Hearing aids comes in various styles and sizes to accommodate your anatomy, appearance and hearing loss configuration. Each style has varying advantages detailed below. Your audiologist will explain these features in detail as they directly relate to your individual hearing goals and needs.
Hearing Aid Styles
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)- Custom made from an impression of the ear
- Smallest and least visible type
- Less likely to pick up wind noise
- Often doesn't include extra features due to size
- Susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker
- Good dexterity required for use and battery change
In-the-canal (ITC)
- Custom made from an impression of the ear
- Is less visible in the ear than larger styles
- Includes features that won't fit in CIC aids
- Is susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker
- Good dexterity required
In-the-ear (ITE)
- ITE can be divided into two styles: one that fills the full outer ear space, called full shell (FS) and the other that fills only the lower half (HS).
- Both are helpful for people with mild to severe hearing loss
- Built with two directional microphones for better hearing in noise
- Easier to handle & use larger batteries
- Susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker
- May pick up more wind noise than smaller devices
- More visible in the ear than smaller devices
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Hooks over the top of the ear and rests behind the ear, connected to an earmold
- Appropriate for people of all ages and almost any type of hearing loss
- Traditionally the largest type of hearing aid
- Directional microphones for better hearing in background noise
- Provides the most powerful amplification
- Some models are available with a rechargeable battery
- Bluetooth and FM compatibility
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
- Similar in design to the BTE, but smaller in size, with the receiver in the ear canal
- A thin wire containing electronics connects the piece on top of the ear to the speaker in the canal
- Cosmetically appealing
- Various battery size options, including rechargeable
- IP68 Rating
- Direct Connect & Bluetooth compatibility
- Directional microphones for better performance in background noise
- Can be configured for various degrees of hearing loss, but is ideal for those with better low frequency hearing to prevent occlusion or the sensation of being plugged up providing a more natural sound quality
We encourage each of our patients to evaluate the importance of better hearing in their life. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive and personalized overview that the benefits of hearing aid use will provide you both personally and professionally so that you can make the most informed and educated decision. We view the use of hearing aids as taking a proactive approach to healthy aging, maintaining your independence and staying actively engaged with family, friends and your community. We also understand that hearing aid use is often associated with age and while there is certainly truth to that we are committed to guiding you through the process and ultimately embracing a better hearing experience.
