Peter studied hearing aid fitting at the world headquarters of Starkey Labs. He was able to have hands on training with the company’s founder, Bill Austin. He has also undergone advanced training in the smallest, nearly invisible style hearing aids, and has expanded his education by traveling to Denmark to learn directly from European hearing aid manufacturers. He continues to attend conferences and training seminars to stay current on the rapidly evolving world of hearing aid technology.
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Modern technology has come a long way, and hearing aids have become increasingly sophisticated and discreet over the years. With several types of hearing aids available, you might be wondering which style is the most popular and why. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of hearing aids, discuss the most popular style, and help you determine which hearing aid might be best for you.
Types of Hearing Aids
When it comes to hearing aids, there are several different styles to choose from, each with its unique set of benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the most common types of hearing aids:
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are custom-made to fit inside the ear canal and are ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss. ITE hearing aids are easy to use, comfortable, and discreet. They come in a range of colors to match your skin tone, making them virtually invisible to others.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids: As the name suggests, BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear and are connected to an ear mold that sits inside the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are suitable for all types of hearing loss and are easy to maintain. They are also comfortable to wear and come in a range of colors to match your hair or skin tone.
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids: RIC hearing aids are similar to BTE hearing aids but have a small receiver that sits inside the ear canal instead of an ear mold. They are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss and are less visible than BTE hearing aids.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are custom-made to fit entirely inside the ear canal and are ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss. CIC hearing aids are small, discreet, and comfortable to wear, but they require more frequent maintenance than other types of hearing aids.
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids: IIC hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet type of hearing aid, as they sit entirely inside the ear canal. They are ideal for mild to moderate hearing loss and are virtually invisible to others. However, they can be challenging to insert and remove and require frequent cleaning.
The Most Popular Style of Hearing Aid
So, which style of hearing aid is the most popular? According to recent research, receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are the most popular style, accounting for 80% of the market share in 2021.
There are several reasons for their popularity:
- Improved Sound Quality: RICs are designed to place the receiver (or speaker) of the hearing aid in the ear canal, which results in a more natural sound quality since sound is delivered directly to the eardrum.
- Discreet Appearance: The receiver of RICs is housed in a small casing that sits behind the ear, making it less noticeable than other types of hearing aids.
- Comfortable Fit: RICs are designed to be comfortable to wear and fit securely in the ear canal. This is due to the fact that the receiver casing is smaller and lighter than traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids.
- Customizable: RICs come with a variety of customization options, such as different ear molds, colors, and styles, allowing wearers to find a hearing aid that fits their individual needs and preferences.
- Versatility: RICs are suitable for a wide range of hearing loss levels, from mild to severe, and can be easily adjusted to accommodate changing hearing needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hearing Aid
Although they are popular, RIC hearing aids aren’t for everyone. You should consider a multitude of factors choosing a hearing aid:
Severity of hearing loss: The type and severity of hearing loss will impact which type of hearing aid is best suited for you. Your audiologist will perform a hearing test to determine your level of hearing loss and recommend the appropriate hearing aid style.
Lifestyle and personal preferences: Consider your daily activities and personal preferences when choosing a hearing aid. Do you enjoy outdoor activities, or do you work in a noisy environment? If so, you may benefit from a hearing aid with noise-canceling capabilities. Similarly, if you value discretion, you may prefer a hearing aid that is virtually invisible.
Physical attributes: The size and shape of your ear canal and the shape of your ear will impact which type of hearing aid is best for you. Your audiologist will take into account these physical attributes when recommending a hearing aid.
At our hearing practice, we are committed to helping you find the right hearing aid to meet your needs. Our team of experienced professionals will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation to determine the best hearing aid style for you. We offer a range of hearing aids from the leading manufacturers, with features to meet your specific needs. Take the first step towards improved hearing by contacting our practice today to schedule a consultation.