What are the different hearing aid styles?
Hearing aids come in various styles, each designed to cater to different preferences, hearing needs, and degrees of hearing loss. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids rest behind or on top of the ear and are suitable for a wide range of hearing losses. In-the-ear (ITE) styles are custom-molded to fit within the ear, with options like in-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) that offer discreet profiles. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) styles have a separate receiver unit placed in the ear canal connected to the main device behind the ear. Invisible-in-canal (IIC) and extended-wear hearing aids are placed deep within the ear canal, making them nearly invisible. The choice of style depends on factors such as comfort, cosmetic preferences, and the degree of hearing loss, and consulting with an audiologist can help determine the most suitable option for individual needs.