Hearing aids come in a wide range of styles. There are many factors your hearing specialist will consider before recommending a hearing aid style, including your hearing needs, your lifestyle, and your budget. He or she will also take into account your preferences for the fit and look of the hearing aids.
Hearing aid styles fall into the following categories:
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The hearing technology is housed in a casing that rests behind the ear. A clear plastic acoustical tube directs amplified sound into an earbud or a customized earmold that is fitted inside the ear canal. Some manufacturers also offer a mini BTE or a Power BTE.
moderate-to-severe hearing loss
Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)
This custom-fitted style is inserted farther into the ear canal than other styles, so it’s completely invisible* when worn. IIC hearing aids are designed to be removed daily to promote good ear health.
mild-to-moderate hearing loss
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Barely visible when worn, the RIC style is an instrument in which the receiver, or speaker, is inside the ear canal. Thin electrical wires are used instead of a plastic acoustical tube, reducing distortion. RIC hearing aids provide a comfortable, open fit.
mild-to-moderate hearing loss
In-the-Ear (ITE)
The technology components are housed in a custom-formed earmold that fits within the outer portion of the ear canal.
mild-to-severe hearing loss
In-the-Canal (ITC) or Half-Shell (HS)
Features a custom-made earmold that fits down into the ear canal. It has a smaller profile than the ITE.
mild-to-moderate hearing loss
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing instruments are custom-made to fit completely in the ear canal. Only the tip of a small plastic ”handle” shows outside the canal, which is used to insert and remove the instrument.
mild-to-moderately severe hearing loss
Within these various hearing aid styles, there are a range of technology features that can be used to manage and amplify sound. Today’s hearing instruments offer many kinds of advanced programmable and digital processing features to enhance the listening experience in different environments and are designed to be barely visible when worn.
Your hearing professional will demonstrate the various styles and explain the technology features available, recommending the combination that best suits your hearing needs and lifestyle.
*Individual results may vary. Invisibility may vary based on your ears anatomy.
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