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Types of Hearing Aids

 

Enhance Your Quality of Life with In-Ear and Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

 

Hearing loss can make everyday activities challenging, but with the right hearing aids, you can significantly improve your hearing and overall quality of life. At 20dB Hearing, we offer a variety of hearing aid solutions, including in-ear hearing aids and behind-the-ear hearing aids, designed to fit your unique needs, lifestyle, and budget. Our expert audiologists in Malaysia are here to guide you through the process of choosing the best hearing aid for you. Whether you're looking for the discreet comfort of in-ear hearing aids or the powerful features of behind-the-ear hearing aids, we ensure that you find the ideal fit for your hearing needs. Book your free hearing aid trial today and experience the joy of clear hearing once again!

CHOOSING A HEARING AIDS

 

Types of Hearing Aids: Which One Is Right for You?

When choosing a hearing aid, it’s essential to consider two main types: behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) devices. The best hearing aid for your needs depends on factors such as your level of hearing loss, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Let’s explore these two options to help you make an informed decision.

 

 

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are designed to sit comfortably behind your ear, with a thin tube connecting to the ear canal. They offer several benefits:

  • Wide frequency amplification:
    BTE devices are capable of amplifying a broad range of sounds, making them suitable for individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss.
  • Rechargeable options:
    Many BTE hearing aids come with a rechargeable battery for convenience and eco-friendliness.
  • Quick fitting:
    In many cases, BTE hearing aids can be fitted the same day as your hearing assessment, allowing for faster treatment.
  • Natural sound quality:
    Some BTE models don’t fully occlude (or block) the ear canal, providing a more natural sound experience, especially for your own voice.
  • Ideal for dexterity concerns:
    Due to their larger size, BTE hearing aids are easier to handle and may be a good choice if you have limited dexterity.

These devices are a great choice for individuals who need a reliable hearing aid with a comfortable fit and excellent sound quality.

Inside-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

Inside-the-ear hearing aids come in a variety of styles, from invisible in-the-canal to in-the-ear designs. Here are some key features of ITE hearing aids:

  • Discreet design:
    Smaller-sized ITE hearing aids fit inside your ear, offering a discreet and comfortable solution for those who prefer a less visible option.
  • Custom fit:
    ITE devices are custom-made to fit your ear canal, which means a follow-up visit is required for precise fitting.
  • Dexterity challenges:
    The smaller size of ITE hearing aids can be more difficult to handle, especially for those with dexterity issues.
  • Occlusion effect:
    The further the device fits into the ear canal, the more occlusion (blocked ear sensation) you may experience. This can affect sound quality for some users.
  • Suitability for hearing loss:
    ITE devices may not be suitable for individuals with severe hearing loss, as they provide less amplification than BTE models.

ITE hearing aids offer a personalized, compact solution for those who prioritize discretion and comfort.

 

Styles of Hearing Aids: Finding the Right Fit for You

Choosing the right hearing aid style is crucial to ensuring the best possible hearing experience. The style of hearing aid determines how and where it is worn, impacting both comfort and performance. With a variety of options available, it’s important to understand the differences between hearing aid styles to make an informed decision before consulting with an audiologist.

 

Explore the different hearing aid styles below to find the one that best suits your hearing needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
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In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
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In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
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Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
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Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids

Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids
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Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
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Hearing Aid Prices: Understanding the Cost of Your Hearing Solution

The price of hearing aids can vary significantly based on their technology, features, and specifications. Advanced hearing aids equipped with sophisticated features like Automatic Program, Directionality, and Noise Reduction tend to be more expensive. Additionally, you’ll need to consider other costs associated with hearing aids, such as maintenance accessories, batteries, and repairs, all of which should be factored into your overall budget when purchasing your hearing aids.

Entry-Level
Hearing Aids

Price Range Per Unit

RM4,200 - RM5,500

Affordable Performance with Essential Features

Entry-level hearing aids are designed to provide basic yet effective hearing solutions for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices focus on essential features, making them a cost-effective choice for those on a budget while still offering reliable hearing support.

Key Features:

  • Automatic Detection of 1 - 2 Unique Listening Environments: 
    These hearing aids can automatically adjust to a limited range of listening environments, providing a better experience in basic settings such as quiet rooms or one-on-one conversations.
  • 8 - 12 Channels for Basic Performance: 
    With fewer channels compared to higher-tier models, these hearing aids focus on fundamental sound amplification, ensuring clear speech and basic sound clarity without complex adjustments.
  • Bluetooth Connectivity for Music and Video Streaming: 
    You can enjoy hands-free calling, music, and video streaming directly from your smartphone to your hearing aids, making them an excellent choice for those who enjoy entertainment and multimedia on the go.
  • Access to Tinnitus Masker Programs: 
    Designed to help individuals with tinnitus, these hearing aids offer a solution for masking ringing or buzzing sounds, enhancing overall comfort.
  • Four Additional Manual Program Settings: 
    Customizable options allow users to adjust their hearing aid settings according to their preferences, offering flexibility in various environments.

