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Hearing Health
Hearing aid technology has advanced rapidly in the last handful of years, and for individuals who are just now exploring their options for the first time, the amount of styles on the market may seem overwhelming. Whether you want a small device that integrates the latest technology or would rather have a more basic model that’s easy to use, there’s a hearing aid for every budget and lifestyle. Our practice only partners with the leading brands in the hearing aid industry to ensure that you have access to devices that are high-quality, comfortable, and affordable. The team at Active Hearing Center has been helping patients select the right device for their needs since 2017.
Hearing Aid Styles
The hearing aid industry offers patients more options than ever before, yet all devices find themselves in one of two categories: Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-the-ear (ITE). Keep reading to learn about these styles and discover which design might work best for you.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Sitting behind or on top of the outer ear, a BTE design utilizes a tube that connects to an ear mold or tip inside of your ear canal. With the widest selection of colors, sizes, features, degrees of power, and battery types, BTE’s are so small that they are often unnoticeable to others. Some of the various BTE styles include:
Mini BTE
The smallest BTE option on the market, a Mini BTE creates a natural hearing experience through a soft tip at the end of its tubing. This encourages airflow and sound to enter into the ear along with amplified sounds.
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-canal (RIC):
A speaker built into the ear tip instead of the body of the device is what makes RITE hearing aids different. Their size is similar to that of a Mini BTE and they are nearly invisible to others. Mini RITE’s are also an option.
BTE with Earmold:
Patients can enjoy more features and a longer battery life with a BTE with Earmold. It uses a custom-shaped earmold at the tip of its tubing, directing sound straight to the ear canal. These devices are slightly larger and use a shape that follows the contour of your ear.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
Instead of resting behind the ear, ITE hearing aids sit inside of the ear using an impression for a custom fit. We offer many types of ITE styles including:
Invisible In-the-Canal (IIC)
Sitting deep within the ear canal, IIC devices are the smallest hearing aids on the market and are nearly invisible to the naked eye.
Completely In-the-Canal (CIC)
These devices are slightly larger than the IIC, yet are still quite discreet. CIC hearing aids fit inside of your ear canal in a more shallow fashion than other styles.
In-the-Canal (ITC) or Half Shell
Patients looking for features like volume control, directional microphones, and a larger battery will benefit from an ITC device. These typically sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl and are slightly larger than a CIC.
In-the-Ear (ITE) or Full Shell
Best for individuals with more severe hearing loss, an ITE device fills the entire outer bowl of the ear. Patients can enjoy advanced features like volume controls and longer battery life due to their larger size.
Wireless Connectivity: Bluetooth Hearing Aids, Smartphone Apps and More
Hearing aids have come a long way since your grandparents wore them and today’s models are packed full of advanced features that make wearing them a breeze. Whether you enjoy listening to music or watching your favorite television program, hearing aids have the option of connecting to other devices via Bluetooth. Now the same small devices that help you hear better can enhance your day to day life like never before! If using Bluetooth technology sounds intimidating don’t worry, as today’s hearing aids are designed to be easy to use. In most cases, simply install an app on your smartphone and begin controlling the volume and settings of your hearing aids with the touch of a screen. Our listening environments are never static, so as the sounds around you change, your hearing aid needs to follow suit. By integrating advanced technology into each device we sell, your hearing aid can now actively adapt to your environment to create the most pleasing listening experience possible.
Communicating with others just got a lot easier with your new devices, as you can connect your telephone directly to your hearing aid without any wires or cords. Streaming audio to your hearing aids eliminates the potential for feedback or missing out on what others are saying. If you enjoy podcasts or audiobooks, your advanced hearing aids have just opened up a new level of enjoyment for these and other activities.
Remember, hearing aids are designed to be user friendly and you have the entire team at Active Hearing Center supporting you every step of the way. Contact our office to learn more about the variety of hearing aids we have to offer and how we can assist you in meeting all of your hearing needs.
Which Hearing Aid is Right for You?
The world of hearing care can seem intimidating if you have just discovered that you have a hearing loss, but at Active Hearing Center it’s our goal to be your partner on the path to success. We take a customized approach to every patient’s hearing ability and our recommendations are based upon your type of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your budget. With over years of experience helping patients to choose the treatment plan that meets their needs, we’re committed to making hearing healthcare easy.
Finding the right hearing aid for your needs starts with a comprehensive hearing evaluation that allows us to determine the most appropriate solution for you. Our team is here to help you on the path to healthy hearing.
