Hearing Aid Styles

Table of Contents

Whatever your preferences for hearing aids, you can rest assured that there’s a style that fits you best. Now more than ever, there’s a huge selection of hearing aids available to fit your lifestyle, cosmetic preferences, and technology comfort level. At our Livingston office, we offer a variety of hearing aid styles that we personally recommend after gathering conclusive data during a comprehensive hearing evaluation using our proprietary H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program.

What Hearing Aid Styles Do We Offer?

There are two general types of hearing aids. One type is totally contained within the earpiece that rests in the ear’s canal. The second type has a housing unit that rests behind the ear with a wire that connects to the earpiece. There are many different hearing aid styles, so it’s important to sit down with your Doctor of Audiology to discuss the best options for you.

Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)

This is the smallest and most discreet option available, remaining almost undetectable. It fits snugly within the ear canal and offers a secure fit, making it a great option if you enjoy an active lifestyle. It also offers unparalleled noise-reduction technology and can adjust automatically to each unique environment. 

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

A small and compact option, this hearing aid offers a great balance between concealment and greater control over your hearing system with an external switch. This is a popular option for people who want a low-profile hearing aid that also offers the latest in technology, as well as a superior sound experience.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

This option offers a close fit with some amazing features as well. With a custom, molded fit, it can snugly rest in the ear canal but still offer customization with external control options. This type also comes with connectivity to wireless Bluetooth® technology and can stream phone calls and media directly from your mobile device. It also comes with options for rechargeable batteries meaning there’s no need to change them every week. Although bigger in size than other in-ear options, it won’t interfere with eyewear or an active lifestyle.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

With a full-shell piece that fits just outside the ear canal, this option is the easiest to wear and remove among the small options— and it also offers unparalleled battery life. With easily-adjustable instruments, it’s a great option for people who want a customized listening experience. Custom-molded to your ear, this hearing aid offers exact fit for clear, undiluted sound quality. This option can also include Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

This style is an excellent option for nearly any person looking for a lightweight, comfortable design that offers the latest technologies. The receiver-in-canal style has a flexible fitting range that can be tailored for a variety of hearing losses, allowing for a more high-powered listening experience because it’s not limited to a compact design. This is our most popular option for its compromise between easy use and low-profile look. Some of its best benefits include Bluetooth features, rechargeable batteries, and even remote adjustment by your Doctor of Audiology via Telehealth.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Because this option houses most of the technology in a shell that fits behind the ear, it offers some of the most advanced technology available. With rechargeable battery options, as well as Bluetooth and advanced programming options that allow your Doctor of Audiology to make adjustments remotely via Telehealth, it can be one of the most flexible and easily-adjustable options available.

What Hearing Aid Features Are Available?

Hearing aids are not an in-ear amplifier. The newest hearing aids on the market offer some extremely advanced technologies like Bluetooth, mobile device connectivity, noise-canceling technology, automatic adjustment, and even rechargeable batteries, iOS-specific programming, and artificial intelligence. If hearing aid features are important to you, your Doctor of Audiology can direct you to the models that fit your lifestyle best after a H.E.A.R. Method™ Treatment Program evaluation.

What Type of Hearing Aid is Best for Me?

Each person will have specific needs when it comes to hearing aid types. If you prefer a low-profile, cosmetic option, then small and subtle models will work best. However, if you want a high-powered listening experience with the latest technologies and features, an over-the-ear model can be a great option. Additionally, some patients prefer adjustable features that are easy to access for people who simply aren’t comfortable with too many features. During your appointment with our team, we can assess your lifestyle and preferences to and work together to determine the best hearing aid solution for you.

Schedule an Appointment

We offer all the leading options in hearing aid technology at our Livingston office. To meet with our Doctors of Audiology and learn more, we invite you to contact us by calling or filling out our online form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cheap hearing aids work?

In the hearing aid industry, spending more money doesnt always bring mean you will get better quality. A well-fit hearing aid by an audiologist who utilizes Real Ear Verification protocols will ensure that your hearing aid is programmed exactly for your hearing.

How do I choose a hearing aid?

