern hearing aids! These do not require a streamer and can connect directly to the smart device, making streaming your favorite shows more convenient than ever.
Lithium-ion Rechargeable Batteries
Are you tired of replacing hearing aid batteries? New, rechargeable hearing aids are becoming increasingly common-and for good reasons.
Rechargeables are more energy-efficient, more environmentally friendly, easier for people with dexterity problems to manage, safer for working in colder climates, and easier on your pocket. All you have to do is put your hearing aids in the charging station when you go to bed, and when you wake up in the morning, they'll be ready for use.
For most people, your nightly charging will give you enough energy to last the whole day, and you'll never have to mess around again with those tiny batteries.
These are only a few of the many hearing features available on the market at present. We look forward to helping you find hearing aids that best fit your hearing profile, lifestyle, and budget.
Have Questions?
Whether you’re deciding which hearing aid model is best for you or you want to learn more about the benefits of hearing treatment, we’re here to help!