Whether you are looking to purchase a pair of hearing aids or just want to learn about the different types available, you have come to the right place. As part of our most advanced technology, hearing aids can help even those with severe hearing loss enjoy the world around them. Yet, with this forever-changing technology, it can also be hard to understand whether you truly need hearing aids and which would be best suited to you.
The purpose of this blog is to give you a better understanding of the different types of hearing aids so that when you may need to find one yourself you can be aware of what to look out for, and what might be best for you.
Recognising hearing loss
Hearing aids can be a huge benefit for those suffering from hearing loss so it is important to recognise they could be a benefit to yourself. Often, friends or family will spot any hearing loss before you do, so here are the most common hearing loss symptoms found:
- Struggle to hear in crowded areas – often having to ask people to repeat themselves.
- Often increasing the volume on devices or needing to apply subtitles for better understanding.
- Speech becoming muffled or difficult to hear yourself talking
If you have noticed any of these symptoms and believe you may have hearing loss we highly urge you to get a hearing test to check both of your ears. Here we can see what is causing the hearing loss, as you may need ear wax removal rather than hearing aids. You can read more about our hearing tests through the link. If we do find that you need hearing aids we can go through what would be best suited to you, as an independent audiologist.
Receiver in the Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
Receiver in the Canal hearing aids (RIC) has now become one of the most popular hearing aids on the market to date. Their discreet look and customisable fittings offer great comfort and confidence to those who wear them.
RIC hearing aids work much like Behind the Ear hearing aids (BTE), in that the hearing aid is behind the ear. Yet, other components such as the microphone, amplifier and processor are also held within this area. The main difference being the receiver is connected through a thin see-through wire, making the hearing aid extremely unnoticeable so you can still hear with absolute confidence.
If you struggle mainly with hearing high-pitched sounds RIC hearing aids can be the perfect suit for you. These hearing aids are brilliant at amplifying sounds and still keeping the pitch the same. If you have only recently been diagnosed with hearing loss, RIC hearing aids are also a good option to go for. Yet, they are built to help those with more severe hearing loss as well. Therefore, if your hearing loss does, unfortunately, continue to decline these hearing aids are still able to help you.
In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
‘In The Ear’ hearing aids (ITEs), are currently the most popular hearing aids by choice. They are often barely noticeable due to the large variety of colours available, you will often be able to match your skin tone or hair colour to the hearing aid for extra discreetness.
An audiologist will first take an impression of your ear by firstly placing a small piece of foam inside the ear – so the mould mixture doesn’t enter your inner ear – and then follow by filling your ear with a moulding mixture. This mixture will only take up to 10 minutes to set and when removed the foam will also be extracted from the ear. This method means your hearing aid is completely bespoke to your ears providing further comfort and benefit.
Due to the advanced technology inside the hearing aid, you won’t have to worry about high-pitched noises interfering with your hearing. In addition to giving you a better listening experience. You should also find it easier to distinguish between different sounds with this type of hearing aid, whether you are outside alone or in a more crowded area.
ITE hearing aids are best suited to those suffering from moderate to severe hearing loss due to their sound quality and ability to amplify sounds in general. If you are considering these hearing aids, they are in a higher price range. Since you get a completely personalised product and they are made to last your purchase could stay with you for up to seven years if treated correctly. You can read more about our hearing aids on offer through the link.
Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) are commonly known for being one of the larger hearing aids available. However, as technology has evolved these hearing aids have been able to get reduced in size making them less noticeable and more compact. Many different styles and colours can be available too, to match your skin tone or hair colour.
Much like RIC hearing aids, it is placed partially behind the ear with the receiver inside the ear canal. However, BTE hearing aids are connected through a tube rather than a thin wire. This only makes them slightly more noticeable. With the hearing aid placed behind the ear, it offers you more comfort in addition to being able to have a longer battery life so you can hear clearer for longer.
Those suffering from any degree of hearing loss will benefit from using a BTE hearing aid. They have excellent amplification and can aid those even with severe hearing loss. Another benefit to mention is that children are often well accommodated to BTE hearing aids, as various styles of fittings are on offer. On the other hand, those who wear glasses may not be well accustomed to BTE hearing aids as the hearing aid can affect the placement of the glasses leading to discomfort or the removal of one aid which is not beneficial at all.
Invisible hearing aid
Invisible hearing aids sit within the ear canal, with no components visible from the outside. Giving the highest level of discreetness on offer compared to all other hearing aids. Moreover, with the whole hearing aid being entirely inside the ear a clearer and more natural sound is produced.
Invisible hearing aids are made through a custom mould to ensure maximum comfort whilst inside the ear. In addition to this, their small and compact size can often lead users to forget they’re still in place.
If you are looking for a hearing aid that can be discreet and offer natural sounds around you, this could be the perfect hearing aid for you. Yet, it is worth noting that these hearing aids can be a bit harder to handle and manage due to their size. Invisible hearing aids are suited towards people with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you would like to find out more information on invisible hearing aids click the link.
If you are interested in purchasing a set of hearing aids or would like to get your hearing tested. Book an appointment with us today through the link.