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Types of Hearing Aids (Form Factors)

Types of Hearing Aids

You've finally decided that missing out on conversations is not worth it. You've decided to buy a hearing aid. But what are the steps? How do you evaluate a hearing aid? How do you know what type of hearing aid is best for you?  The following steps may help.

First, go to an audiologist and get a thorough exam and get a hearing test. Some audiologists may charge up to $75.00 but many offer it free. Why free? Well, they want to sell you a hearing aid of course :-)  However, remember, just because you get a hearing test from an audiologist, it does not obligate you to purchase a hearing aid from them. To understand you hearing test, read the article: "Understanding Your Hearing Test"

Let's assume that you have your hearing test in hand, you understand the basics of the hearing test results, and now want to buy a hearing aid.

Hearing aids come in 5 different "form factors":

Behind-the-ear Hearing Aid There are two types of this hearing aid: With a tube and mold, and without a tube and mold. The first kind consists  of a case that fits behind the ear, a tube that goes around in front of the ear, and a plug or mold that fits in the ear canal. This hearing aid model has been the mainstay of all analog and digital hearing aids in the past. They are very bulky. The second type just fits over the ear with no connection to the ear canal. Hearing loss addressed

severe to profound

 Prices: from
$100 - $1800

BTE with Canal Tube

BTE Without Canal tube
This type of hearing aid is the latest improvement on the Behind the Ear hearing aids but is smaller, lighter, and is made with the latest digital technology. It comes in 2 varieties:

Variety 1:

  • the case is smaller than BTE
  • the tube is thinner
  • the plug (dome or bud) that fits in the ear has perforations allowing ambient sound to enter the ear at the same time that the amplified sounds are entering the ear.  Some audiologists are fitting molds with these hearing aids, but very few.

Variety 2:

  • Consists of just the case an a small hook that fits over the ear. There are no tubes or buds. (Only used for mild to moderate hearing loss)
 Hearing loss addressed

moderate to severe

 Prices: from
$2,500 - $3,000
In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear . The case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic. ITE aids can accommodate added technical mechanisms such as a tele-coil, a small magnetic coil contained in the hearing aid that improves sound transmission during telephone calls. Hearing loss addressed

Moderate to severe

 

 Prices: from
$300 - $1500
The In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aid fits about 50% in the ear canal. A small part of the case is visible on the outside of the ear . As with the ITE type of hearing aid, the case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic. Hearing loss addressed

Moderate

 

 Prices: from $300 - $2500
The Completely In-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aid fits 100% in the ear canal. As with the ITC type of hearing aid, the case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic.
 		 Hearing loss addressed

Moderate

 

 Prices: from $800 - $2500