Hearing aids
No longer big, beige and ugly.
Hearing aid technology has been revolutionised in recent years. Now you can choose from a wide range of discreet styles from receiver-in-the-canal, to hearing aids that are virtually invisible.
Better still, hearing aids have seen incredible technological innovations. Modern hearing aids can track body and brain health, virtually eliminate the whistling noise that old hearing aids used to make, make listening in noisy environments easier and more comfortable, stream from TVs and radios directly to the hearing aid itself, let you talk on your phone hands-free and much more.
Hearing aid wearers enjoy big improvements in their home life, their sense of independence and their social life.
There are three basic styles…
Behind the ear (BTE)
Primarily used for those with a profound hearing loss. It delivers the greater power required to hear better again.
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The larger size is easy to hold and adjust, making it ideal for those with dexterity issues. It’s also quick to fit and comes in standard, mini or power versions.
Connects to the ear via a tube with a custom moulded tip, to allow the sound to reach your ear canal.
Receiver in canal (RIC)
Small, discreet and quick to fit, the receiver in canal model puts sound directly into your ear via a tiny loudspeaker (receiver).
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It’s typically smaller, lighter and more discreet than a BTE device.
Allows for a more natural sound quality of your voice.
It’s quick to fit and, in some instances, can be done on the same day as the test.
Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss.
Available in a rechargeable option.
Can be fitted with a custom moulded tip to help those with less manual dexterity.
Most can be connected to a manufacturer’s app for access to controls and other features.
In the ear (ITE)
A custom-shaped hearing aid that fits snugly within the outer portion of your ear. An impression of your ear canal will be taken.
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It’s custom-shaped to fit your ear.
The larger battery provides a longer battery life and a rechargeable option is available.
It can include volume and memory controls that won’t fit on smaller custom hearing aids.
Most have bluetooth technology and a manufacturer’s app to access the controls and other features.
Plus, three variations within the ‘In the ear’ option
In the canal (ITC)
A custom hearing aid that fits in your ear canal, with the smaller portion showing in your outer ear.
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It’s custom-shaped to fit your ear and less visible than larger custom styles.
It can include volume and memory controls that won’t fit on smaller custom hearing aids.
Most have bluetooth technology and a manufacturer’s app to access the controls and other features.
Rechargeable option available.
Completely in canal (CIC)
With this option, only the tiny removal handle of the hearing aid shows outside your ear canal.
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It’s custom-shaped to fit you ear and is the second smallest size available, making it less visible than many others.
The small size might be challenging if you have dexterity issues and the batteries need more frequent changing.
There is no bluetooth technology or rechargeable options.
Virtually invisible (IIC)
This custom hearing aid rests in the second bend of your ear canal where virtually no-one can see it.
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It’s the smallest, most discreet custom-shaped hearing aid available. You tuck it away deep in your ear canal.
The very small size might be challenging if you have dexterity issues and the batteries need more frequent changing.
There is no bluetooth technology or rechargeable options.