Hearing Aids
Hearing aids come in different sizes and styles and use different technologies. It’s often assumed that smaller hearing aids are more costly and have better technology, but that’s not true. The performance of a hearing aid depends a lot on the style and level of technology it utilizes. Different styles of hearing aids include Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC), Canal or In-the-Canal (ITC), Half Shell (HS), Full Shell (FS), Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Open Fit Hearing Aids.
Styles
Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aid
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are commonly known as invisible hearing aids. This type of hearing aid sits fully inside the ear canal. Based on your ear canal anatomy the CIC may be viewable in the opening of the ear canal. Deep canal CIC hearing aids cannot be seen. A CIC hearing aid will be most appropriate for those with some hearing loss in all frequencies and are not appropriate for severe hearing losses. These hearing aids have less room available inside. Therefore, they cannot accommodate all the available advanced technologies to assist your hearing in demanding background noise situations. You ear canal anatomy must be appropriate to allow the device to fit comfortably.
Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aid
Canal or In-the-Canal Hearing Aid
Canal or In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids are slightly larger than the CIC aids, except they are large enough to offer directional microphones, which improves your hearing when you are in noisy areas such as restaurants or recreational events.
In-the-Canal Hearing Aid
Half Shell Hearing Aid
Half Shell (HS) hearing aids are in-the-ear type of hearing aids that are great for patients who want a slightly larger battery than a CIC or ITC hearing aid. Its larger size allows for easier access to volume controls and memory buttons. The larger size also makes it easier to have more power for greater hearing loss.
Half Shell Hearing Aid
Full Shell Hearing Aid
Full Shell or In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are the largest of the in-the-ear family of hearing aids. Full shell aids are perfect if you have dexterity issues, want longer lasting batteries, need more power and don’t want the behind-the-ear type of hearing aids.
Full Shell Hearing Aid
Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids may be your only option if you have a significant hearing loss. These types of aids provide the most power and offer many programming and user options, as well as larger and longer lasting batteries.
Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aid
Open Fit Hearing Aid
Open Fit Hearing Aids, sometimes also referred to as Mini Behind-the-Ear hearing aids, are best for people who have normal to mild hearing loss in the low frequencies. This type of hearing aid is considered to be the most comfortable and aesthetically appealing style of hearing aid. It’s also a good hearing aid for persons who are wearing a hearing aid for the first time, as they allow a new user to adjust more quickly and has the space to allow technologies which provide improved hearing when in background noise.
Open Fit Hearing Aid
Extended Wear Hearing Aid
Extended Wear Hearing Aids are designed to be placed deep in your ear canal and worn for several months without being removed. The hearing aids are placed deep enough to be practically invisible or invisible and can be worn 24/7. Most patients can shower, exercise and sleep while wearing these hearing aids with no issues. People with certain health issues, ear canal sizes and ear canal shapes cannot wear this hearing aid. Because these devices are designed for long-term continuous wear, your Doctor of Audiology at the Hearing and Balance Institute of the Rockies, Inc. will properly size your ear for the most comfortable device fit.
Extended Wear Hearing Aid
