Hearing Aids Styles
In-the-Ear/Canal Style Hearing Aids
You must have a very specific type of loss for one of these devices to obtain maximum benefit and receive good sound quality. Not everyone is a good candidate for these devices depending on the size of their ears, hearing loss levels, etc. These styles often need repairing due to the moist environment of the ear and ear canal.
Receiver-in-the Ear (RITE)
This is a small and discreet device that fits at the top of your ear with a thin electronic wire that travels down and into your ear canal. This option fits most losses and is easily customizable to your specific needs.They come in various colors to match hair colors and skin tones. This style makes the process easy and accessible if a patient’s hearing were to change requiring stronger amplification.
Full Shell or In-the-Ear (ITE)
Full shell models sit flush within the outer ear bowl. Their size allows the maximum number of additional controls and features such as directional microphones, which require space on the outer portion of the instrument. Because of their flexibility, they’re widely recommended for mild-to-severe hearing loss.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
ITC instruments sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl, making them comfortable and easy to use. They fit mild and moderate hearing losses.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
The smallest custom style, CIC instruments, fit deeply and entirely within the ear canal. They fit mild-to-moderate hearing losses and offer high cosmetic appeal, as they’re nearly invisible when worn.
Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)
The smallest custom style, IIC instruments, sit invisibly in or past the second bend of the ear canal. IIC devices are specifically designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
These are similar to a RITE device in the sense that it is worn behind the ear. However, this option is better for individuals with a more severe to profound hearing loss or those with recurrent middle ear problems. They are powerful and provide plenty of sound for severe losses.
Behind-the-Ear Style Hearing Aids
Considered the traditional hearing aid style, BTE hearing aids feature a processing unit that rests behind the ear, but they differ from older units because they use digital technology to process sound. Sound processed in the behind-the-ear unit is transmitted in different manners and delivered to the outer ear in various ways, depending on the hearing aid style. BTE hearing aids tend to have greater processing power than ITE devices and usually include manual programming buttons and/or dials.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid Styles
Don’t be fooled by the fact that this hearing aid style resembles older analogue units, because they are packed with the highest levels of digital processing power available on the market. BTE hearing aids are lighter and more streamlined and come with programming and connectivity options that are able to address all levels of hearing loss.
Traditional BTE Behind-the-Ear
Individuals experiencing severe to profound hearing loss are best served by traditional BTE hearing aids styles, which offer directional microphones for improved hearing in background noise, and built-in manual volume and program controls that aren’t available in ITE devices. You’re able to choose many customized options like color, custom earmolds, rechargeable batteries and more.
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
RITE hearing aids are a modified version of BTE hearing aids that have the speaker (receiver) inside the ear rather than transmitting sound through acoustical tubing. Many first time hearing aid wearers are able to transition into this style of hearing aid easier due to their unmatched comfort and more natural sound.
