Hearing aids are available in various styles with different sets of features and price points. When choosing among types of hearing aids, you need to consider the type of hearing loss, budget, and lifestyle. Below are the various style of hearing aids to help you better understand the options available and arrive at an informed decision with your audiologist.
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
Receiver-in-canal or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids are the most commonly used hearing aids at the present time. Aesthetically, RICs look very similar to behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, but with a very distinct difference – a thin electrical wire replaces the acoustic tube of the BTE hearing aid. RIC hearing aids offer a wide range of listening advantages and can be used as “open fit” technology.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids allow for a dynamic fitting range to accommodate significant hearing losses. This style requires a custom ear mold to help provide optimal fit, comfort, and sound quality. Today’s BTE technology now offers rechargeable models in addition to Bluetooth connectivity.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Open-Fit
Known as the more modern BTEs, these hearing aids, with open-fit technology, help keep the ears open to sounds rather than occluding the ear with a custom ear mold. Open-fit technology helps wearers eliminate the sensation of speaking into a barrel.
In-The-Ear (ITE) or Full Shell Hearing Aids
The full-shell ITE hearing aid allows the maximum number of additional controls and features which would otherwise require space on the outer portion of the device. ITE hearing aids can accommodate a larger receiver with enough power for severe hearing losses. This type of hearing aid is widely recommended for mild-to-severe hearing loss because of its flexibility and versatility.
In-The-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
In-the-canal hearing aids are positioned in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl, making them easy to use and comfortable. Slightly bigger than completely-in-the-canal models, ITC hearing aids have longer battery life and can hold additional features including directional microphones and volume control.
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids
Invisible hearing aids or invisible-in-canal hearing aids are enclosed in a tiny case that is custom fit partly or completely in the ear canal. IIC hearing aids are the tiniest hearing aids available on the market and offer superior cosmetic and listening advantages.
HEARING AID BRANDS/MANUFACTURERS
Oticon Hearing Aids
Oticon offers new superior technology for everyone as it expands its portfolio of life-changing solutions. Building upon their BrainHearing™ philosophy, all Oticon hearing solutions are designed to provide access to the full sound scene, allowing the brain to work in a more natural way.
Oticon hearing aids provide different levels of support to meet the needs of people with mild-to-profound hearing loss, even those with single-sided deafness.
Widex Hearing Aids
For more than 65 years on the market, Widex has been passionately committed to developing hearing solutions that bring sounds to life – with a sound like no other. Widex hearing aids offer one of the industry’s most advanced sound engines together with AI-powered personalization and seamless integration.
Phonak Hearing Aids
Phonak continuously challenges the limits of technology to help overcome even the most difficult hearing situations. These technologies include Binaural VoiceStream™, Roger wireless technology, and AutoSense OS. Acknowledged as one of the top-tier hearing aid manufacturers in more than 100 countries, Phonak is at the forefront of universal connectivity, Roger™ Wireless technology, and overall device multifunctionality.
Starkey Hearing Aids
Starkey believes that hearing better leads to living better. Starkey hearing aids are designed to give users better hearing which could lead to improved mental health, physical health, more meaningful relationships and an overall boost in daily functioning. Starkey offers award-winning technology and other innovative solutions for various lifestyles and budgets.
Signia Hearing Aids
Signia is all about augmenting hearing experience through its groundbreaking AX technology platform featuring Auto EchoShield, Own Voice Processing 2.0 and HandsFree technology. Enjoy outstanding speech clarity with an amazing immersive soundscape in any situation.
Lyric Hearing Aids
Known as the world’s only 100% invisible hearing aids, Lyric hearing aids offer 24/7 hearing with clear, natural sound and tinnitus relief. Designed to be placed completely in the ear, wearers of Lyric hearing aids can enjoy the benefits of better hearing in complete discretion.
What sets Lyric hearing aids apart from other hearing aids on the market? It uses the ear’s natural anatomy to amplify and give users a full, natural listening experience. Audiologists at Cary Audiology are trained to expertly position the Lyric hearing aid in the ear canal (near the eardrum) making the device practically “invisible” to other people.
Hearing Aids in Cary, NC
If you are looking for hearing aids and audiologists in Cary, NC, give Cary Audiology a call!
Our team of expert audiologists can help you choose the best hearing aid for your specific hearing loss and lifestyle.
We look forward to seeing you in our clinic!
