Types of Hearing Aids

type of hearing aids

A hearing aid is a device used to improve hearing by making sounds audible to individuals who suffer from hearing loss. There are many types of hearing aids available in the market. Choosing the right style for your hearing needs may be challenging.

Types of Hearing Aids

In this article, we will list down the types of hearing aids in Singapore for you.

The types of hearing aids are:

  • Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
  • Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE)/ Receiver-In-The-Canal (RIC)
  • In-The-Ear (ITE)
  • In-The-Canal (ITC)
  • Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
  • Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

Hearing Aid (BTE) Singapore

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid is the style where the hearing aids are placed behind the ear. A separate piece known as an earmold or a thin sound tube with a soft silicone earpiece is then used to direct sound into the ear canal. BTE is a more durable hearing aid as the electronic components are kept away from the ear canal, affecting the parts due to ear wax, discharge, or moisture. The ear BTE hearing aids come in a variety of sizes, depending on their power performance.

Advantages

  • Suitable for all degrees of hearing loss, including profound hearing loss
  • Available with wireless connectivity to devices
  • The earmold is custom-fit and can be replaced separately
  • Less susceptible to moisture damage

Who This is Most Suitable For

  • Mild to profound hearing loss patients
  • Individuals with arthritic conditions
    Children

Read more: Behind the Ear Hearing Aids or BTE

Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE)/ Receiver-In-The-Canal (RIC)

RITE Hearing Aid Singapore

Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) or RIC hearing aid is the most popular style in the market for its discretion. This style of hearing aid is generally more comfortable than BTE as the receiver end inserted into the ear is covered by a soft, pliant silicone tip.

RITE solutions combine the best of both BTEs and ITEs — power and discretion.

The RITE/RIC’s main body sits behind the individual’s ear while the receiver or speaker sits in the ear canal.

Advantages

  • Comes with a rechargeable battery option
  • Comes with wireless connectivity to devices
  • Speaker can be replaced separately
  • Telecoil options are available

Who This is Most Suitable For

  • Mild to profound hearing loss patients
  • Individuals with an excellent ability to handle small objects

Read more: Receiver In Canal Hearing Aids or RIC

In-The-Ear (ITE)

type of hearing aid (ITE)

The next hearing aid type is In-The-Ear (ITE). ITE is the most prominent custom made style available where the hearing aid components are housed to sit comfortably in the visible part of an individual’s ear. Due to its size, ITE is easier to manage and suitable for individuals with moderate to severe hearing issues.

Advantages

  • Ability to use telephones and headsets normally
  • Camouflage in the ear

Who This is Most Suitable For

  • Most suitable for people who are experiencing mild to severe hearing loss
  • Ideal for people with no eyesight problems

Read more: In Ear Hearing Aids or ITE

In-The-Canal (ITC)

Hearing Aid (ITC)

In-The-Canal (ITC) is the most popular custom-made hearing aid style. They are designed to be placed in individuals’ ear canal and are even more invisible than ITE. Due to its small size and comfort, ITC is a preferred choice for individuals who wish to keep their hearing troubles private.

Advantages

  • Discreet
  • Longer battery life
  • More features than IIC and CIC styles

Who This is Most Suitable For

  • Individuals looking for discretion
  • Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss
  • Individuals who struggle on the phone

Read more: In the Canal Hearing Aids or ITC

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

Completely-In-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid

Completely-In-Canal (CIC) is known as the second smallest custom made hearing aid style. Due to its small size, CIC is not suitable for older people with sight problems and children.

However, for individuals who suffer mild to moderate hearing loss and prefer a discreet hearing aid style, CIC will come in handy.

Advantages

  • Very discreet
  • High sound quality because of how they fit within the ear

Who This is Most Suitable For

  • Individuals with mild to moderate levels of hearing losses
  • Individuals with the ability to handle small objects
  • Individuals without eyesight problems
  • Individuals looking for discretion

Read more: Completely In Canal Hearing Aids or CIC

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aid

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) is the smallest custom made hearing aid style available in the market. Just like CIC, IIC is perfect for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. However, due to this hearing aid’s smallest size, directional microphones and wireless connectivity are not available with IIC.

Advantages

  • Very discreet
  • High sound quality because of how they fit within the ear

Who This is Most Suitable For

  • Individuals with mild to moderate levels of hearing losses
  • Individuals with the ability to handle small objects
  • Individuals without eyesight problems
  • Individuals looking for discretion

Read more: Invisible Hearing Aids or IIC

Hearing Aid Components

Although there are many types of hearing aids, with different brands in the market, these hearing solutions come with almost the same essential components.

The various parts of a hearing aid are

Microphones – to pick up the sound and transfer to the ear
Mini-chip – to process the sound according to individual hearing needs
Receiver – the end that delivers the sound to the individual’s ear
Battery – powers the hearing aid
Program switch/ Volume control

Read more: How Do Hearing Aids Work

J Glasses & Hearing For Your Hearing Solutions

At J Glasses & Hearing, we are committed to delivering excellent services for your hearing aids in Singapore at affordable prices with the highest customer satisfaction level. For more information, kindly visit our shop or fill in the form with your contact details, and our team will get back to you on your inquiries.

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