Types of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids come in many forms and sizes. Each device has its own unique set of technology, features and benefits. Not all hearing aids are created equal, each is designed to cater to a certain type of hearing loss or hearing condition.

Harbor City Hearing Solutions is an authorized provider of various hearing aid brands on the market today. Our team can help you choose the best hearing aid specifically for your hearing needs. 

Types of Hearing Aids

Below are the major types of hearing aids to help you get a better understanding of these devices:

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids

Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are positioned behind the ear and deliver sound straight into the ear. What makes RIC hearing aids unique is the way the receiver is positioned outside of the hearing aid and inside the ear canal. A discreet receiver wire connects the receiver to the hearing aid.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aids rest behind the ear and hooks over the top of the ear. A tube connects a custom earpiece (ear mold) to the hearing aid. BTE hearing aids are known to be larger that other hearing aid styles which means that they can hold larger batteries and can offer longer battery life and stronger amplification. The larger the BTE model, the more additional features it can hold including directional microphones, telecoil, Bluetooth, etc.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

In-the-ear hearing aids are designed to sit completely in the outer ear. These tiny hearing devices have a hard plastic case that contains all the electronic components. ITE hearing aids are ideal for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. However, this hearing aid style is not recommended for kids whose ears are still growing.

IIC – invisible hearing aids

Invisible-in-canal hearing aids are the tiniest custom hearing aids available. They are designed to fit entirely in the ear canal which makes them hardly noticeable compared to other hearing aid styles. Due to their size, IIC hearing aids are not recommended for individuals with dexterity issues.

Hearing Aid Brands

Every hearing loss is unique and we aim to address each type through the various brands and types of hearing aids available. Harbor City Hearing Solutions are authorized providers of top hearing aid brands on the market.

Phonak Hearing Aids

Phonak believes in changing lives and creating a world where life is on for everyone. Phonak is committed to understanding the challenges of individuals living with hearing loss and improving the quality of their lives through positive impact on technologies and providing rich soundscapes. 

As a world-renowned hearing aid manufacturer, Phonak continuously challenges the limits of technology to help people with hearing loss overcome even the most difficult situations with their Binaural VoiceStream™, Roger wireless technology, and AutoSense OS.

Popular Phonak hearing aids include Phonak Paradise, Phonak Lyric, and Phonak Audeo Life.

Oticon Hearing Aids

Oticon offers life-changing hearing solutions with their BrainHearing™ philosophy. All Oticon hearing aids are designed to provide access to the full sound scene and allow the brain to work as it should, in a more natural manner.

Oticon hearing solutions provide various levels of support to meet the needs of people with mild-to-profound hearing loss, including those diagnosed with single-sided deafness.

Some of our in-demand Oticon hearing aids include Oticon More, Oticon Opn S, and Oticon Xceed.

Resound Hearing Aids

Since 1943, ReSound has been a pioneer in building and providing innovative hearing solutions with personalized sound to fit every lifestyle.

Experience better hearing that feels like second nature with ReSound One, ReSound LiNX Quattro and ReSound Key.

Bothered with tinnitus? ReSound has a dedicated sound relief app as part of its tinnitus management program.

Unitron Hearing Aids

Unitron proudly showcases their award-winning hearing aids that seamlessly combine design, aesthetics, intuitive functionality, and comfort.

Unitron hearing aids are equipped with performance tracking features that provide continuous care to create and leverage data-driven insights so users can get more from their hearing care experience.

Enjoy smart hearing solutions with Unitron Moxi, Unitron Stride, Unitron Max, and Unitron Insera.

Widex Hearing Aids

For more than 65 years, Widex has been passionately committed to developing hearing solutions that aim to bring sounds to life.

With its PureSound Technology, Widex hearing aids are designed to step out of the box and sound not like a hearing aid.

Experience the most pure and natural hearing available with top-grade Widex hearing aids including Widex Moment, Widex Evoke, Widex Unique, and Widex CROS.

Starkey Hearing Aids

Starkey hearing aids offer smart and life-changing benefits to improve not only hearing but overall health and wellness.

Hearing better is made easier and smarter with Starkey’s intuitive technology. Experience award-winning technology and world-class hearing solutions with Starkey Evolv AI, Starkey Livio, and Starkey Picasso.

Signia Hearing Aids

From hearing aids to smart accessories, Signia is stepping up the game to provide a more brilliant hearing experience. Powered by artificial intelligence, Signia hearing aids come with Signia Assistant and TeleCare support for on-the-go convenience.

Signia also offers the first custom hearing aid with contactless charging and Bluetooth. Choose among the following Signia hearing aids available – Signia Active Pro, Styletto AX, Silk X, Pure, Motion X, and Insio Charge&Go AX.

Custom Ear Molds

Protecting your hearing health is an integral part of hearing care. Custom earmolds and earplugs offer optimal protection and a comfortable fit as they are designed to fit the wearer’s unique ear shape.

Earmolds are available in a wide range of sizes, types, and colors. Some earmolds are soft and spongy, while others are solid. Full-shell earmolds are designed for high-level noise exposure while half-shell earmolds are for mid-level noise exposure. 

The best type of earmold for you will depend on your individual needs, lifestyle, occupation, and hobbies.

Custom Ear Protection

When choosing the best custom ear protection, you need to consider the amount of noise you are exposed to. Custom ear protection is not one-size-fits-all, and an audiologist is the best point person to help ensure that your ears are covered from harmful decibel levels.

Custom Ear Molds for Musicians

When it comes to hearing protection, musicians need a fine balance between protecting their hearing and being able to hear the music, their voices, or a certain melody clearly. Over-the-counter or generic earplugs can provide hearing protection but they don’t provide attenuation that musicians need.

Musicians are better off with custom ear molds or earplugs. They get maximum protection across all frequencies without muting out the low and mid frequencies.

Custom-made earplugs are positioned deep in the ear canal to reduce the occurrence of occlusion, which can be a common problem with low quality earplugs. Deep-fit earmolds are a popular choice of musicians because they don’t compromise the sound quality during studio recordings or live performances.

Assistive Listening Devices

Assistive listening devices (ALDs) are additional tools or accessories that help a hearing-impaired person hear better. ALDs are typically used with a hearing aid or cochlear implants, but there are also instances when they can be used as a standalone device.

ALDs are categorized into five types: infrared system, FM system, audio induction, personal amplified system, and Bluetooth systems. An audiologist can help select the right device for you depending on your hearing loss and communication access gaps and needs.

Audiologists and Hearing Aids in Melbourne, FL

Hearing better means living better! At Harbor City Hearing Solutions, we aim to give you the best hearing care in Melbourne, FL, and nearby locations.

Our friendly staff and audiologists are happy to walk you through various types of hearing aids and brands that will suit your unique hearing requirements, lifestyle, budget, and preference.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Are you ready to hear better today?

At Harbor City Hearing Solutions, we take the time to get to know you and get a full understanding of your hearing needs so that we can help you find the right hearing solution. ​

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