Hearing aid basics

Learn about different types of hearing aids, including in-the-ear, behind-the-ear, and completely-in-canal, which vary in size and design to suit different needs and preferences.

Hearing aid types

There are several types of hearing aids, including Behind-the-Ear (BTE), In-the-Ear (ITE), In-the-Canal (ITC), and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids. The type of hearing aid chosen depends on the severity of hearing loss and personal preferences.

All three types of hearing aids offer many benefits, including improved hearing and communication, reduced listening effort, and increased participation in daily activities. The type of hearing aid that is best for you will depend on your specific hearing needs and preferences.

In-the-ear

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made to fit snugly inside the ear canal and are often a good option for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are discreet and easy to handle, making them a popular choice among many users.

Behind-the-ear

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are larger than ITE hearing aids, but they sit behind the ear and are connected to an earmold that fits inside the ear canal. They are a versatile option for individuals with a wide range of hearing losses and are well-suited for those with dexterity issues.

Completely-in-canal

Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are small and fit entirely inside the ear canal, making them the most discreet option. They can be difficult to handle for some users, especially those with dexterity issues, but they are ideal for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who are looking for a low-profile solution.

Learn more about affordable hearing aids and hearing health.

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Your questions answered

Can I buy hearing aids without seeing an audiologist?

Here at SoundBright, we do not require you to see an audiologist for fitting. Our hearing aids are ready for use out of the box - this we can offer with our remote care approach.
How can I tell if I have hearing loss?

Signs and symptoms of hearing loss may include: Muffling of speech and other sounds, difficulty understanding words especially in background noise or in a crowd, turning up the TV or radio higher than what others prefer, experiencing the perception that others mumble, asking people to repeat themselves often, and more. You might also find yourself leaning forward to hear a conversation or having trouble hearing in noisy situations, like in a crowded restaurant. We offer a convenient free online hearing test. Don’t wait if you believe you may have hearing loss.
How does my hearing loss affect my overall health and well-being?

Hearing loss can have a huge effect on your overall health and well-being. It can impact more than just your hearing. The mental and emotional effects of hearing loss include changes to your self-esteem and the way you interact with others. It’s important to take care of your hearing health to keep it in the best shape possible, just like you take care of the rest of your body. Hearing aids are proven to help you overcome the stress and frustration of hearing loss and enhance your overall quality of life.
How much does a hearing aid help with severe hearing loss?

Untreated hearing loss only gets worse the longer you wait, so any hearing aid is better than nothing. But the best device for severe hearing loss is a behind-the-ear (BTE) device that is medical-grade quality. The great news is that the latest BTE hearing aids are now designed smaller than ever. They come packed with awesome features like the most accurate speech recognition technology, even in noisy environments, and acoustic-motion sensors that deliver crystal clear sounds. So even with severe hearing loss, you’ll be able to hear what’s most important to you no matter where you are.
Do I need a hearing test?

A hearing test is not required to use SoundBright. Here you can find an online hearing test but this is not required for our process.
How tech-savvy do I have to be to use SoundBright?

Anyone with a compatible smartphone or tablet can use SoundBright — we make it easy! Using an application, you can adjust the hearing aids to your personal needs. Best of all, no matter how-tech savvy you are, we have an excellent care call team available for onboarding and additional support. If you're more of the self-serve type, you can find all required content in our resource section, including "how-to" videos, product user guides & FAQs.
How does SoundBright work?

SoundBright allows anyone who has experienced hearing loss to easily browse and purchase affordable, medical-grade hearing aids from the comfort of your home. Hearing aids arrive in 2-3 business days after purchase. Shortly after delivery, you will have a video care call with one of our specialists to ensure the devices are set up to best meet your needs. If you ever have questions, our friendly Care Team is available for assistance.
What if the device doesn’t fit my ear?

Your hearing aid will arrive with pre-installed size S (small) click sleeves. If those aren’t comfortable, try changing to one of the other three sizes provided (XS, M, L). Choose a smaller size if the hearing aid is pressing on your ear. Choose a larger size if the hearing aid feels loose or makes a whistling noise. Also, note that your left and right ear may be slightly different sizes, so feel free to use different size sleeves in each ear. To learn how to change the click sleeves, check the Product user guide.
Are your hearing aids medical-grade?

Yes, all products we offer are medical-grade hearing aids.
How do hearing aids work?

All hearing aids have a microphone, a digital amplifier, and a speaker. The microphone picks up sounds and sends them to the amplifier, which is actually a tiny digital processor that selects which sounds to make clearer and which sounds to ignore. It then gives those important signals a boost before pushing them through the speaker. The end result? Crisper, clearer sound with better understanding.
How are hearing aids different than sound amplifiers?

SoundBright offers medical-grade hearing aids. Unlike amplifiers, hearing aids are medical-grade devices used to treat hearing loss. Unlike amplifiers which simply amplify all sounds & frequencies, hearing aids clarify speech by reducing unwanted background noise, helping you hear better in places like loud restaurants and outdoor spaces. Hearing aids can also be customized to your specific hearing aids needs, unlike amplifiers. Since these simple amplifiers lack the automatic sound detection and filtering of a high-quality hearing aid, they are unlikely to provide significant benefits for people experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. Learn more on this topic by reading our blog, Hearing Aids vs. Sound Amplifiers: What's the Difference?.
How does your 45-day trial work?

If you are not satisfied with your SoundBright hearing aid device or any unopened accessory, you have the option of returning the Device within forty-five (45) days after delivery. As long as the device is in its original condition (unopened, in the case of an accessory) and has not been damaged or modified (including repaired without our prior written consent) in any way, we will credit back the purchase price to the account used at the time of purchase, less any expedited shipping if any, and minus a $99 handling fee.
How many people have hearing difficulties?

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly 29 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids. But among adults aged 20 to 69 who are experiencing hearing loss, only 16 percent have ever tried hearing aids. SoundBright aims to make hearing care more accessible and affordable.
My hearing isn’t that bad. Do I really need treatment?

It's a misconception that mild hearing loss isn't serious enough for hearing aids. Even if you only have mild hearing loss, hearing aids can make a significant difference in your quality of life. Research has also revealed that, over time, hearing loss can be associated with depression, cognitive decline, and an impact on work performance, among other issues. If left untreated, hearing fatigue, caused by straining to hear people talk, can also be a significant cause of headaches, exhaustion, and social isolation. Read more about the value of hearing aids in our value guide.
Do you offer financing?

Yes, we offer flexible financing options through our partner Affirm.
What are the benefits of treating hearing loss?

Hearing aids have been shown to improve cognitive performance, processing speed, and visual working memory. They also improve communication, emotional well-being, relationships, school and work performance, and quality of life. According to the WHO, the support that hearing aids provide can substantially enhance the lives of those affected by hearing loss. You’ll have more energy and feel more connected to people.