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Hearing Aid Styles | Finance Hearing Aids | Accessories

Hearing Aid Styles


Hearing Aid Systems:

Hearing Aid Systems can be divided into two main categories: In the Ear and Behind the Ear systems.

BEHIND-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS:

In this family of hearing aids the electronics are enclosed in a hard case which fits behind the ear. Currently these are the most popular type of hearing aids due to improvements in both cosmetics and technology. There are currently 3 basic types of behind-the-ear hearing aids.


In the Ear In the EarReceiver in the Canal (RIC) - Open Fit
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

  • A hard-molded, plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a clear plastic tube wraps into the ear canal, while a small, soft silicone dome holds the tube in place inside of the ear canal.
  • The actual speaker (receiver) of the hearing aids is in the ear canal to increase clarity and reduce feedback.
  • Very cosmetically appealing due to the thin tube, and close to head fit and the way the majority of the aid fits behind the ear.
  • Is available in many colors and sizes and styles to match hair color and ear size.
  • The lightweight tube and soft tip provide optimum comfort and minimal visibility.
  • In some cases a custom earmold may be made to hold the receiver in place more comfortably than the non-custom tips.
  • Recommended for patients who complain that they can "hear" but just "can't understand the words".
  • Recommended for patients with sloping high frequency hearing loss and good to moderate hearing in the low frequencies.
  • Gets rid of patient complaints of "I feel like I have a cold" or "My ear feels stuffed up" or "My voice echoes when I talk".

Thin Tube - Open Fit
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

  • All components are contained in a case worn behind the ear.
  • A hard-molded, plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom-fit earmold extends into the ear.
  • May be barely visible depending on case color and earmold color.
  • Differs from the RIC open fit in that the speaker (receiver) is in the main unit and not in the ear.
  • Provides the same cosmetics as the RIC fitting.
  • May be better for those who have soft runny wax or ears to small for the RIC but want the excellent cosmetics.


In the Ear Standard BTE
For moderate to profound hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

  • All components are contained in a case worn behind the ear.
  • The aid connects to a custom earmold that is made from an impression of your ear.
  • This aid provides more power than the RIC or This Tube Open Fit aids.
  • This aid is best for those who have a moderate to profound hearing loss.
  • All levels of technology are available from basic to very advanced.
  • These aids come in a variety of sizes and colors to maximize hearing benefit and cosmetics.

IN-THE-EAR HEARING AIDS:

In this family of hearing aids the electronics are enclosed in a hard case which fits in the ear.. There are currently 4 basic sizes of in-the-ear hearing aids. The smallest is the Deep Insertion CIC; then the standard CIC; standard Canal aid and the standard Full Shell. The difference in these units is both in how small they are, how deeply they fit into the ear, and in some cases the level of sophistication of the technology. Generally speaking the smaller the hearing aid the more limitations there are on the technology that will fit into the small case.

The primary advantages of the in-the-ear aids are the fact that they are easy to insert and remove and can fit a wide range of hearing losses. They are also good for those who have ears set very close to their head and may not have room for one the behind-the-ear models.

Deep Insertion Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

  • The smallest and deepest fitting of the in-the-ear aids.
  • 100% Invisible, digital, programmable, & custom shelled.
  • Works for many who are not candidates for other deep canal products.
  • Excellent sound quality with no feedback on both cell and regular phones.

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
For mild to moderate hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

  • This is the next smallest of the in-the-ear aids.
  • It does not go in as deeply as the deep insertion model above.
  • All components contained in a custom-fit, hard molded plastic shell.
  • Fits completely inside the ear canal.
  • Virtually invisible in the ear canal.
  • Very good for those who have smaller ear canals but want the invisibility of a CIC.
  • Limitation is that the small size may not allow all technology options.

In the CanalIn-the-Canal (ITC)
For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

  • This is the next size hearing aid. It is a little larger than the CIC.
  • All components are contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell.
  • Fits in the outer portion of the canal and slightly into the bowl area.
  • Slightly visible inside the ear.
  • Provides more technology options than the CIC while still being cosmetically pleasing.

In the EarStandard In-the-Ear (ITE)
For mild to severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

  • Largest of the in-the-ear models.
  • Good for those who require more powerful amplifiers.
  • Good for those with dexterity or vision problems.
  • All components are contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell.
  • Fills the entire bowl of the ear.