Hearing Aid Styles

When it comes to hearing aids, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are various styles of hearing aids designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Let’s delve into the three basic styles of hearing aids:

Receiver-in-Ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

Comprised of a small casing that sits behind the ear, housing all of the electronic components of the hearing aid, except the receiver.
Suitable for: People of all ages with Stage 1-4 hearing loss.
The most popular type of hearing aid. Sits outside the ear due to the small size; transmits sound to the receiver that rests in the ear canal. Can be paired with powered earmolds to reach Stage 4 hearing loss.
Powered by: Zinc Air battery or onboard rechargeable battery

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Hard plastic case worn behind the ear, connected to a plastic earmold inside the outer ear.
Suitable for: People of all ages with Stage 1-5 hearing loss. Especially good for individuals with earwax buildup and for children.
Open-fit BTE aids maintain an open ear canal which offer a natural sound perception and are less visible. Often paired with powered earmolds to reach Stage 4-5 hearing loss.
Powered by: Zinc Air battery or onboard rechargeable battery

Custom 1 (ITE & ITC)

Completely fits inside the outer ear, made of hard plastic housing electronic components, mostly visible from 2-3 feet away.
Suitable for: Stage 1-5 hearing loss.
Some ITE aids include a telecoil for improved telephone communication and compatibility with induction loop systems in public places.
Powered by: Zinc Air battery for Stage 5 hearing loss, smaller versions may have onboard rechargeable battery.

Custom 2 (CIC & IIC)

Fits into the ear canal offering varying degrees of visibility, mostly obscured from 2-3 feet away.
Suitable for: Stage 1-4 hearing loss hearing loss.
Smaller size but may be challenging to adjust or remove, limited space for additional features like telecoil or connectivity for direct streaming.
Powered by: Zinc Air battery, very few versions have onboard rechargeable battery.

Invisible hearing aids (Lyric)

Analog hearing aids inserted deep inside the ear canal to use the anatomy of your ear to promote natural sound perception and protection from wind.
Suitable for: Stage 1-3 hearing loss hearing loss. Especially patients with finger dexterity concerns, large glasses or significant visual impairment.
Undetectable to everyone around you.
Candidacy is limited. Consult a Lyric Certified hearing professional to see if Lyric is suitable for your needs, goals, and anatomy.

Each style of hearing aid comes with unique features and benefits, catering to different hearing needs and lifestyle preferences. The choice of a hearing aid style depends on factors like the degree of hearing loss, cosmetic preferences, comfort, and functionality.

A Note on Custom Hearing Aids and Custom Earmolds

Custom-made hearing aids and earmolds are crafted from a precise replica of the ear known as an ear impression. This impression is created by the audiologist or hearing aid dispenser during a brief session in the office, typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes.

During the ear impression process, the audiologist takes special care to protect the eardrum by inserting a cotton or foam dam into the ear canal. Then, a waxy material is gently placed into the ear canal. After allowing the material to harden for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, the wax cast, along with the dam, is carefully removed from the ear canal.

It’s common for the ear canal to feel slightly oily after the impression is taken. This is a normal occurrence as the oil helps prevent the wax material from adhering to the skin.

Prior to obtaining the ear impression, it’s crucial to inform the audiologist if you have any allergies to plastic or dyes to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

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