Hearing Aid Overview

It can be daunting to consider the many different types of hearing aids available to you. To help you, Dr. Gessert has compiled a list of the most common types of hearing aids and their features.

Types of hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Receiver-in-canal (RIC)

The most popular of all hearing aids sold, this hearing aid has the receiver sitting in your ear canal with the actual hearing aid sitting behind the ear. This hearing aid is the smallest and the most cosmetically appealing. The RIC can now fit most all hearing loss regardless of severity. It is easy to use and very comfortable to wear. This hearing aid is completely rechargeable meaning it does not use batteries.

In-the-ear (ITE)

This hearing aid, although very popular at one time, has decreased due to the performance of the RIC hearing aid. A mold is taken of your ear and sent to the hearing aid manufacturer. The hearing aid is custom made from the mold taken. The hearing aid sits in the entire bowl (concha) of your ear. Because of the size and power of the hearing aid, there are different size batteries that go with this hearing aid.

In-the-canal (ITC)

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)

Invisible-in-canal (IIC)

Common Hearing Aid Features

Hearing aids are designed with features to accommodate the different listening environments you will encounter from very quiet, such as at home, up to very noisy, such as a restaurant. Each type of hearing aid BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, as well as IIC come in different technology levels and each technology level has different features that will help you hear and understand in all different environments.

Hearing aids are designed with features to accommodate the many different aspects of hearing loss. You will find a number of common features in hearing aids, outlined below.

Hearing aids need to be programmed to your hearing loss. Hearing aids, at one time, fit a range of hearing losses and a lot of times these aids didn’t work because they were not specifically for your hearing loss. Today, Dr. Gessert inputs your hearing loss into the computer and while you’re wearing the hearing aids, programs them specifically to your hearing loss. No more guesswork, but a hearing aid that is programmed for you, your hearing loss, and your lifestyle.

All RIC and some BTE hearing aids now come with rechargeable batteries. No more changing batteries or having batteries fail at the worst time. With rechargeable hearing aids, all you do is charge them over night and the charge will last approximately 24 hours. The rechargeable battery will last 4 years which adds to the cost saving of not having to purchase batteries each week.

Choosing the right hearing aid for you

When choosing a hearing aid that is appropriate for you, Dr. Gessert goes over all these options with you. There are 3 main topics he discusses with you:

1) the severity of your hearing loss
2) how active you are
3) your budget of course.

Taking these three factors into consideration and discussing these with you and your loved one, Dr. Gessert will come up with a solution that will best fit your hearing healthcare needs. Understanding these needs are very specific and different for each patient Dr. Gessert sees, he looks forward to choosing, along with your input, the right hearing aid for you!

Learn more about our 2-week free hearing aid trial