Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
This hearing aid is traditionally the most powerful and rests on the back of the outer ear.
Learn moreHearing aid types
We’ve summarized the main types of hearing aids, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
Do you want to improve your hearing performance? Are you looking for a suitable hearing aid? Then you've come to the right place. We’ve summarized the main types of hearing aids, along with their advantages and disadvantages. We’re also happy to provide personal advice.
What types of hearing aid are available?
Hearing aids are available in a wide range of designs for every type of hearing impairment or hearing loss from a variety of hearing aid manufacturers. This variety ensures that the hearing aid can be adapted to your personal preferences and expectations, so that nothing stands in the way of your hearing.
Your hearing care professional will recommend a solution for you based upon your individual hearing loss, ear shape and lifestyle. These are the most common hearing aids:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
- In-the-Ear (ITE)
- Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
What are the differences between digital and analog hearing aids?
Hearing aids can be either analog or digital. Most new hearing aids are digital. The only difference between analog and digital devices results from the way in which they process signals.
Analog hearing aids pick up signals from the surroundings. The signals are then reproduced and amplified by a loudspeaker. These devices are unable to filter out or reduce noise.
Digital hearing aids convert sound into electronic information. Only major signals are amplified and transmitted. Loud ambient sounds are reduced. This means that the wearer can hear better even in noisy environments. These devices can be adapted to individual needs and are smaller than analog models. Digital hearing aids also deliver improved sound quality and enhance speech comprehension. This makes hearing easier.
What are the differences between open and closed fittings?
Hearing aids may be either closed or open in design. An open design means that the sound waves continue to reach the eardrum naturally. Behind-the-ear devices feature open fittings. In this case, the sound tube and earpiece sit in the external ear canal. Since audible sounds are not amplified, natural hearing is possible. Open-fit models also allow better ventilation of the ear canal.
In closed models, the external ear canal is largely sealed by an earpiece or in-the-ear hearing aid. However, this doesn’t mean that the ear isn’t ventilated. By fitting the earpiece, it sits better in the ear and ensures more direct transmission. This means that the full range of hearing aid features can be used more effectively. Closed models are also more flexible and can be used for different types of hearing loss.
What other devices are available?
If standard hearing aids do not meet an individual's needs, there are still a number of alternatives:
Are you uncertain whether you even need a hearing aid? Click here for more information. Or discover the benefits offered by various hearing aid manufacturers. If you need help choosing the right model, either take a look at our Tips on buying a hearing aid or visit your nearest branch for a free consultation.
Types of hearing aid
Learn more about the different types of hearing technology available
VAC, WCB, WSIB, WorkSafeBC, ADP & ODSP accepted. †Based on national physician referrals over the tenure of the corporation’s Canadian business operations compared to the disclosed referral count of leading competitors. *Hearing evaluations/tests are free for customers over the age of 18. Fees may apply where specific testing for employment purposes, reports, a copy of your results or the completion of an application is required. See clinic for full details.
