Hearing Aids
Today’s hearing aids come in many different shapes and sizes and have achieved CD quality sound. A hearing aid has three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier and receiver. It receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear.
Hearing Aid Styles
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
This is the smallest custom-made hearing instrument. The shell is designed to fit discretely inside your ear canal. These devices may be limited in the number of programs and options.
Suitable for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss
In-the-Canal (ITC)
This hearing instrument is custom-made to fit your ear. It is slightly larger than the CIC and may provide access to multiple listening programs. ITC instruments may be easier to manipulate than CICs, though they are still small.
Suitable for Mild to Severe Hearing Loss
In-the-Ear (ITE)
This style is custom-made and fills your entire outer ear. A full shell ITE provides access to telecoil and multiple listening programs. Larger batteries and controls make this model easy to handle.
Suitable for Mild to Severe Hearing Loss
Open-Fit Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The microphone and tubing of this hearing instrument are hidden in the ear’s natural contours, so the instrument is virtually invisible in the ear. Multi-venting allows air to travel freely in and out of the ear, ensuring an open, comfortable fit that makes your voice sound as natural as possible.
Suitable for Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
This style fits behind your ear and comes in a variety of sizes and colors. It is attached to a slim tube or an earmold that is custom-made for your ear.
Suitable for Mild to Profound Hearing Loss