Types of Hearing Aids
Finding the Right Style for Your Hearing Needs
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles, each designed to address different levels of hearing loss, lifestyle needs, and personal preferences. Understanding the differences can help you feel more confident when exploring your options and deciding what may work best for you.
At Broadwater Hearing Care in St. Petersburg, FL, we take the time to explain each hearing aid type and help you choose a solution that fits comfortably into your daily life.
Bluetooth-Compatible Hearing Aids
Today’s hearing aids do more than amplify sound—they connect. Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids let you stream phone calls, music, podcasts, and TV audio directly to your ears with clear, high-quality sound and no extra headphones required. Many models also pair with smartphone apps, giving you the ability to adjust volume, switch listening programs, and fine-tune settings for different environments right from your phone. If you struggle to hear on the phone, at church, virtual meetings, or you simply want to enjoy your favorite shows without disturbing others, Bluetooth connectivity turns a hearing aid into a personal, all-in-one listening device. During your consultation, we will help you determine which Bluetooth-enabled devices best fit your hearing needs, lifestyle, and the phone or technology you already use.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids rest comfortably behind the ear and connect to the ear canal through a small tube or earmold. These devices are known for their durability, flexibility, and strong performance.
BTE hearing aids may be a good option if you:
- Have mild to profound hearing loss
- Prefer easy handling and maintenance
- Need powerful amplification
- Want longer battery life or rechargeable options
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are similar to BTE devices but use a thin wire instead of tubing. The speaker sits inside the ear canal, offering a more discreet appearance and excellent sound quality.
RIC hearing aids are popular because they:
- Are lightweight and comfortable
- Provide natural sound quality
- Work well in noisy environments
- Suit a wide range of hearing loss levels
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In-the-ear hearing aids are custom-made to fit the outer portion of your ear. They are easy to insert and remove, making them a good choice for individuals who prefer a single, all-in-one device.
ITE hearing aids may be ideal if you:
- Want a custom fit
- Prefer easier handling than smaller devices
- Have mild to severe hearing loss
In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
ITC and CIC hearing aids fit partially or completely inside the ear canal, making them among the most discreet options available.
These styles may appeal to you if you:
- Value a low-profile, cosmetic solution
- Have mild to moderate hearing loss
- Spend time in quieter listening environments
Because of their small size, these devices may have fewer features and require more dexterity to handle.
Extended-Wear and Implantable Hearing Aids
Extended-wear and implantable hearing aids are designed to be worn continuously for weeks or months at a time without daily removal. These devices are placed by a professional and require little day-to-day maintenance.
These options may be suitable if you:
- Prefer minimal daily handling
- Want a discreet, hands-free solution
- Meet specific medical and hearing criteria
Auracast™ Bluetooth Technology
Some of the hearing aids we offer now feature Auracast™ Bluetooth technology, a broadcast audio standard designed to make your world sound better in the places you spend time every day. Auracast is one of the biggest advances in hearing aid connectivity in years, built on Bluetooth’s new LE Audio standard and its LC3 codec — technology designed to deliver clearer sound while using less battery power than traditional Bluetooth streaming.
Auracast works like an advanced Assistive Listening System, giving you a direct audio connection in places where hearing has traditionally been difficult: airports, gyms, places of worship, conference rooms, movie theaters, and more. Public TVs, PA systems, and other Auracast-enabled audio sources can broadcast sound straight to compatible hearing aids, cutting through background noise so you catch every word without straining to listen.
Because Auracast broadcasts can reach multiple listeners at once, it also opens the door to shared listening experiences — families watching the same show without extra speakers, or a group at an event all tuning into the same audio feed on their own devices. Auracast is designed to work alongside existing technology like telecoil for now, giving you flexibility as more public venues and devices adopt it.
Auracast compatibility varies by hearing aid model and manufacturer, with more devices adding support through hardware and firmware updates. If you’re interested in Auracast-ready hearing aids, give us a call — we’re happy to talk through which options are the right fit for you.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid Style
- Degree and type of hearing loss
- Lifestyle and daily listening environments
- Dexterity and vision
- Cosmetic preferences
- Desired features and technology level
At Broadwater Hearing Care, we guide you through each option, explain the benefits clearly, and help you make a decision that supports your communication needs and comfort.
Personalized Hearing Aid Care
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to explore hearing aid options or want help choosing the right style, we’re here to help.
Call 727-205-0134 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Broadwater Hearing Care in St. Petersburg, FL, today.