60% of Canadians between the ages of 19 and 79 years have a hearing problem. Hearing loss occurs gradually as part of the aging process and is most common among older people, with 94% of Canadians between 70 and 79 years suffering from audiometrically measured hearing loss.
Hearing problems have a direct impact on a person’s ability to hear and communicate with those around them, which can affect their quality of life. Thankfully, hearing aids are readily available to help people.
There are many different types of hearing aids available today. In this blog post, your expert team at Ears To You Mobile Hearing Clinic will highlight your hearing aid options. Let’s get started.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
As the name suggests, this type of hearing aid sits behind the ear. They are the largest type of hearing aid available, meaning that they are more visible and bulky than other options. However, they are also very easy to handle, use, and clean.
BTE hearing aids feature a tube that connects to the earmold and are a good option for those with hearing loss that ranges from mild to profound. Given their size, BTEs also offer a longer battery life compared to smaller devices and have minimal feedback.
In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
A much more discreet option than BTE is in-the-ear hearing aids. They are available in different colours to match a person’s skin tone, helping to make them less visible. They offer good sound clarity and generally work well with directional microphones and telecoils.
They are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss, meaning they may not be an option for those with profound hearing loss. They are also prone to earwax buildup.
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
These are a variation of behind-the-ear hearing aids, though they are smaller and more discreet. The receiver sits inside the ear canal and the tube is almost invisible. As they are typically not as large as a BTE hearing aid, they are not appropriate for people with profound hearing loss.
Still, they are a discreet and powerful option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and they provide a natural and clear sound.
Completely-In-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
A smaller variation of the in-the-ear option is the CIC hearing aid. Rather than sitting in the outer bowl of the ear, it sits within the ear canal, meaning that it is very discreet.
Given that it is practically invisible, it is also a more expensive option than the others on this list. It is also prone to earwax and moisture damage and may be problematic for those who are prone to chronic ear infections.
Guide to the Different Types of Hearing Aids
There are a number of factors that will determine the type of hearing aid you choose. These include your level of hearing loss, price and quality, hearing aid technology, lifestyle, comfort, and style.
At Ears To You Mobile Hearing Clinic, we offer mobile hearing tests. We work across Nanaimo, Victoria, Vancouver Island, and Lower Mainland to help treat and diagnose hearing issues and offer advice on choosing hearing aids.
Our ear care professionals can help you with quick, affordable diagnostic services and effective solutions. Contact us today to learn more about the different types of hearing aids.
