4 Types of Hearing Aids: What Are the Pros and Cons?

If you need help with your hearing the good news is that there are plenty of viable options available these days. You are likely to find a hearing aid solution that meets your specific needs. The question is what type of hearing aid should you choose?

The various models and manufacturer’s claims can make it a bit confusing. Understanding the difference between RIC and BTE for instance, will help you make an informed decision.

BTE stands for behind the ear, and RIC hearing aids describe a setup where the receiver is in the canal. Here is a look at the main types of hearing aids and their main advantages, and disadvantages.

RIC – Receiver in the Canal

This type of aid is designed to offer a solution that is somewhere between a behind-the-ear option (BIC) and a Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) option.

With an RIC hearing aid, you will find that the main component of the aid sits behind the ear. This is where you adjust the controls to find your level of comfort. It works by using a connection that runs from the body behind your ear to a receiver that sits inside your canal.

The apparatus inside your ear is very unobtrusive and is not visible. One of the distinct advantages offered by an RIC device is that it offers a superior sound performance because it does not block natural sounds in the way that an invisible device does.

CIC – Discreet but visible

If you are looking at a CIC hearing aid you will note that it offers a discreet solution as it sits completely inside your ear canal, as opposed to having any part of the device placed externally.

Although it fits neatly inside your ear canal and provides a good sound performance, it is worth remembering that it prevents any natural sound from coming through.

ITE – also known as a “Full Shell” option

Another option is the ITE (In-the-Ear) style of device. These are designed to fit into the space in your outer ear rather than directly in your ear canal.

This device has to be custom-made to conform to the unique shape of your ear. It is often the solution offered when your level of hearing loss is more substantial.

A major drawback is often how obtrusive the device appears, making it less discreet than other options.

BTE – a traditional hearing aid solution

A simple BTE (Behind-The-Ear) aid is often offered as a default hearing aid solution. It is one of the simplest types of aids you can buy. That also means that it does not always take advantage of the technology available to improve the wearer’s hearing performance and comfort.

A BTE device does what it says on the tin but it is a bit clunky and can also suffer from wind interference, which can be annoying.

All things considered, the design and performance of an RIC hearing aid offers the benefits of modern design and technology, while also offering a discreet solution that doesn’t feel obtrusive.