The appearance of the gadget is not the only consideration when choosing a hearing aid. To begin, our skilled audiologists assess your individual hearing requirements and find out more about your way of life. Do you spend the majority of your time outside or at home? When picking a hearing aid, it's vital to take into account a variety of criteria, including the type of hearing loss you have, your level of activity, and your technological requirements. We all know that one size does not necessarily fit all.
Styles to take into account when selecting your hearing aids
1. Receiver In The Canal (RIC) : 83% of our patients choose this
It makes sense that RICs are quite popular. They are renowned for being pleasant to wear and offer a tempting combination of qualities: they are discrete, they have a rich array of technological functions, and they work well for those with a wide range of hearing demands.
- Patient Needs: With the "Open Fit" earpiece or a bespoke earpiece, RICs can be configured to deliver adequate amplification to support mild to moderate hearing losses.
- Style/Appearance: The smallest hearing aid available, RICs have a compact case that rests on top of the ear and a thin receiver cable that tucks into the ear canal. Since the case is small and the thin, clear wire that extends into the ear is frequently practically undetectable, this form is nevertheless quite discrete even though it is more noticeable than some other types.
- Battery/Rechargeability: The majority of RICs include a rechargeable option, which eliminates the requirement for battery changes.
- Durability: RICs often require less maintenance than other types of equipment. Your provider can probably swiftly fix these hearing aids in-office if they ever break. The receivers on this design can need to be cleaned frequently because they rest in the ear canal, but it's not too difficult.
- Technology considerations: RICs give the user full control over how they hear. The latest in hearing aid technology and features, like directional microphones, speech recognition, and windscreen, are available in several RIC models. The majority of manufacturers provide smartphone connectivity, streaming media, and control via an app on the patient's smartphone.
2. Fully In The Canal (CIC) and Invisible In The Canal (IIC) : 3 percent of our patients select this look.
Because they are so compact, patients frequently think they want hearing aids in the CIC or IIC style when they come to see us, but once they learn about the durability and comfort difficulties of these types as well as the limited technological options available, many of them change their minds.
- Patient Needs: Patients with mild to moderate hearing losses can have CIC/IICs configured. These are not a good solution for persons with narrow ear canals or dexterity concerns due to their small size.
- Style/Appearance: The fact that CIC/IICs are the tiniest, least noticeable hearing aids on the market is their main advantage. Every gadget needs a specialist to create a unique mold of the patient's ear canal.
- Durability: Because CIC/IICs rest in the ear canal and are consequently in contact with ear wax and moisture, they need to be cleaned daily and frequently need repairs. To achieve a suitable fit in the ear canal, most hearing aids of this design must be repaired after a few years because ears never stop growing.
- Technology Considerations: The amplification power and available technologies are constrained by the small size of these devices. The majority of models do not come equipped with the most recent technological advancements, like as smartphone connectivity, streaming, or directional microphones, which contribute to a flawless listening experience.
3. In the canal (ITC)/in the ear (ITE) : 4-6% patients choose their style.
An ITC/ITE hearing aid might be an excellent choice for a patient who doesn't want an over-the-ear form but requires more functionality and dependability than a CIC/ICC device can offer.
- Patient Needs: Most mild to severe hearing losses can be accommodated with ITC/ITEs, which can produce enough amplification.
- Apperance: ITC/ITE hearing aids are less noticeable than BTEs because all of its components are housed inside the patient's ear, even though they aren't as covert as smaller types. ITCs are not quite as noticeable as ITEs. Each device needs a specific mold made by an expert.
- Comfort: ITC/ITEs are individually fitted to fit comfortably in the ear bowl and down into the ear canal. Patients frequently experience a "occlusion effect" from these devices, in which they feel "plugged up" and as though they are speaking in a barrel. This is especially true for those who have modest hearing loss or who have normal hearing in the low frequencies.
- Durability: ITC/ITEs frequently need to be cleaned and repaired because they sit inside the ear where they are exposed to ear wax and moisture. The majority of these hearing aids must be manufactured after a few years to guarantee good fit in the ear canal because ears never stop growing.
- Technology Factors: These gadgets may have microphones that pick up more wind noise than other designs due to their profile. Compared to smaller variants, these types can offer more technological features. Numerous brands have manual volume control, program button choices, and some have streaming capabilities for smartphones.
4. Behind the ear (BTE) : 4% of our patients choose this style
BTE designs are the biggest and most obvious hearing aid options; they aren't particularly stylish, but they provide exceptional performance in a durable packaging. This design can be a fantastic option for you if you require a lot of technological features and excellent durability.
- Patient requirements: BTEs can generate strong amplification to handle even the most severe hearing deficits. Additionally, because to their greater size, these gadgets are a fantastic choice for those who have significant dexterity problems.
- Style/Appearance: BTEs have a robust casing behind the ear that houses every component of the hearing aid. A bespoke earmold that fits into the ear canal is connected through a tube. The majority of manufacturers provide a variety of hues to allow the hearing aid to fit in perfectly with the patient's skin or hair. Additionally, they provide cheerful hues, which our pediatric or "young at heart" patients occasionally prefer.
- Durability : This design is simpler for the wearer or caregiver to clean and maintain, and it lowers the chance of harm from earwax or moisture buildup. One thing to think about is that ears never stop developing.
- Technology Factors: BTEs offer the user a variety of functions and controls. Many models feature streaming music and smartphone connectivity, and the majority of devices can support manual volume control and program button options if necessary.
It's ideal to keep yourself as educated with your hearing aids and a new breakthrough in the technology. Ask your query via Book an Appointment today. For more information visit https://hearing.careinc.ca or you can call us today at (403)605-6300