Hearing Aid Selection: Types of hearing aids

Here is a guide to understanding the different types of hearing aids available and the best hearing aids to suit your needs.  Natural Hearing aims to provide the latest hearing aid technology of different syles from the leading manufacturers.   

When we carry out hearing tests our experienced hearing aid audiologists will explain what options are available to you and based on their experience which are the best hearing aids for you.  For your convienience we have provided in depth information on the types of hearing aids available.

Types of Hearing Aids

 IIC - 'Invisible In Canal' Hearing aids 

Invisible hearing aids fit far enough in your ear to be completely unnoticeable to everyone around you.

Not only are they invisible to everyone else, Invisible hearing aids are designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, so that nothing gets in the way of your regular daily routines. They blend inconspicuously and completely into your lifestyle, so that you can continue to play an active part in life.

CIC: 'Completely In Canal' hearing aids

Cosmetically appealing - very discrete.

Fits deeply into the ear canal.

Uses natural acoustic properties of the ear concha.
 

ITE: 'In The Ear' hearing aids

The largest of the in-the-ear hearing aids often called 'full shell' & 'half shell' offering more power for clients with more severe hearing losses who don't want to wear behind the ear hearing aids.

Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Larger amplifier for more severe hearing losses.
Volume control and program change buttons possible.
Less risk of feedback (whistling) due to better seal in ear canal.
Easier to handle for people with arthritis or sight impairment.

ITC: 'In The Canal' hearing aids
        

Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.

Volume control and program change buttons possible.

More discrete than ITE aids. Bluetooth Compatability.

 BTE: 'Behind The Ear' hearing aids

Consists of a mould and hearing aid piece.
Mould sits in ear and hearing aid sits behind ear. The 2 parts are attached via a tube which allows sound to travel from the aid to the ear.
Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Larger amplifier for severe-profound hearing losses.
Volume control and program change buttons.
Less risk of feedback (whistling) due to better seal in ear canal.
Easier to handle for people with arthritis or sight impairment.

RITE/RIC: 'Receiver In The Ear' hearing aids

This type of aid is a hybrid of a standard 'BTE' aid.The aid is typically 1/3 size of a standard BTE aid.

The loudspeaker rests in the ear canal and the main BTE aid section is behind the ear.
Ear canal is left open for air flow.
Very comfortable - almost feels like you're hearing without any aids.
Cosmetically appealing - very discrete.
Twin microphones for better hearing in noisy environments.
Supplied with either standard or power amplifier for severe hearing losses.

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