If you’re considering hearing aids, you may find the different types confusing. In this blog post, you can discover more about the different styles of hearing aids available today.

Totally invisible

The Phonak Lyric is the world’s first 100% invisible hearing aid. It is placed entirely inside your ear canal by a trained audiologist, remaining completely invisible from view. The Lyric requires no daily changing/insertion, no batteries, no filters and is sweat-proof, shower-proof and remains in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for months at a time.

Invisible in the canal

The Invisible In Canal hearing aid (IIC) fits deep in the ear, completely out of view past the second bend of the ear canal, providing an invisible fit. The cosmetic advantages of this hearing aid can appeal to a wide variety of people and cater for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.

Behind the ear

This hearing aid is the most versatile and suits all types of hearing difficulties. It can amplify sounds more than any other kind of digital hearing aid. However, it is the most visible as it hooks over the top of your ear.

Open fit

This is a scaled-down version of the previous hearing aid and thus is a lot smaller in size. Therefore, they tend to be of help to those who have mild to moderate hearing difficulty.

Completely in the canal (CIC) hearing aid

This hearing aid style is one that is actually moulded so that it fits completely inside the individual’s ear canal. A lot of people go for this option as it is the least visible and thus people don’t tend to notice it. A completely in the canal hearing aid tends to be best suited for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss. Because it’s inside the ear it is also easy to use with devices, such as mobile phones. And it is unlikely that you will pick up a lot of environmental noise, such as wind.

In the canal (ITC) hearing aid

The difference between this hearing aid and the one mentioned previously is the fact that an in the canal hearing aid only fits partially into the ear canal. Nonetheless, it still treats mild to moderate hearing loss, as does a completely in the canal device. The benefit this type of hearing aid has over the one just mentioned is the fact that you can typically benefit from added features, such as volume control.

Full shell in the ear (ITE) hearing aid

This type of device treats a wider range of people as it can help those who have severe hearing loss. Nonetheless, the downside is that the full shell device is a lot more visible than other digital hearing aids. This is because it covers the majority of the ear’s bowl-shaped part. However, you benefit from longer battery life and ease of use. After all, this hearing aid is a lot easier to insert in comparison to the ITC options.

Half shell hearing aid

And finally, the difference between this hearing aid and the one previously mentioned is the fact that it only covers the lower part of your ear. Because of this, it only has the scope to treat up to moderate loss of hearing. This is a great option for those who are looking for something in between a full shell and an in the canal device.

Different styles of hearing aids – where to find out more

If you think you or a loved one may need hearing assistance, read more on our Hearing Consultation page, where we describe the process involved in having a full audiology assessment at one of our hearing clinics, either in Farnham Common or Marlow, in Buckinghamshire. 

Or please get in touch to discuss your hearing requirements.