While hearing aids are a good option for many people, they have some downsides. First, not all of them are obvious. Some people find it uncomfortable to wear them, or the wrong style or custom mold is inappropriate. An audiologist will suggest a different model like Phonak hearing aids in cases like this. Wearing a hearing aid in public can also cause social discomfort. Cleaning and maintaining a hearing aid is also a hassle, but most devices come with cleaning kits and maintenance instructions.
Key Takeaways:
- ITC hearing aids are discreet, easy to clean, and suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- CIC hearing aids are smaller, almost invisible, and ideal for those who want a discreet option.
- BTE hearing aids are more visible, prone to wind noise, and suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
- Smaller hearing aids may not be effective for people with higher levels of hearing loss.
- Wind noise can be a problem for BTE hearing aids, especially in outdoor settings.
ITC hearing aids are discreet
One of the most appealing features of In-the-Canal hearing aids is their discreet design. They don’t sit completely inside the ear canal, so they are almost invisible. In addition, the ITC hearing aid’s casing contains buttons, switches, and sliders that enable the user to adjust volume and program quickly and easily. This design makes ITC hearing aids easier to clean than their traditional counterparts. Though they may require regular maintenance, ITC hearing aids are the most suitable choice for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who don’t want to look like a medical device.
The best ITC hearing aids are made to fit the shape of the ear, meaning that they won’t be visible to other people. They are also small enough to be worn discreetly and are not difficult to clean. Because of their discreet design, ITC hearing aids are ideal for both older adults and beginners who wish to stay hidden. But despite their modest size, ITC hearing aids aren’t the only benefits of these devices.
CIC hearing aids are smaller
The primary difference between Completely in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids and ITE hearing devices is their size. CIC hearing aids are much smaller and sit deeper in the ear canal, which means they are almost invisible to those with normal hearing. However, they do not offer the same power as their bigger counterparts, and they may not be suitable for people with severe hearing loss. Another difference between the two types is their design. CICs use the natural shape of the ear canal to localize sound better.
Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are smaller and easier to use than ITEs. This style of hearing aid sits completely inside the ear canal, and only the tiny removable handle is visible outside the ear canal. As a result, this style of hearing aid is more appealing to users who want to wear hearing aids discreetly without attracting attention. In addition to being smaller, CIC hearing aids also require the smallest battery size.
BTE hearing aids are more likely to be spotted
Although they are more affordable than in-the-ear models, Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are not as discreet as other types. This is because they sit outside the ear, which makes them more visible to others. While they do not provide the highest level of amplification, they can help people with hearing loss who experience a significant amount of earwax. However, they are also more prone to wind noise and are less discreet than other types.
In addition to being more discreet, BTE hearing aids are often less visible than other types. It is because their custom-made earpiece sits inside the ear canal. They are available for people of all ages and types of hearing loss. While older BTE hearing aids were quite bulky, newer designs are much smaller and more discreet. It means that shy or self-conscious people can wear them about wearing hearing aids.
Wind noise is a problem with BTE hearing aids.
There are several ways to minimize the wind noise that can interfere with hearing in windy environments. For example, some hearing aids are designed to block out wind noise and automatically adjust the sound settings to eliminate the effects of wind. In addition, wind noise is a serious problem for people who have to use their hearing aids outdoors. Wind noise can become a nuisance, particularly on windy days, and it can cause a headache if it’s loud enough.
As the BTE style is often compared to other styles, wind noise can be a problem for users. However, these hearing aids are typically better suited to people with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss. Because BTE hearing aids are worn behind the ear, they are more susceptible to wind noise than other styles. Wind noise may be more prevalent when people wear BTE hearing aids outdoors, and these devices can be uncomfortable if you experience it.
Smaller hearing aids don’t work as well for people with higher levels of hearing loss.
Hearing aids used to be very large. Now, smaller hearing aids are available for those with mild to moderate loss levels. But if you have a more severe hearing loss, you may need a bigger, more sophisticated hearing aid. Although hearing aids have improved greatly over the years, there are still some differences between smaller and larger devices.
The microphones of hearing aids are designed to pick up speech from up to seven meters away. The sound travels in a waveform that halves after two meters. After eight meters, even normal-level speech will pass over the range. The softer parts of speech will not reach the microphone. One of the most common complaints of hearing loss is difficulty in hearing speech in loud environments. It is why most hearing aids use special microphones to cope with noise.
Final Words
When it comes to hearing aids, discretion and effectiveness are crucial. ITC and CIC hearing aids offer discreet designs, while BTE hearing aids are more visible but suitable for those with higher levels of hearing loss. However, smaller hearing aids may not be effective for everyone, and wind noise can be a problem for BTE hearing aids. Consult with an audiologist to determine the best hearing aid for your specific needs.
