5 Hearing Aid Styles
5 Hearing Aid Styles
When it comes to purchasing a hearing aid, there are a lot of options to consider, including a wide variety of design styles. Here are some common choices:
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
BTE hearing aids are a good choice for individuals with mild to intense hearing loss. This style is especially beneficial for children and adults who experience excessive moisture and wax in their ears. New, smaller styles are now available to individuals with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss for a less visible, “open fit.”
In-the-Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing devices fill the outer portion of the ear and are custom made for the best fit. They work well for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Smaller than ITE devices, ITC hearing aids are unobtrusive and aesthetically appealing. However, because of their size, optional features that are available for other hearing aid models are limited. ITC hearing aids are designed for patients with mild to moderately severe hearing loss and whose ear canals are large enough to accommodate them.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are the smallest hearing instruments available and are designed for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Because they’re able to fit deep inside the ear, they allow for superior natural sound reception.
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)
One of the latest advancements in hearing aid technology, RITE hearing aids are extremely lightweight and as discreet as CIC devices, but they deliver superior speech understanding.
