There are several types of hearing aids available, each with its unique features and benefits. Some common types of hearing aids include:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids: These are the most common type of hearing aids. They sit behind the ear and use a small tube to deliver sound into the ear canal. They are suitable for people of all ages and hearing loss levels.
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids: These hearing aids are custom-moulded to fit into the outer ear. They are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids: These hearing aids are custom-moulded to fit partially or completely into the ear canal. They are suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and are less visible than the other types.
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids: These hearing aids are similar to BTE hearing aids but the speaker (receiver) is located in the ear canal. They are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
- Cochlear implants: These are electronic devices that are surgically implanted in the inner ear and can help people with severe or profound hearing loss to hear.
- Smart hearing aids: These hearing aids connect to smartphones and other devices, allowing the user to stream audio directly to their hearing aids, control them with an app and adjust settings to specific environments.
It’s important to note that not all types of hearing aids may be suitable for everyone and it’s important to have a hearing test and consultation with an audiologist to determine which hearing aid is best for you. An audiologist can also help you to adjust and fine-tune your hearing aid to your specific needs.