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The Different Types of Hearing Aids

Learn more about the common types of hearing aids and how they can improve your hearing.

When it comes to choosing the right hearing aid to fit your lifestyle and needs, we know that the options can seem endless. Our team of otolaryngologists and audiologist provide comprehensive hearing aid fittings right here in the Sun City West, AZ, area, working with each and every patient to make sure that they are receiving the hearing aid that will work best for them. Let’s get familiar with the types of hearing aids we offer:

Behind the ear (BTE): The receiver sits behind the ear where it transmits sounds through a plastic tube to an ear mold. These are some of the larger styles of hearing aids on the market, however, the benefits associated with a BTE hearing aid include,

  • Ideal for those with severe or profound hearing loss
  • May last longer than smaller hearing aids
  • Easy to control and manipulate because it’s larger (ideal for seniors and those with dexterity issues)

Mini BTE: This device functions in the exact same way as a traditional BTE, but it is a bit more compact. Instead of a custom-made earmold a mini BTE will use an earbud, which will sit within the ear canal. The earbud allows the ear canal to remain open, meaning that = the device will produce a clearer and more natural sound.

Receiver in canal (RIC): The amplifier rests behind the ear and is connected to an earbud or earmold (which rests in the ear canal) through thin wires. The wires are less noticeable than hearing aids with plastic tubing. RIC hearing aids also boast exceptional sound quality.

In the ear (ITE): This hearing device consists of a custom-made mold that sits in the outer ear and contains the microphone and amplifier in one device. These hearing aids are easy for many of our patients to wear and care for here in Sun City West, AZ, and they are ideal for telephone conversations.

In the canal (ITC): A device that works similarly to the in-the-ear model, the only difference is that it sits within the opening of the ear canal rather than the outer ear, making it far less noticeable. While this is a discrete option for the wearer, it is important to note that it may be more difficult to control since it’s smaller than other hearing devices.

Completely in the canal (CIC): If your main goal is to find a hearing aid that others won’t be able to see then a completely in the canal model may be the ideal choice for you. They won’t have the same capabilities as other models, but they are lightweight and comfortable. Again, if you suffer from dexterity problems, then this type of hearing aid may not be the easiest to control.

Arizona ENT provides hearing aids, screenings, and more to patients living in and around Sun City, El Mirage, Glendale, and Sun City West, AZ. If you are looking to schedule a consultation to discuss the best hearing aid option for you then call us at (623) 975-1660 or (623) 972-2951.


Our Locations:

623-975-1660

14510 W. Shumway Dr. ,  Ste 101,  Sun City West, AZ 85375

10503 W. Thunderbird Blvd.,  Ste 104,  Sun City, AZ 85351

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