The Different Types and Styles of Hearing Aids

February 2, 2018

You may be hesitant to do so now, but the sooner you adapt to wearing a hearing device, the more time you have to enjoy your improved quality of living.

To help you on your journey towards searching for the perfect device, we’ve come up with a simple list of all the available types and styles of hearing aids in the market. Refer to this as your guide while getting started.

Behind-the-Ear Style (BTE)

BTE is the most common among all hearing aid styles. When worn, it sits comfortably behind the ear, hence its name. And in order to convey the sounds processed by the device, a delicately plastic tubing is used to travel sounds all the way down to the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are sturdy and easy-to-clean.

Receiver-in-the-Ear or Receiver-in-Canal Style (RITE/RIC)

These styles are a lot like BTE, only that the speaker goes inside the ear canal — microphone and processor remain sitting behind the ear. Also, instead of plastic tubing, thin electrical wires are used to transmit sounds across.

Canal Style

Canal style hearing aids, as the name suggests, are placed right in the ear canal. The following are different types of canal style hearing aids.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

ITE is a little bit bigger compared to the other canal style hearing aids. It is made in a way that every fragment of the device is contained in a protective case that fits right on the outside of the ear. Because it’s not too small, wearers have an easy time handling it. But if you’re using it for growing kids, take note that you might need to adjust the cases as the wearer grows.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

For ITC, a part of the device is positioned inside the ear canal while the other part remains just outside. It’s smaller than ITE which gives it an aesthetic advantage. On the other hand, it may need a little more attention in terms of maintenance.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

CIC is one of the least visible types of hearing aid, because it is placed right in the ear canal. It has a tip that acts as the wearer’s handle to easily take the device on and off. Because of its size and delicate position, this type of hearing aid requires a special care from the wearer.

Invisible-in-the-Canal Style (IIC)

IIC hearing aids are positioned even farther than CICs. This enables the device to come even closer to making it “invisible” when worn. For hygienic purposes, this type of hearing aids is advised to be removed every so often.

To summarize it all, today’s technology has made it possible for the hearing aid community to come up with a variety of options that will meet the preference of different wearers. You can rest assured that finding the perfect device that will fit your liking wouldn’t give you a hard time at all. To start browsing for different styles, you may head on to our products section now!

About The Listening Lab

Listening Lab is a home-grown company whose mission is to help our clients restore their hearing to enjoy the life that they desire. Experiencing hearing loss can be detrimental to one’s quality of life. Hence we commit to providing high-quality hearing solutions.

Our hearing solutions include hearing tests and treatment and prescribing hearing aids. Clients may come to get their hearing checked, and we will assess whether hearing aids are required.

If hearing aids are required, clients can choose from a variety of the best hearing aid brands we provide. Each of the products offers unique features that complement daily use and perform well in helping our clients enjoy the life that they desire.

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Brian Richmond

I started experiencing loss of hearing sometimes in 2010 (41 years old) owing to some medical issue. I was having difficulties hearing conservation especially in meeting. Thus, giving me the fear in attending meeting.

Initially I started with Phonak hearing aid. It helps amplified the sound and I could hear better then. Somehow, my hearing loss deteriorated further that in late 2012 (43 years old), there was profound loss of hearing on my right ear. Even digital hearing aid could not help. On my left ear there is still about 50% to 60% hearing with hearing aid. I was lost at this point of time. I was considering learning sign language. I went to see my ENT specialist and my audiologist Mr. Bala advised me to go for an CI as an alternative to my hearing loss.

I also thank God for Engineer and Scientist, giving them the knowledge to create such a complex and sophisticate device to help those with hearing loss like me. It will be all perfect if the cost is affordable too.

Jonathan Po

I took my mum to Listening Lab at Simei to get her hearing aid fixed, during our first visit, she patiently explained the whole procedure to my mum and also explain to my mum why she really in need to fix the hearing aid. She is very knowledgeable, and friendly, and we are encouraged to ask questions. she is also very patient with old people which is the most importance. Also her after service is superb so I highly recommend.

Mdm Goh

My mum, Madam Kek (73 year old) had the Cochlear implant (CI) done on her left side in 10th September 2019. Thereafter, thanks to the subsequent auditory verbal therapy, evaluation from SGH ENT team, as well as, the support from AB's and Listening Lab staffs; Madam Kek was able to hear, comprehend sound and music from her Cochlear implant, Naida CI Q90, and hearing aid (HA), Naida Link UP, for her right side before end year. We are happy that both the CI and HA have improved mum qualify of life. Now Madam Kek is looking forward to work again to pass her time as she can hear and better communicate with others.

Madam Kek

Titus was implanted when he was 18 months old. He is a happy, talkative 6.5 years old now. AB has been with him for 5 wonderful hearing years and we are looking forward to a bright future that lies ahead for him. AB’s Naída CI sound processors are reliable and the technology is constantly evolving and upgrading. When Titus was introduced to Naida Link CROS, his life was enriched. The wireless network established between his Naida CI sound processor and a Naida Link CROS transmitter allows him to hear from both ears. This changes Titus’s life and the way we interact with him. We are also very pleased with the prompt response and service provided to us. The staff in AB genuinely cares! We want to thank AB for making Titus’s hearing journey an enjoyable and a relatively stress free one!

Titus Pang

I have been living with progressive hearing loss for more than three decades. Socially, I find myself fearful of communicating with people and at home, watching 'soundless' television programs is a norm.

An unforgettable experience. Trying on a pair of Resound GN hearing aid, I was energized and revitalized and overwhelmed with emotional tears of joy. The Resound GN is truly remarkable and uniquely equipped with three-friendly-user environmental modes that provide hearing comfort wherever we are.

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Mr Tan