Hearing Aids

When you type "hearing aids" into a search engine, you might be overwhelmed by the number of results you get. Although it's terrific that there are so many suppliers of hearing aids, models, and features to suit individual needs – it can quickly become overwhelming.

When you work with us, you'll be collaborating with a knowledgeable audiologist who aspires to establish a relationship with you. At HEARtoday, we believe this is the best way to find the right hearing solution for you.

While we're ready to walk you through the whole process, a broad understanding of basic hearing aid concepts will help you better understand your choices.

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Hearing Aid Styles

Typically identified by a three-letter acronym, hearing aid types usually refer to how the hearing aid fits your ear.

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)

Invisible-In-Canal or IIC hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet hearing aids. As one may infer from the term when worn, IIC hearing aids are sometimes entirely invisible. Most IIC hearing aids are taken out every night, but some choices can be used without removal for months on end.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

Like IIC hearing aids, CIC models are custom-molded and fully fit within your ear canal. Although they are very discreet, there's a minimal portion of the hearing aid that's noticeable when looking straight through one's ears – but they're also highly subtle and undetected.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

ITC hearing aids are also custom-fit and often worn inside the ear canal, although a small part sits inside the outer ear visible to others.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids fit inside the outer ear and are somewhat less discreet than the in-the-canal models, even though they come in several skin tone choices to make them appear less visible. ITE models are ideal for those who choose to control their hearing aids manually rather than using an app.

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

Receiver-In-Canal RIC hearing aids are fitted with a narrow wire tube that attaches to a receiver that fits into your ear canal. Hearing aid technology is located behind the ear, but modern RIC hearing aids are incredibly slim. Usually, the part of the hearing aid that lies behind the ear comes in different skin or hair tones and bolder color lines. This caters to both those who want their aids to blend in and want to stand out.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids share a standard structure with RIC hearing aids. Instead of a thin wire tubing, the main difference between these two is a small plastic tubing the BTE connects to the receiver. BTE hearing aids are ideal for the most severe or profound hearing losses.

Hearing Aid Features

Here are some of the most exciting hearing aid technologies on the market currently.

Direct Bluetooth Connectivity

Although Bluetooth technology has been used in hearing aids for a while, it's only recently that they've connected directly, without the need for a streamer. Using direct Bluetooth technology, you can make phone calls, use a tablet or computer, listen to music, and even watch TV with the sound streaming straight into your hearing aids.

Rechargeable Batteries

Whether it's your laptop, your smartphone, or your portable music speaker, rechargeable batteries have probably powered all of your devices. In contrast, the adoption of rechargeable technology in hearing aids was comparatively slow.

However, in recent years, lithium-ion batteries have made it much more convenient for your hearing aid to leverage the best of rechargeable technology. You only have to charge them for three hours to get a whole day's power for some rechargeable models! This includes streaming calls, music, and other content. Plug it into the charger overnight, and you're set for the whole of the day ahead.

These are only a few examples of the thousands of features available on hearing aids. If you are interested in learning more about types of hearing aids or features that may be perfect for you, our team at HEARtoday will be happy to oblige!

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