When choosing a hearing aid, it important to realize that hearing aids are not one size fits all. When researching hearing aids, you should also take into consideration the following:n1) Does your audiologist work with only one manufacturer or offer multiple hearing aid manufacturers?n2) Do they offer objective testing, like a QUICKSIN test, to verify what hearing aid manufacturer works best for you in background noise? n3) When fitting a hearing aid, does your audiologist perform Real Ear Verification in order to ensure a proper fit.

Is Eargo a good hearing aid?

When choosing a hearing aid, including the Eargo, it important to realize that hearing aids are not one size fits all. When researching hearing aids, you should also take into consideration the following:n1) Does your audiologist work with only one manufacturer or offer multiple hearing aid manufacturers?n2) Do they offer objective testing, like a QUICKSIN test, to verify what hearing aid manufacturer works best for you in background noise? n3) When fitting a hearing aid, does your audiologist perform Real Ear Verification in order to ensure a proper fit.

Is Miracle Ear A good hearing aid?

When choosing a hearing aid, including one sold by Miracle Ear, it important to realize that hearing aids are not one size fits all. When researching hearing aids, you should also take into consideration the following:n1) Does your audiologist work with only one manufacturer or offer multiple hearing aid manufacturers?n2) Do they offer objective testing, like a QUICKSIN test, to verify what hearing aid manufacturer works best for you in background noise? n3) When fitting a hearing aid, does your audiologist perform Real Ear Verification in order to ensure a proper fit.

What is the best and most affordable hearing aid?

Despite what you read online, there is no best hearing aid for any one person because no two people are alike. Its not the highest rated or reviewed hearing aid that dictates if it will work or not. Instead, when purchasing a hearing aid, it is important to take into consideration the following:n1) Where do you need help hearing?n2) What is your hearing like?n3) Have you had a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist to rule out any other medical reasons that may be contributing to your hearing loss?n4) How are the hearing aids programmed and who is programming them?n5) Are they using Real Ear Verification to ensure a proper fit?

What is the best rated hearing aid?

Despite what you read online, there is no best hearing aid for any one person because no two people are alike. Its not the highest rated or reviewed hearing aid that dictates if it will work or not. Instead, when purchasing a hearing aid, it is important to take into consideration the following:n1) Where do you need help hearing?n2) What is your hearing like?n3) Have you had a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist to rule out any other medical reasons that may be contributing to your hearing loss?n4) How are the hearing aids programmed and who is programming them?n5) Are they using Real Ear Verification to ensure a proper fit?

What is the most comfortable hearing aid?

A well fit hearing aid should be comfortable regardless of style.

What is the most common hearing aid?

The most commonly fit hearing aid style today is receiver-in-the-canal.

What style hearing aid is best?

There are several factors when determining what is the best hearing aid style:n1) Degree of hearing lossn2) Features n3) Do you want a hearing aid that is rechargeable or uses a battery?

What type of hearing aid is the best?

Despite what you read online, there is no best hearing aid for any one person because no two people are alike. Its not the highest rated or reviewed hearing aid that dictates if it will work or not. Instead, when purchasing a hearing aid, it is important to take into consideration the following:n1) Where do you need help hearing?n2) What is your hearing like?n3) Have you had a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist to rule out any other medical reasons that may be contributing to your hearing loss?n4) How are the hearing aids programmed and who is programming them?n5) Are they using Real Ear Verification to ensure a proper fit?

When should you get a hearing aid?

If you are noticing difficulty hearing and have hearing loss, you should get a hearing aid. The longer that you wait, the more likely it is that you will develop long-term health effects associated with untreated hearing loss.

Which is better analog or digital hearing aids?

Digital hearing aid are better than analog.

Is Miracle Ear the best hearing aid?

When choosing a hearing aid, including one sold by Miracle Ear, it important to realize that hearing aids are not one size fits all. When researching hearing aids, you should also take into consideration the following:n1) Does your audiologist work with only one manufacturer or offer multiple hearing aid manufacturers?n2) Do they offer objective testing, like a QUICKSIN test, to verify what hearing aid manufacturer works best for you in background noise? n3) When fitting a hearing aid, does your audiologist perform Real Ear Verification in order to ensure a proper fit.

What are the different types of hearing aids?

