Hearing aids come in many styles and shapes. There are Low-profile, Open-fit, Canal-style, and In-the-ear styles. Some people shy away from the larger styles and prefer smaller, more discreet options. Fortunately, many different options are available to suit your taste and lifestyle.
In-the-ear
Several hearing aid styles, such as Phonak’s hearing aids solutions, are available. Most are small but suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They lack manual controls, program buttons, and volume wheels but have high sound quality. However, some people find them too difficult to handle and shy away from them.
Besides the styles mentioned above, there are also more discreet types. For example, mini BTEs fit on the outer ear and are attached to the ear with small, flexible tubing. These devices’ small size and soft tips help them stay in place, but they don’t block the airflow or attract attention.
Some people may have dexterity problems and need a low-profile style. A low-profile BTE hearing aid is easier to handle and may be rechargeable. The hearing aid should not be too uncomfortable. A good fit will allow sound to reach the ear without causing feedback.
Low-profile
There are several different low-profile hearing aid styles available today. The best choice for you will depend on your lifestyle and how much you hear loss you have. There are behind-the-ear models and completely-in-the-canal models. Some hearing aids also have rechargeable batteries for ease of use. Your hearing professional can recommend a style that will work best for you.
It sits right in your ear canal without needing custom molding. It is available in different sizes and comes with various tips. It is also compatible with “click sleeves” technology, allowing you to change the volume through an app.
Open-fit
Open-fit hearing aid styles are a popular option for people with hearing loss. They don’t block the ear canal and are more comfortable to wear. These hearing aids also help the wearer hear their sounds more naturally, reducing distraction and discomfort. They are also compact, making them more discreet than their counterparts. As a result, they are especially popular among self-conscious listeners.
Open-fit hearing aid styles can be adapted for different types of hearing loss. They let natural sounds and amplify high frequencies. They filter speech noise and adapt to different environments; they can wirelessly connect to mobile phones, personal microphone systems, and public assistive listening devices.
Canal-style
Canal-style hearing aids are one of the smallest styles of hearing aids. They’re best suited for adults who have mild to moderate hearing loss. However, they’re not recommended for children or babies. The downsides of these devices include being difficult to put in or remove. Another disadvantage is that they have a limited amount of power and volume. These devices also typically require rechargeable or disposable batteries. Canal-style hearing aids work by picking up sounds in front of the User.
Canal-style hearing aids can be small and comfortable. They fit into the opening of the ear canal. This style is ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and is designed for daily use. However, these devices can be uncomfortable for some people because they fit in the ear canal. Also, if you have a large amount of earwax, you may not be able to wear this type of hearing aid.
Custom-made
When it comes to hearing aid styles, there are many different options for people who need custom hearing solutions. The first step is to decide which style is best for your specific needs. Some hearing devices are visible, while others are hidden in the ear. Two of the most common styles are Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC). RIC hearing devices are the most discreet but offer the largest amount of power. This style is usually the only one with a rechargeable battery.
Custom-made hearing aid styles can be either in-the-ear (ITE) or completely-in-the-canal (CIC). Both types require a custom-molded shell. IIC-style hearing devices are best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. CIC hearing devices fill the ear canal and fit completely inside the ear.
