Hearing Aid Styles and Features | Audiology Ear Care

Some hearing aids fit behind the ear (BTE). These come in a variety of styles, depending on the needs of the patient. An audiologist can help determine which style is most appropriate for you. BTE devices may have a custom earmold that fits into the ear, particularly when a lot of amplification is needed. Others may have the speaker down in the ear and leave the ear canal mostly open. This depends on the type of hearing loss you have.

One benefit: BTE devices usually have 2 microphones to improve hearing in background noise.

Other hearing aids fit within the ear (in-the-ear or ITE). Some hearing aids fill up the outer part of the ear and some fit entirely within the ear canal. The difference is largely a matter of patient choice, although dexterity may be a factor. However, the smaller the hearing aid, the fewer options (features) can be included.

One benefit: ITE devices can take advantage of the natural resonances and directionality of the ear.

Many current hearing aids have Bluetooth capability built in. This allows communication with smartphones and wireless accessories such as microphones and audio streaming boxes (for TV or music). This allows much improved quality of sound, as well as remote control features, via your smartphone. Smaller devices may not have enough room for a Bluetooth receiver and need an accessory to communicate wirelessly.

Rechargeable technology is one of the newest features of modern hearing aids. Current technology ensures that batteries will last more than a full day's use and can recharge quickly in times of urgent need. Some rechargeables come with a portable charger that itself has a battery. This allows you to take a weekend trip with no charging cables required! Recommended rechargeables are currently limited to BTE devices, but that may change. As one of the newer features in hearing aids, this technology is changing fast!

Some hearing aids are equipped with telecoils. This is a magnetic signal available in any room that has a hearing loop. Many churches, theaters, ticket windows and other locations have hearing loops and most desktop telephones are compatible with telecoils (this was the original intent of the telecoil many decades ago). Other than Bluetooth, this is the only technology which is universally compatible across brands of hearing aids. Some hearing aids are too small for a telecoil, but you should discuss this option with your audiologist any time you are purchasing new hearing aids.

The role of Technology in Hearing Aids

The biggest factor in the cost AND the value of hearing aids is the level of technology. Most hearing aid labs have 3-4 technology levels available in each product line. In addition, most have discount products available that are scaled down even further for those with tight budgets. A lower level technology may be the same as yeseterday's higher technology.

Higher techology provides two primary benefits to you:

It is more versatile as you move from one listening environment to another.
It helps you hear better in the presence of difficulty listening environments, such as background noise.

It is not necessarily true that you should purchase the highest level of technology you can afford. While higher tech hearing aids will perform better in more difficult listening environments, they are not always the best value for all patients.

Lower technology devices are usually appropriate for people who are not often in difficult listening environments. If your daily life is mostly quiet and you rarely talk with more than one or two other people, this level of technology may be your best value.
Mid-level technology is the most common. This is appropriate for people who spend more time in restaurants, in public places, at community or special interest functions, or like to travel.
Higher level technology will always perform best in difficult listening environments and will automatically adjust to a wider variety of listening needs. Many people who use higher technology hearing aids are still working, may have kids at home, and generally are in a variety of listening environments on a daily basis.

No matter what your listening needs are, your audiologist can counsel you regarding what is appropriate and ensure that you receive the best value.

STYLES & FEATURES