Hearing Aid Overview
In recent years, hearing aid technology has advanced considerably. These days, hearing aids are more discreet, sophisticated, easy to use, and technologically advanced than ever. There's never been a better time to use a hearing aid.
What would hearing aid be appropriate for you? This depends on the extent of your loss of hearing, the locations you want to hear better, the nature of your lifestyle, and the technology you consider essential.
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Hearing Aid Styles
Behind the ear (BTE)
Although this is one of the larger styles that you can find on the market, BTE hearing aids are easier to use than any other style, with more features and longer battery life. The sound is directly guided to the ear canal with an earmold on the end of a tube.
A great BTE option is the Oticon Ruby, a recently released rechargeable BTE hearing aid. There is also the Oticon Xceed BTE for those with severe hearing loss.
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)
This is a kind of open-fit hearing aid style with a thin plastic tube that runs through the outer ear and into the ear channel from the hearing device (located behind the ear) There is a small soft tip in the ear canal, but it does not seal. This means that air and sound can still flow to the ear canal naturally. These are smaller than traditional BTE models but easy to use and always have a variety of features.
Three of Oticon's OPN S range of hearing aids are miniRITE devices - smaller than traditional RITE hearing aids but maintaining all of the same features.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
These are customized for each person and slot inside your external ear. The ITE style is the right choice if you prefer to manually adjust your hearing aids, instead of using a remote control or application. They are available in a variety of skin tones and are suitable for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Completely-in-canal (CIC)
This style fits into the ear canal. Only the top of the hearing aid or a small bright plastic tail is displayed. Many people who choose CIC hearing aids say that people do not usually know they are even wearing them. CIC hearing aids are better adapted to people with moderate to mild hearing loss.
Invisible-in-canal (IIC)
While all modern hearing aids are small and discreet, the IIC style is far from visible. These hearing aids are built to fit your ear anatomy and fit more deeply into your ear canal than any other ear aid – making it almost impossible to notice you are wearing them. Such hearing aids can be used by those with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Hearing Aid Features
Bluetooth Connectivity
Although Bluetooth in hearing aid technology is nothing new, all major hearing aid manufacturers have introduced direct-connectivity Bluetooth hearing aids in recent years.
Before, you would need a standalone streamer to connect your hearing aids to your smartphone, but with the latest hearing aids, it's quick, easy, and convenient.
Bluetooth allows users to easily enjoy streamed content, telephone calls, and group conversations without using wires or buying a separate wireless system. The technology has streamlined the lives of hearing aid users worldwide.
Rechargeable Hearing aids
Rechargeable power took a while to reach the world of hearing aids. But all that has changed with the advent of lithium-ion batteries. There is now a wide range of rechargeable models that make powering your hearing aid simpler than ever.
All you do is place your hearing aid in its charger at night and wake up to a fully charged device. Many rechargeable models with lithium-ion technology will last all day before needing to be charged. The Oticon OPN and Ruby hearing aids both provide a lithium-ion rechargeable option.