Why Are Some Hearing Aids So Small? What you need to know as an informed consumer!

You’ve likely noticed that some hearing aids are a lot smaller than others.  Some hearing aids can fit deep in your ears and are a centimetre or two big, while other hearing aids are much bigger.  Why is there such a big difference in the size of hearing aids? Is the smallest option always the best?

Hearing aid size can depend on a variety of factors.

1) Your Degree of Hearing Loss

A big hearing loss will require a more powerful hearing aid.  Usually bigger hearing aids have more powerful speakers and can get louder than smaller hearing aids.

2) Listening Requirements and Technology Needs

If you’re frequently in noisy situations and difficult-to-hear places, you will benefit from a hearing aid with more advanced technology.  Some hearing aids have more advanced features than others, but in order to run these features, the hearing aids needs specific hardware requirements.  Usually this means a bigger aid.

3) Dexterity

Smaller is not always better!  You should keep in mind your ability to handle a hearing aid and its controls.  Smaller hearing aids often use the smallest size batteries, and control buttons are more difficult to press.

4) Ear Shape and Size

Sometimes, a small hearing aid is simply impossible, because there’s just not enough room in your ear!  Very narrow ear canals cannot provide enough room to accommodate all the different components of a hearing aid.

Remember to keep in mind these factors when choosing your hearing aids!  When you visit the Hearing Beyond Audiology and Hearing Clinic, our licensed audiologist will help you determine hearing devices that fit your listening needs, ear shape and size, and budget!