Discover the Right Hearing Aid for You: Styles & Technology at New Jersey Eye and Ear

Exploring Hearing Aid Styles

Choosing the right hearing aid is a significant step toward improving your hearing health and quality of life. The style of the hearing aid you select depends on several factors, including the type and degree of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your cosmetic preferences. Here is a detailed guide to the most common hearing aid styles and their features.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids sit comfortably behind the outer ear. A plastic tube connects the device to an earpiece that fits inside the ear canal. This style is known for its durability, power, and versatility. It is an excellent choice for a wide range of hearing needs.

Key Features:

Powerful: Can accommodate a full range of hearing loss, from mild to profound.
Easy to Handle: Larger size makes controls and batteries easy to manage, especially for those with dexterity issues.
Rechargeable Options: Many modern BTEs come with convenient rechargeable batteries.
Connectivity: Often include advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio directly from smartphones and other devices.

Best Suited For: Individuals of all ages, especially children, and those with severe to profound hearing loss.

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)

RIC hearing aids are one of the most popular styles today, offering a perfect balance of performance and aesthetics. They are smaller than BTEs, with the main body discreetly positioned behind the ear and a thin wire connecting to a tiny receiver placed inside the ear canal.

Key Features:

Discreet: The slim design makes them nearly unnoticeable.
Natural Sound Quality: Placing the receiver in the ear canal provides a more natural sound and reduces feedback.
Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to severe.
Advanced Technology: Equipped with advanced features like directional microphones, noise reduction, and streaming capabilities.

Best Suited For: Most types of hearing loss, particularly for those seeking a balance between discretion and functionality.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids are custom-molded to fit perfectly within the concha, or outer bowl, of the ear. They are a single-piece unit and are a visible but comfortable option for those who prefer an in-ear device.

Key Features:

Custom Fit: Individually crafted for your ear's unique shape, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Easy to Handle: Larger size and simple controls make them easy to insert and adjust.
Long Battery Life: Their size allows for a larger battery, providing longer usage between changes.

Best Suited For: People with mild to severe hearing loss who prefer an in-ear solution and have no dexterity issues.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) & Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)

CIC and IIC hearing aids are the ultimate in discretion. Both are custom-molded to fit entirely inside the ear canal, making them virtually invisible to others. The IIC style is even more deeply seated in the canal than the CIC.

Key Features:

Maximum Discretion: Their deep placement makes them nearly or completely invisible.
Uses Ear's Natural Shape: Their position in the ear canal can help with the natural localization of sound.
Comfortable Fit: Custom-molded for a snug and comfortable fit.

Best Suited For: Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who prioritize a cosmetic and discreet solution.

The best style for you will be determined during a comprehensive consultation with our audiologist. We will discuss your needs and preferences to help you choose a hearing aid that not only improves your hearing but also fits seamlessly into your life.

Hearing Aid Styles

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Exploring Hearing Aid Styles

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Key Features:

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)

Key Features:

In-the-Ear (ITE)

Key Features:

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) & Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)

Key Features:

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