Types of hearing aids
Finding the right type of hearing aid
Ready to improve your hearing but not sure what type of hearing aid is best for you? You’ve come to the right place. On this page, you will get an overview of:
- All the basic types of hearing aids
- Facts and features to consider when choosing the right type for you
Additionally, you are always welcome to visit one of our 12 hearing clinics, where we will be happy to show you some of the most popular hearing aid models available.
Hearing aid type: In-the-ear
There are five types of in-the-ear hearing aids, ranging from the invisible-in-the-canal to the full shell in-the-ear hearing aid:
- Suited for mild to severe hearing loss
- The smallest hearing aid style is virtually invisible inside the ear
- The full shell hearing aid style fits inside the outer bowl of the ear
- All types are custom-made to suit the shape of your ear, ensuring optimal comfort and sound quality
- Some models offer Bluetooth® technology so that you can stream sound from your phone, computer, or TV
4 facts about in-the-ear hearing aids
1. Discreet and less noticeable than other hearing aid types
2. May be susceptible to ear wax and moisture build-up
3. Rarely available with rechargeable batteries
4. Can include Bluetooth® streaming and telecoil features
Browse through in-the-ear hearing aid types
Tips from an audiologist
Find a hearing clinic with in-house audiologists or specialists who provide counselling based on your specific needs. A specialized hearing clinic will have several hearing aid types and brands, allowing you to find the most optimal solution for you.
Hearing aid type: Behind-the-ear
These types are the most popular hearing aids for people with hearing loss.
- Suited for mild to profound hearing loss
- All components are housed behind the ear with a clear tube leading to an earpiece that fits inside your ear
- Modern hearing aids are sleeker and slimmer than older versions and are great for people with dexterity challenges or visual impairment
- While modern behind-the-ear models are very discreet, they are not as invisible as in-the-ear hearing aids
- Feature powerful technology and typically have more feature options than in-the-ear hearing aids
4 facts about behind-the-ear hearing aids
1. More powerful and versatile than in-the-ear hearing aids
2. Rechargeable battery options available
3. Some users find the behind-the-ear placement more comfortable
4. Can often connect to and stream wirelessly from smartphones, TVs and tablets
Browse through behind-the-ear hearing aid types
Invisible hearing aids
Modern hearing aids are more discreet than ever before. In fact, many hearing aids are practically invisible. Designed to be especially discreet, the smallest variants of in-the-ear hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal. Examples of these include:
- Invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids
- Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids
These types are considered to be the most invisible hearing aids available. Since they sit completely inside your ear canal, people are unlikely to notice them.
Several types of behind-the-ear hearing aids are also very discreet and will not be particularly noticeable when worn. Behind-the-ear hearing aids allow for more features and advantages, making them the preferred type of hearing aid for many wearers.
Rechargeable hearing aids
Some hearing aids offer the convenience of rechargeable batteries. An easy overnight charge allows for hassle-free maintenance by eliminating the need to regularly replace batteries. Having rechargeable hearing aids removes the inconvenience of having to change batteries, which is a benefit to all, especially for those with dexterity challenges.
Bluetooth® hearing aids
If you choose a hearing aid with Bluetooth® technology, you can connect it to your TV so that you can hear the TV audio directly in your hearing aid, making it easier to hear your favourite TV show.
It is also possible to connect a hearing aid to other Bluetooth® devices, such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets. If you have an iPhone, then your Bluetooth® hearing aids can double as a wireless headset, allowing you to listen to music or make hands-free phone calls.
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What to consider when researching hearing aid types
1. Talk to a hearing professional about hearing aids
Choosing the right hearing aid style can be complicated. There are several factors to consider, and it is always best to receive advice from a professional. A hearing professional has vast knowledge about the different types of hearing loss and is qualified to recommend the best hearing aid type for your individual hearing needs.
The process of choosing the right hearing aid starts with measuring your hearing loss by booking a hearing test.
2. Find a solution that reduces background noise and provides better speech understanding
Hearing aids with background noise reduction assist the user in noisy situations. They reduce the volume of loud background noises, making it easier for the user to hear important sounds (like speech).
All hearing aids have some amount of noise reduction available. The amount of noise reduction varies from model to model.
3. Consider a solution that reduces feedback noise
Hearing aid ‘feedback’ is an annoying, high-pitched sound. It can occur when sound coming from the hearing aid speaker goes back into the hearing aid microphone and is amplified again. This process causes feedback to occur. Historically, hearing aid users have suffered from these uncomfortable feedback noises. However, modern hearing aids have dramatically less feedback issues.
4. Explore hearing aids with a 360-degree sound experience
Hearing technology has developed dramatically in recent years. The latest hearing aids have changed the way hearing aids work to process sound. Instead of only picking up sound from straight ahead, the hearing aids deliver the entire 360-degree sound environment to your brain, thereby reducing the effort it takes you to listen (resulting in less mental fatigue).
You can speak to a hearing professional who can take your personal hearing needs into account and provide the information you need to make the right decision for you.
5. Be aware of your personal hearing needs
If you suspect that you have hearing loss, it’s a good idea to schedule a hearing test. A hearing test will confirm whether you have hearing loss and identify the severity of it. During your appointment, your hearing care professional can also explain what types of hearing aids might suit your needs.
You are welcome to book an appointment at a hearing clinic near you. The hearing test takes approximately one hour, and you will have the chance to ask as many questions as you need. You will also have the opportunity to try out some of the latest hearing aid technology.
6. How Does a Hearing Aid Function?
Before diving into the various hearing aid types available on the market today, let’s recap how they work. The process is generally similar across all types. First, a microphone receives an audio signal from the outside world. This passes through a tiny amplifier and is turned into a digital (numbered code) or analog (electrical pulse) signal. Afterwards, a built-in speaker in the hearing aid interprets the signal and produces the sound. Many hearing aids include additional features such as button inputs for controls, wireless connectivity including via Bluetooth, and more.
Guide to choosing hearing aids
To ensure you find the hearing aid that suits your personal needs, lifestyle and budget, we are offering a free 30-Day hearing aid trial on the latest hearing aids. Schedule your appointment online today, or call 1-800-267-1571
Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns regarding your hearing health