Lifestyle Suitability:

  • Ideal for people with quieter lifestyles who don't face highly dynamic auditory environments.
  • Perfect for individuals who mainly participate in one-on-one conversations, making these hearing aids a suitable choice for retirees, homebound individuals, or those with limited social activities.

Mid-Range
Hearing Aids

Price Range Per Unit

RM6,300 - RM12,000

Enhanced Features for an Active Lifestyle

Mid-range hearing aids provide enhanced performance for individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss. These devices come with more advanced features, offering a more personalized and comfortable listening experience. Designed for active users, these hearing aids perform well in diverse environments such as offices, restaurants, and small social gatherings.

Key Features:

  • Automatic Detection of 2 - 4 Unique Listening Environments: 
    These hearing aids can automatically adjust to a wider range of environments, from quiet rooms to noisy places, enhancing sound clarity in more challenging settings like restaurants or public spaces.
  • 12 - 16 Channels: 
    With more channels, these devices provide more precise sound processing, allowing for accurate adjustments tailored to your hearing needs. The channels help amplify speech frequencies while reducing background noise for a clearer listening experience.
  • App Connectivity: 
    These hearing aids connect with both Android and Apple devices through a dedicated app, giving you greater control over volume adjustments, program settings, and even troubleshooting. The app allows for an easy, personalized hearing experience, right at your fingertips.
  • Long Distance Adjustment: 
    With the ability to adjust settings remotely, users can fine-tune their hearing aids from the comfort of their home, making it more convenient for those who may have mobility challenges or prefer not to visit the clinic frequently.

Lifestyle Suitability:

  • Perfect for individuals who frequently engage in conversations in small groups, enjoy outdoor walks, or visit coffee shops and casual social settings.
  • Ideal for office workers, active older adults, or anyone with a moderately busy lifestyle who needs a device that provides more advanced features while still being cost-effective.

Premium
Hearing Aids

Price Range Per Unit

RM12,800 - RM19,900

Cutting-Edge Technology for Complex Environments

Premium hearing aids represent the pinnacle of hearing technology, offering state-of-the-art features for individuals with severe hearing loss or those who experience complex auditory environments. These devices provide exceptional sound clarity, precision, and customization, allowing users to hear comfortably in the most challenging conditions.

Key Features:

  • Automatic Detection of Up to 8 Listening Environments:
    These high-end hearing aids offer the ability to adjust to a wide array of environments automatically, from quiet settings to loud, bustling environments. Whether you're in a large crowd, noisy restaurants, or a business meeting, these hearing aids excel at adapting to every situation.
  • Up to 24 Channels for Precise Fine-Tuning:
    With up to 24 channels, these devices provide the most accurate sound adjustments based on your hearing profile. The fine-tuning capabilities ensure that every sound is processed according to your specific hearing needs, improving both speech intelligibility and background noise suppression.
  • Speech Focus Enhancement:
    Premium hearing aids use advanced algorithms to enhance speech clarity, even in noisy environments, by isolating speech from background noise. This is particularly useful in noisy settings like restaurants, public transport, or business meetings.
  • 360° Microphone Directionality:
    These hearing aids feature microphones that can capture sound from all directions, ensuring a natural listening experience. The ability to focus on speech from multiple sources makes it easier to understand conversations, regardless of where the speaker is positioned.
  • Hyper Focus:
    This feature helps to enhance speech understanding in extremely noisy environments by focusing on sounds coming from specific directions.
  • Speech Enhancer:
    Improves clarity in conversations by amplifying soft speech and suppressing unwanted noise.
  • Extended Bandwidth:
    This provides a broader range of frequencies for more natural sound reproduction.
  • Echo Reduction:
    Minimizes the echo effect, enhancing clarity and comfort during phone calls or in large, reverberant rooms.

Lifestyle Suitability:

  • Perfect for individuals who need to hear clearly in complex environments, such as noisy restaurants, business meetings, or large group settings.
  • Ideal for working professionals, entrepreneurs, or anyone who works in dynamic and demanding environments where top-tier hearing performance is crucial.

Additional Benefits:

HEARING AIDS

Product Brands

Phonak Hearing AidsResound Hearing AidsSignia Hearing AidsUnitron Hearing Aids