Men playing card wearing HAs

Custom hearing aids: style and benefits

What are custom hearing aids?

Ever wondered, “Are hearing aids custom-made?” The answer is, yes, many are! In this post, we’ll dive deeper into what they are, the variety of styles, and the benefits of custom hearing aids. Custom hearing aids are devices designed with customized earpieces to fit the unique shape of your ear canal.

 

Unlike standard behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, custom-made hearing aids are created using an impression or digital scan of your ear, ensuring a fit that’s both snug and comfortable. This personalized approach not only makes them more comfortable and secure to wear but also helps improve sound quality by channeling sound directly into your ear.

Key Takeaways

  • Custom hearing aids are tailored to fit the unique shape of your ear canal, offering a snug, comfortable fit and improved sound quality.
  • They come in various styles, some in the ear canal and some in the outer ear bowl. Each is designed for different levels of hearing loss and user preferences.
  • Personalized fit ensures comfort and provides a natural listening experience, while being discreet.
  • Unlike standard models, custom hearing aids are made specifically for your ears, offering better comfort, performance, and a more tailored experience.
  • The Miracle-Ear fitting process includes a hearing test, lifestyle discussion, hearing aid selection, custom ear mold creation, and precise adjustments for optimal performance.
  • Costs vary depending on technology and style.

Styles of custom hearing aids

Custom-made hearing aids are available in different styles, each offering its own advantages depending on size and placement within the ear. Here’s a quick overview of Miracle-Ear’s custom hearing aid styles:

  • Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC): This is the smallest and most hidden hearing aid option, sitting deep inside the ear. IIC hearing aids are discreet and work well for mild to moderate hearing loss.
  • Completely-in-the-canal (CIC): Slightly larger than IIC models, CIC hearing aids are still subtle and fit entirely in the ear canal. They’re also an excellent option for mild to moderate hearing loss.
  • In-the-canal (ITC): These custom-molded hearing aids fit in the lower part of the outer ear bowl and are best for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. They’re a little more noticeable than IIC or CIC styles, but their size allows for additional features, like manual controls and Bluetooth streaming.
  • In-the-ear (ITE): Custom in-the-ear hearing aids feature an ear mold that covers most of the outer ear bowl. While still discreet, their slightly larger size allows for advanced features like directional microphones and longer battery life, making them suitable for a wider range of hearing loss, from mild to severe.
  • Receiver-in-canal (RIC): RICs have a small shell that rests comfortably behind your ear. A thin wire connects it to the receiver, which sits inside your ear in a plastic dome or a silicone custom ear mold. Custom molds are usually needed for more severe hearing loss because they help trap the sound better.
  • Behind-the-ear (BTE): BTEs have a larger shell that sits securely behind your ear. A clear plastic tube connects the shell to a plastic dome or silicone custom ear mold that fits inside your ear. The larger size provides space for more features and helps ensure longer battery life.

Visit Miracle-Ear for a professional hearing test and expert guidance from our hearing care professionals. They can help you find the best custom hearing aids for you.

afro-male-client

Get to know the types and styles of hearing aids

Benefits of custom hearing aids

One of the biggest advantages of custom-fit hearing aids is their personalized fit. They are crafted specially for your unique ear anatomy, so they’re not only comfortable for all-day use but also less likely to shift or irritate your ear. This snug fit helps minimize issues like feedback (whistling sounds) and creates a more natural listening experience. You can also choose custom rechargeable hearing aids, which eliminate the hassle of replacing batteries and make them even more convenient. Additionally, custom hearing aids are often very discreet, making them an appealing choice if you prefer a less noticeable device.

Find an expert at any of our 1,600+ locations nationwide

Your store

Loading

Custom hearing aids vs. standard hearing aids

The big difference between custom and standard hearing aids is personalization. Custom hearing aids are made just for your ears, giving you a precise fit, better comfort, and an improved sound experience. Standard models, on the other hand, are more of a one-size-fits-all solution. If comfort, performance, and a more discreet, personalized touch matter to you, custom devices like those at Miracle-Ear can really make a difference.

Custom hearing aid fitting process

Discover comfort and exceptional performance with a professional hearing aid fitting at Miracle-Ear. Key steps include:

  • Hearing test: Your hearing care professional (HCP) will check your ears and run some tests to figure out the type and cause of your hearing loss.
  • Lifestyle discussion: We’ll chat about your daily life and preferences to find the best hearing aid styles and features for you.
  • Hearing aid selection: We’ll show you the best options based on your test results and what you’re looking for.
  • Custom ear mold: For certain styles, we’ll take an ear impression of your ear to make sure it fits properly.
  • Fitting appointment: We’ll program and adjust your new hearing aids so they’re comfortable and sound just right, using real ear measurements to be precise.
  • Education and support: We’ll teach you how to take care of your hearing aids and use all their features. Plus, you’ll get lifetime aftercare and support from us.*

Custom hearing aids cost

Hearing aid prices vary. We want to ensure every person has access to hearing care, including those in need, through our Miracle-Ear Foundation®.

While some models may be priced higher, it’s important to view them as an investment in your hearing health. Hearing aids are proven to enhance the quality of life and help protect against cognitive decline. Plus, with Miracle-Ear hearing aids, you also get the added benefits of lifetime aftercare services*, such as cleanings, adjustments, and annual exams. It’s our way to help keep your small-but-mighty devices working their best for the long haul.

people driving

Do you need more information? Contact us

Complete the form and someone from our team will reach out to you. With over 1,600 stores nationwide, we'll help you find the one closest to you.

*Free Lifetime of Aftercare: Cleanings and in-office service for hearing aids are always free. Miracle-Ear® lifetime aftercare not included with hearing aids purchased utilizing some insurance benefits. See store for details.

Get support and advice

Book an appointment online

Book now

Take a free online hearing test

Start test

Find a hearing aid center near you

Search now