What hearing aid do I need?
Discover the pros and cons of different types of hearing aids
There are many types of hearing aids available, and we understand that it can be difficult to keep track. To help you make a well-considered choice, we would like to explain the different types of hearing aids and their features. What models are there? What are the advantages and disadvantages of these devices? And what makes one hearing aid more suitable for you than another? Discover which type of hearing aid is best suited to your hearing loss.
Types of hearing loss
Hearing loss is divided into four categories:
- Mild hearing loss (20-30 dB)
- Moderate hearing loss (30-60 dB)
- Severe hearing loss (60-90 dB)
- Profound hearing loss (90+ dB)
When choosing a hearing aid, not only the degree of hearing loss is taken into account, but also which pitches need to be amplified. The choice of hearing aid type can also depend on the specific pitch losses and the size of the ear canal. In many cases, the more severe the hearing loss, the larger the hearing aid that is needed to provide sufficient amplification. Please note that some types of hearing aids may not be suitable if they cannot provide sufficient amplification.
The different types of hearing aids:
Next to this, you can see different hearing aid models along with their abbreviations.
Many hearing aids fall under broader categories. Below, we explain four main types to help you choose the right model:
1. In-the-ear hearing aids (ITE): Including ITE, ITC, CIC and IIC
2. Behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE)
3. The receiver in the ear hearing aids (RIC devices/RIHO - speaker in the ear)
4. Lyric
In-the-ear hearing aids
In-the-ear hearing aids, also known as ITEs, are custom-made. Your audiologist makes an impression of your ear canal, which is then sent to the manufacturer of the hearing aid. Every brand offers in-the-ear hearing aids. These devices sit in the ear and are barely visible to the outside world. In-the-ear devices are also available in very small sizes. If there is enough space in your ear, the hearing aid can be made extremely compact and placed deep in the ear canal. You can easily remove the device from your ear using a small pull cord. This type of device is called CIC, which stands for ''Completely-in-Canal'' .
An example of such a hearing aid is the Starkey Edge AI 24 CIC with Bluetooth functionality.
Advantages of IHO hearing aids:
- Cosmetically attractive and less visible
- Sound is close to the eardrum, which produces a more natural sound
- No hindrance when wearing glasses
- Prevents irritation behind the auricle
- Less wind noise
Disadvantages of IHO hearing aids:
- An in-the-ear hearing aid is more likely to fail because all the electronics are housed in a compact housing and are therefore more vulnerable
- Due to the small size, maintenance may be more difficult, especially if you have less feeling in your fingers
- If you produce a lot of earwax, the filter will quickly become clogged, requiring regular replacement.
- The small hearing aid contains a small battery, which runs out more quickly
Behind-the-ear hearing aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are the most common type of hearing aid. With this type, you wear a system behind your ear that is connected to a custom-made earmold in your ear canal. Your audiologist makes an impression of your ear for this, which is sent to the laboratory. There, a custom-made earmold is made from acrylic material. An example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid is the Phonak Naida L90-PR , a rechargeable model that can also be adjusted remotely.
Advantages of AHO hearing aids:
- These hearing aids are sturdy and the electronics are well protected in the case, which reduces the need for repairs
- Easy to maintain; only the earpieces need cleaning and can be cleaned with water
- The larger size allows room for more technology, such as a theater loop system and multiple microphones for better understanding in noisy environments
Disadvantages of AHO hearing aids:
- The hearing aids are more visible
- The earmolds fill the ear canal, which can make wearing comfort less pleasant
Receiver in the Ear Hearing Aids (RIC/RIHO - Speaker in the Ear)
A RIC hearing aid, which stands for '' Receiver-in-Canal'' , is a type of hearing aid where the speaker (receiver) is placed in the ear canal, while the rest of the hearing aid sits behind your ear. This type of hearing aid provides a comfortable and natural sound reproduction, because the sound is delivered closer to the eardrum.
The RIC devices are hearing aids that sit partly behind your ear, but instead of a connecting tube they have a thin electronic wire. We would like to explain this further.
In order to bring sound to your ear canal and allow you to hear properly, the sound picked up by the hearing aid (behind your ear) must be transported to your ear canal. With BTE hearing aids, this is done with a tube that transmits the sound to a custom-made earmold, after which the sound reaches your ear canal at the eardrum.
The RIC hearing aids work a little differently. Although they also sit behind your ear, they use a different way to transport sound: a built-in loudspeaker. You can think of a RIC device as a sound system with speakers. The hearing aid functions as the system and the wire to your ear is the speaker that plays the sound in your ear. An example of a RIC device is the Phonak Audéo Sphere Infinio I90-R.
Advantages of RIC hearing aids:
- No loss of sound quality
- The hearing aids are often very small
- Available in rechargeable versions
- Suitable for both mild and severe hearing losses
- Numerous options for connectivity with your mobile phone
- The wearing comfort is experienced as very pleasant
Disadvantages of RIC hearing aids:
- The speaker that sits in the ear can sometimes become blocked by earwax
- Due to their small size, they can be difficult to handle properly, so you need to be able to use them well
Lyric hearing aid
The Lyric is truly a gem among hearing aids!
This advanced system is available in seven different sizes, from XXS to XXL, to fit every ear canal. The electronics are housed in a small capsule, which is covered with soft wings that represent the different sizes. Because the Lyric can be placed deep in the ear, it offers optimal sound quality. The fitting is done by a Lyric specialist, who is trained to place this special system as deep as possible in the ear. The Lyric is also the only hearing aid that is resistant to moisture. This means that you can shower and even swim with it. Although diving is not allowed, you can swim with a specially made swimming plug.
Benefits of Lyric hearing aids:
- May help reduce tinnitus
- Provides natural hearing by placing the Lyric close to the eardrum
- Completely invisible, truly discreet
- No hindrance when wearing glasses, because there is nothing behind your ear
- You can wear the Lyric 24/7, day and night
- Worldwide Replacement: If you are on vacation and your Lyric breaks down, you can check online for the location of your nearest Lyric Specialist. You can visit any Lyric Specialist using your own Lyric ID number.
Disadvantages of Lyric hearing aids:
- If diving is your favorite hobby, this device is less suitable for you
You now have a clear overview of the available models and their pros and cons!
- Do you value an inconspicuous appearance? Then an invisible hearing aid is the best choice for you
- Do you have a narrow ear canal? Then a RIC hearing aid may be a more comfortable option
- Do you regularly put your glasses on and take them off? Then an in-the-ear hearing aid may be the most suitable
- Do you want complete invisibility and carefree use? Then Lyric is an excellent choice!
We wish you the best of luck in finding the hearing aid that perfectly suits your unique wishes and needs.
Want more hearing aid advice before you continue your search? Feel free to browse our other web pages for more information.
Good luck finding the ideal hearing aid that meets all your needs!