Hearing Aid Styles: Types of Hearing Aids

Truly, There is Something for Everyone

Because there are a variety of hearing aids available today, there is sure to be one that comfortably fits your unique ear and your unique hearing needs. When looking at hearing aids, you should know that style actually means the size and shape of the hearing aid. The older models are generally behind-the-ear models, with the newer models boasting stronger capabilities and a look that is, well, nearly invisible! As for the word “technology,” this refers to what is on the inside of the hearing aid.

Even though the behind-the-ear model is older, the actual hearing aids have been updated and even this model is now available with a basic circuit, automatic circuit, even with advanced digital technology. You can also opt to purchase a completely-in-canal hearing aid with a basic circuit, automatic circuit or the advanced digital technology.

Before we get into hearing aid comparisons, let’s take a quick look at the different types, models, styles, etc. so that you have a thorough understanding of programmable hearing aids, analog hearing aid, and behind the ear hearing aids, for, without the right information, buying hearing aids can be frustrating and time consuming and when it comes to your hearing, it pays to arm yourself with all the information you need to make an informed decision, BEFORE you make it!

Currently there are four styles of hearing aids to choose from. These include:

• Behind-the-Ear
• Standard In-the-Ear
• In-the-Canal
• Completely-in-the-Canal

Behind-the-ear is the style most familiar to anyone over the age of 30, for it’s been around since the invention of the transistor. Despite it’s seemingly old age, the behind-the-ear hearing aid offers users and the audiologist extreme flexibility and is able to combat more types of hearing loss than any other, making it still a favorite.

This is the only style available for profound hearing losses and for some strictly higher-frequency hearing losses. It is also the only style that works for users with TMJ motion (those whose ears change shape as they open and close their mouths).

In-the-ear hearing aids were developed in the 1980s and remain one of the most popular hearing aids ever made. It is based on a custom-made acrylic shell, making it extremely well fitting and, you guessed it, comfortable. This style addresses most types of hearing loss. Its larger size makes it easier for older wearers to handle and allows it to accommodate a larger battery.

This style is generally one of the least expensive; yet, it allows for more features, such as microphones and memory programs.

In-the-canal hearing aids (also often referred to as custom canal hearing aids) is a smaller version of the in-the-ear hearing aid. Similarly, it is custom-made and it’s acrylic shell houses the electronics. This is an excellent choice for hearing aid users who suffer from mild hearing loss or moderate hearing loss.

The completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is smaller in size and because of this it is less noticeable, fitting completely in-the-canal. The major drawback with this style is that the faceplate of the in-the-canal hearing aid generally ends up being flush with the entrance of the ear canal. This happens because of manufacturer limitation, narrow or curving ear canals, or patient discomfort experienced when the impression is being made.

These styles are much more difficult to fit than the other styles and in many cases, they cannot be made to stay securely in place. And, because of the advanced electronics, they have a higher failure rate than the other hearing aid styles and the batteries must be changed every few days, as opposed to every few weeks. However, improved telephone use, wind noise when outdoors, even better sound localization and improved cosmetic appeal are enough to sway some hearing aid users to try this model, and many do with great success.

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