Why Does Hearing Aid Style Matter?

Did you know there are different types of hearing aid styles and each one serves a different role depending on the needs of the patient. Here is a list of common types of hearing aids:

• Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
• In-the-Canal (ITC)
• In-the-Ear (ITE)
• Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
• Behind-the Ear (BTE)

Each type of hearing aid style offers different features and benefits to the patient. Here are some of the common factors that you and your audiologist will review to make the right selection.

Degree of Hearing Loss – some hearing aid styles work better in cases where a patient has mild-moderate hearing loss but are not the best solution when a patient has severe hearing loss.

Type of Hearing Loss – there are different types of hearing a loss and the style of hearing aid make work better for some but not for all.

Lifestyle – surprisingly your lifestyle needs, such as hobbies and favorite activities, will be evaluated and will help the audiologist determine the right hearing aid style.

Listening Scenarios – your audiologist will also take into account what common listening scenarios do you encounter on a daily basis. The audiologist will also talk to you in depth about key areas of frustration for you when you are out in the world communicating.

Your Personal Priorities, Needs and Concerns – your audiologist will also ask you about the needs and the concerns you have about regaining your hearing health and wearing hearing aids and caring for them on a daily basis.

The bottom line is that each type of hearing aid style has specific features that help patients to hear their best. It is the audiologist’s job to help you find the right style that matches your unique hearing loss and lifestyle needs. Hearing aid style really does matter to get you on the path to better hearing health.