Let Beltone Central California Help You Find the Right Fit

Are you considering purchasing a hearing aid for yourself or for a loved one? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed by your options. With so many styles and different kinds of hearing aids currently on the market, how do you go about choosing one? The hearing care professionals at Beltone Central California are here to help. Our professional staff are specially trained to provide personalized and specific recommendations so you gain the most out of your hearing aid. At Beltone, your hearing care professional will work with you to find the style that best fits your lifestyle, budget and degree of hearing loss. Read on to learn more about your choices, and how Beltone can help you find the solution that best resolves your hearing loss. 

Thanks to continual research and technological development, today’s hearing aids are comfortable, discreet and offer a variety of features. There’s a hearing aid out there for everyone; at Beltone, we will help you to determine which is the right match for you or your loved one. Hearing aids vary in size, color, special features and the way they fit in the ears. There are two main types of hearing aids: Outside the Ear, and Inside the Ear. Here is a brief overview of the different kinds of hearing aids available:

 

Outside the Ear

  • Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

This style rests comfortably behind your ear. The sound travels through a tiny tube to a custom earpiece called an earmold that fits in your ear canal. This style is appropriate for people of all ages and fits the widest range of hearing loss.

  • Receiver-in-Ear (RIE)
     The main section of this hearing aid is hidden behind your ear. Unlike a standard BTE, the receiver has been removed from the housing and mounted externally in a tube fitted into the ear with a soft dome. You will therefore find that RIE hearing aids are usually smaller than standard BTE hearing aids.

Inside the Ear

  • Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)

IIC is the smallest custom product available. It sits deep inside the ear canal, so it’s almost invisible. It’s the perfect solution for those who want a discreet hearing aid and have a mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

  • Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

The CIC is a small custom style. It’s available with options such as volume control and buttons that change environmental programs. Since there are opportunities for customization, it is popular for those with a mild-to-moderate hearing loss who want a little more control over their hearing aids.

  • In-the-Canal (ITC)

ITC is the most popular form factor within custom hearing aids. In addition to more options available such as dual mic (directionality), ITC is Made For Apple® and has wireless functionality, which can connect with smartphones and stream phone calls and music directly to the hearing aids. A Beltone Phone Clip+ is required for Android users.

  • In-the-Ear (ITE)

ITE is the biggest form factor within custom, but is available for those with severe hearing loss. It has advanced features such as ear to ear communication, wireless connectivity, Made For Apple, and more.

  • Mic-in-Helix (MIH)

MIH is a unique solution, designed to provide the most natural sound quality. MIH collects sound in the most efficient ways using your own ears. In MIH, the microphone is taken out from the device giving several advantages, including: the devices can be built much smaller; there is a lower risk of feedback as the distance between microphone and receiver is further apart than other custom products; provides a perfect solution for the wind in noise. MIH is also Made For Apple.

 

At Beltone, our hearing care professionals will work closely with you, listening to your needs, your preferences, and your desires, in order to find the style of hearing aid that works best for you. Our professional staff take into account factors such as your lifestyle, budget, and degree of hearing loss. At Beltone, we know that not every hearing aid available on the market is right for every customer. Call us today at (559) 981-8894 to speak with our friendly staff. Or click here to schedule an appointment for a free hearing test today!