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What Style of Hearing Aid Should I Choose?
Recent advances in hearing aid technology make hearing aid selection increasingly complex. The consumer faces many decisions considering the options available. Our audiologists are expertly trained to guide you through the selection process to determine which hearing aid best suits your individual hearing loss and lifestyle.
In The Ear Styles
Invisible in the canal (IIC)
This style is the most smallest and most cosmetically appealing hearing aid available. The IIC is custom molded to fit discreetly deep into the ear canal. Typically IICs are available for individuals with mild to moderate hearing losses.
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
The cosmetically appealing CIC is custom molded to fit in the ear canal. This style is available for individuals with mild to severe hearing losses. They offer high cosmetic appeal as they're nearly invisible when worn.
In-The-Canal (ITC)
ITC instruments are custom molded to fit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl, making them comfortable and easy to use. Because they're slightly larger than CIC models, they have a longer battery life, and can host additional features such as directional microphones for better understanding in noisy environments, and controls such as volume adjustment. This style is available for individuals with mild to severe hearing losses.
In-The-Ear (ITE)
The ITE model is custom molded to fit flush within the outer bowl of the ear. ITE's are easier to manage for people with reduced dexterity. Their size allows the maximum number of additional controls and features, which require space on the hearing aid. They use a larger battery size that lasts longer than the smaller styles. This style is available for individuals with moderate to severe hearing losses
Behind the Ear Styles
Receive In-The-Ear (RIC)
These receiver-in-the-ear style are the most popular style of hearing aid. They are similar to the mini behind-the-ear hearing aids, but they have the speaker of the instrument incorporated in the ear tip, instead of in the main body of the instrument. Receiver in the canal instruments are recommended for mild to severe hearing loss. These are more cosmetically appealing than most in the ear models.
Mini Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aid
These instruments are mini behind-the-ear hearing aids that have the working components in the body of the instrument which fits discretely behind the ear. Mini behind-the-ear instruments work for mild to moderate hearing loss. These are more cosmetically appealing than most in the ear models.
Behind the Ear Hearing Aid (BTE)
Electronics components are housed in a case worn behind the ear and are connected by tubing to a custom-fit earmold. Typically BTEs are durable, comfortable, and easy to maintain. Appropriate for most hearing loss.
