Aging Gracefully and with Great Health

Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Aids

8 October 2015 by For Content

If you need to get a hearing aid, then you have quite a few options to choose from. To help make your choices a bit clearer, here is a breakdown of the different types of hearing aids:

Behind the Ear—BTE hearing aids are the bulkiest and most visible type of hearing aid. These units usually hook over the top of the ear, which means that they are visible from behind the ear, the side of the ear, and the front of the ear. If you do get a BTE unit, then you will also have a pretty easy time removing and cleaning the hearing aid. Ultimately, a BTE unit is a good choice if you are comfortable with everyone seeing your hearing aid or if you are particularly concerned with comfort.

On the Ear—OTE units are similar to BTEs, but are just a little smaller. They are a bit easier to conceal, which can be a huge benefit if you are intent on having a hearing aid that isn't too visible. Like BTEs, they are also very easy to remove and clean. If wearing a hearing aid makes you uncomfortable, then you may want a hearing aid that can be easily removed at a moment's notice.

In the Ear—If you don't want to get a hearing aid that rests on the outside of your ear, then an ITE aid is your next option. ITE aids rest inside the ear, but are still visible if you are looking at them from a certain angle. Specifically, if you look directly at an ear that has an ITE aid in it, you will easily see the hearing aid. On the other hand, if you are looking at the ear from either behind or in front of the head, you probably won't notice the aid at all.

In the Canal—Even further in the ear is the ITC aid, which is harder to remove. If you are incredibly worried about having a visible hearing aid, then an ITC hearing aid may be for you. However, an ITC aid can actually be seen if someone is really looking for it. If you want an option that is even harder to see, then you might want to consider a completely in the canal (CITC) aid, which is practically impossible to see. Of course, that also means that CITC aids are very hard to remove and might be uncomfortable for your ears.

For more information about hearing aid devices, contact a professional manufacturer or distributor.

 

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