Styles of Daily Wear Hearing Aids
All hearing aids consist of the same parts, but the ways they are designed and worn differ depending on the style. Hearing aids consist of a microphone, amplifier, battery unit, processing system, and volume/program control, and ear mold.
There are two main categories of hearing aid styles: in the ear (ITE) and behind the ear (BTE). ITE hearing aids include full-shell and half-shell models, which sit on the surface of the ear. There are also more discreet options, such as in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), and invisible-in-canal (IIC). These are inserted deeper in the ear canal and are not noticeable. While these options for hearing are discreet, they may be difficult for the patient to manipulate if the wearer experiences dexterity issues.
BTE hearing aids consist of two main parts: a plastic case that houses electronic components, which is worn over the ear and ear molds which sit within the ear and receive sound. BTE hearing aids are often quite small and are also powerful, treating varying degrees of hearing loss. They may be inconvenient for people who wear eyeglasses.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are similar to BTE hearing aids in appearance, but differ in that the receiver is situated in the ear canal.
Many of the BTE and RIC hearing aids now offer rechargeable, battery-free options for today's wearer, with up to a 24 hour charge.