Types of hearing aids

Today’s hearing aids are small, but—thanks to Beltone’s micro-processor technology— they are more powerful than ever.

Beltone hearing aids

All Beltone hearing aids are equipped with features that mimic natural hearing, accessories that allow direct streaming, and apps that make them easy to adjust and manage from anywhere.

Beltone offers many types of hearing aids to fit your lifestyle, personal preferences, and level of hearing loss. Regardless what style hearing aid you choose, you can count on discreet design, personalization, and easy connectivity. Plus, you will benefit from a hearing care partner who can take you through the pros and cons of each type of hearing aid and how it can address your needs.

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Hearing aid anatomy

Hearing aids are small, lightweight electronic devices that sit in the outer ear, within the ear canal, or behind the ear—depending on the style. Their main function is to amplify sound in a natural and comfortable way.

The physical components of hearing aids include one or more microphones to gather sound, an amplifier designed to process a wide range of sounds, a receiver or speaker that transmits the sound signal from the amplifier to the ear, and a battery to fuel the process.

Beltone hearing aids are protected from the effects of daily wear by a microscopic coating that's molecularly bonded to the inner circuitry and outer casing. This increases the life and performance of hearing aids, and also reduces maintenance.

The delicate inner workings of custom hearing aids are contained inside coverings known as shells. Shells come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors to fit the user's hearing loss, daily routine, and cosmetic needs.

What type of hearing aid is right for you?

There are four main types of hearing aids—Behind-The-Ear (BTE), Microphone-in-Helix (MIH), Receiver-In-Ear (RIE), and In-The-Canal (ITC). Several styles fall under the ITC hearing aid category.

The type and style that will work best for you depends on your degree of hearing loss, your lifestyle, your overall health, and your cosmetic wishes.

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As the name implies, these hearing aids are worn on top and behind the ear with all parts in a case at the back of the ear and connected to the ear canal with a small sound tube and a custom mold or tip. They are very reliable, suitable for all levels of hearing loss, and easy to handle and place in the ear.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids:

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Also called Receiver-In-Canal hearing aids, this type of hearing device has a case that sits behind the ear. But unlike the BTE model, the receiver, or speaker, goes into the ear canal and is attached the main body of the hearing aid by an electronic wire. Although this type of hearing aid sits outside the ear, it is still highly discreet and often goes unnoticed.

Receiver-In-Ear (RIE) Hearing Aids:

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This is a custom hearing aid that is a hybrid between the BTE and ITE hearing aid types. It combines the open fit, durability, and higher gain of a BTE hearing aid with the discreet size and easy insertion of an ITE.

Microphone-in-Helix (MIH) Hearing Aids:

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The latest to arrive on the market and can fit on a fingertip and fit the furthest down in the ear. They are best for mild or moderate hearing loss. Their placement inside the ear gives them a natural sound quality but also makes them susceptible to damage from ear wax and moisture in the ear canal.

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC):

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This type of hearing aid fits pretty deep within the ear canal so they are nearly invisible as well. Only a tiny removal handle is visible outside the ear.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC):

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They are slightlylarger than CIC hearing aids and partly visible in the ear canal. They areslightly easier to handle with a longer battery life.

In-The-Canal (ITC):

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The hearing aid fits in the outer portion of the ear and tend to be easier to handle andadjust than the smaller ITC styles

In-The-Ear (ITE):

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Want to learn more about which type of hearing aid will work best for you? Come in to your local Beltone for a free hearing test and consultation with a hearing are professional.

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