Does RIC, BTE, CIC sound Greek to you? Usually, people tend to be more accepting of hearing aids only if no one can notice them. However, while a hearing aid should be inconspicuous, it must also be comfortable, best suited to your range of hearing loss and must provide you the most natural sound.

Selecting the right hearing aids can be a confusing process

Keeping up with hearing in a dynamic environment requires a hearing aid to be able to adapt and adjust seamlessly. Most patients shy away from hearing aids because they don’t want them to be visible. However, recent innovations ensure that hearing aids come equipped with features that allow discreetness, wireless charging, customized colours (even to match your hair color), bluetooth-compatibility as also smartphone-friendly!

Types of Hearing aids

Hearing aids vary primarily in terms of their body-style: the larger the housing of the hearing device, the louder the sound. Smaller hearing aids are suitable for mild to borderline hearing loss, and larger ones for more profound loss.

There are three basic types of hearing aids – Receiver-in-canal (RIC), Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-the-ear (ITE). Then there are others like IIC (Invisible In Canal) and CIC (Completely In Canal).

Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
RIC hearing aids are worn behind the ear. You can easily adjust these, they are comfortable and require minimal customisation. You can almost completely hide the thin body profile behind your ear and the wiring is nearly invisible to the naked eye. So if you don’t want your hearing aid to be seen, this one is for you.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)
BTE type of hearing aids usually have the highest amplification power due to large receiver size and battery capacity. These aids are discreet and are suitable for all types of hearing losses, ranging from mild to profound. This style is often chosen for young children as it accommodates various ear-mold types, that are replaced as the child grows.

In-the-ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are worn directly in the ear and are custom-made for each patient. Depending on the model, ITEs sit either in the bowl of the ear or in the ear canal. ITE hearing aids come in many sizes including CIC (completely in Canal) and IIC (Invisible in Canal).

In-The-Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are a good compromise between features and size. Their small profile is the right choice for you if you want a perfectly unnoticeable hearing aid. Despite their small size, ITC hearing aids can still be equipped with directional microphones, to assist in speech discrimination.

Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are one of the most popular hearing devices. If they are fitted correctly, they sit deep in the ear canal and cannot be easily seen. While this kind of a hearing aid provides lesser amplification due to smaller batteries, the proximity of the receiver to the eardrum delivers more perceived volume.

What to look for in a hearing aid?

Adequate Amplification

Depending upon the type and intensity of hearing loss you’re suffering from, choose hearing aids that are powerful enough to meet your needs. If your hearing loss is mild or moderate, you can opt for hearing aids with low power. If your hearing impairment is severe, needless to mention that you must go for ones with a higher potential. Your audiologist will refer to the results of your hearing tests to suggest you the necessary strength of hearing aids required to treat your hearing loss.

Style

Some hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal and are visible. Others go behind the ear and they’re also quite visible. Some hearing aids are more visible than others and take up more space in the exterior ear canal. Discuss with your audiologist to find the right kind of hearing aid to address your hearing impairment.

Budget

Although hearing aids are necessary equipment if you’re suffering from hearing loss but they’re a big investment. Depending upon the features, styles and level of technology, the prices of hearing aids may vary. However, it is recommended that you invest in a good pair of hearing aids rather than going for cheaper ones that might impact your hearing impairment even further. If you feel a good pair of hearing aids is weighing you down on your pocket, you can now get your hands on the best quality hearing aids on EMI at Quality Hearing Care!

Features

From directional microphones to Bluetooth capabilities, hearing aids have abundant features to offer. Based on your budget and severity of hearing loss, your audiologist will recommend you the hearing aid that best suits your needs.

Audiologist recommendation

Since audiologists are experts in the hearing field, they have a better idea as to which hearing aid will work the best for you. You can read and research about hearing aids from your end but taking an audiologist recommendation will definitely be more beneficial.

So which hearing aid is best for you?

The right hearing aid does not depend on the one you like – but one that is suited to your needs and lifestyle. Let our team of experienced professionals assist you in making an informed decision and finding the hearing aid that’s best for you.

Want to make an appointment? Click here. Or call us on 07738957000