There are many different types of hearing aids. These include: 1. Receiver-in-the-ear, RIC. 2. Invisible-in-the-canal, IIC. 3. Completely-in-the-canal, CIC. 4. In-the-canal, ITC. 5. Full shell, FS. 6. Behind-the-ear, BTE

What is the average cost of a good hearing aid?

Most hearing aid practices in the United States (US) offer hearing aids in a bundled model (ie. all the services are included in the price) where the price can range from $1,500 to $3,500 per ear. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we have unbundled our prices to be fair and transparent about the costs. In an unbundled model, the price for hearing aids can range from $500 to $2250 per ear. The cost of services performed is then billed separately, as needed.

What is the average cost of a hearing aid?

Most hearing aid practices in the United States (US) offer hearing aids in a bundled model (ie. all the services are included in the price) where the price can range from $1,500 to $3,500 per ear. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we have unbundled our prices to be fair and transparent about the costs. In an unbundled model, the price for hearing aids can range from $500 to $2250 per ear. The cost of services performed is then billed separately, as needed.

What is the most discreet hearing aid?

The most discreet hearing aid styles include: 1. Receiver-in-the-canal, RIC. 2. Invisible-in-the-canal, IIC. 3. Completely-in-the canal, CIC

What is the number one rated hearing aid?

Despite what you read online, there is no number one rated hearing aid for any one person because no two people are alike. Its not the highest rated or reviewed hearing aid that dictates if it will work or not. Instead, when purchasing a hearing aid, it is important to take into consideration the following:n1) Where do you need help hearing?n2) What is your hearing like?n3) Have you had a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist to rule out any other medical reasons that may be contributing to your hearing loss?n4) How are the hearing aids programmed and who is programming them?n5) Are they using Real Ear Verification to ensure a proper fit?

What is the top rated hearing aid?

Despite what you read online, there is no top rated hearing aid for any one person because no two people are alike. Its not the highest rated or reviewed hearing aid that dictates if it will work or not. Instead, when purchasing a hearing aid, it is important to take into consideration the following:n1) Where do you need help hearing?n2) What is your hearing like?n3) Have you had a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist to rule out any other medical reasons that may be contributing to your hearing loss?n4) How are the hearing aids programmed and who is programming them?n5) Are they using Real Ear Verification to ensure a proper fit?

What should I look for when buying a hearing aid?

When buying a hearing aid, it is important to take the following into consideration:n1) Where do you need help hearing?n2) What is your hearing like?n3) Have you had a comprehensive hearing evaluation by an audiologist to rule out any other medical reasons that may be contributing to your hearing loss?n4) Does the practice only work with one hearing aid manufacturer or several? Several is always better, as hearing aids are not a one size fits all solution. n5) How are the hearing aids programmed and who is programming them?n6) Are they using Real Ear Verification to ensure a proper fit?

Which is better Widex vs Phonak?

Both Widex and Phonak are excellent hearing aids. At Hearing Doctors of New Jersey, we recommend that when choosing a hearing aid, it important to realize that hearing aids are not a one size fits all solution. When researching hearing aids, you should also take into consideration the following:n1) Does your audiologist work with only one manufacturer or offer multiple hearing aid manufacturers?n2) Do they offer objective testing, like a QUICKSIN test, to verify what hearing aid manufacturer works best for you in background noise? n3) When fitting a hearing aid, does your audiologist perform Real Ear Verification in order to ensure a proper fit.

Which style of hearing aid is best?

There are several factors when determining what is the best hearing aid style:n1) Degree of hearing lossn2) Features n3) Do you want a hearing aid that is rechargeable or uses a battery?

How Do I Get A Hearing Aid?

Our approachable team can discuss your best options at our Livingston office. We offer an array of hearing aid types and styles that you can try on and get a feel for, as well as professional assistance with our over-the-counter options. Once we discuss the right treatment plan for you and perform a personalized hearing assessment, we can help you select the right type for your lifestyle and preferences.

How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?

This depends on many different factors like your hearing aid type, lifestyle, and wear patterns. We offer hearing aid maintenance at our Livingston office and can help you get the most life out of your hearing aids.

Can I buy hearing aids online or at Costco? Somewhere more affordable?

Buying the wrong hearing aid is a waste of your time and money. If you do not see an audiologist who correctly fits you with hearing aids, the device you purchase at Costco or online for less will not work properly to help you hear better.