Types of Hearing Aids

In Days Gone By

The simplest and oldest method of increasing your level of hearing is cupping your hand behind your ear, thereby collecting and reflecting sound waves into the auditory canal. In years gone by the “ear trumpet” was occasionally used by those experiencing some form of hearing loss. However, these methods are not the most reliable or sophisticated!

21st Century Solutions

Today’s technologically advanced hearing instruments are sophisticated amplification systems that actually collect sounds and amplify them. There are four types of hearing instruments on the market today, virtually invisible, yet enormously efficient. Essentially, they all function in a similar fashion but are suited to specific types of conditions and degrees of hearing loss. The type of hearing instrument you use will directly depend on the results of your hearing assessment and other criteria such as comfort.

Completely-in-the-Canal Instruments (CIC)

CICs are the smallest, most inconspicuous type of hearing instrument, and are considered by some to be more cosmetically appealing than other types available today. Crafted to fit entirely within the ear canal and custom made to the contours of an individual’s ear, CIC hearing instruments are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.

In-the-Canal Instruments (ITC)

ITCs are larger than the hearing instruments designed to fit entirely within the ear canal, and smaller than an ITE. The ITC hearing instrument is the most flexible hearing instrument – designed to manage a wide range of hearing needs.

In-the-Ear Instruments (ITE)

ITEs fit into the cradle portion of the ear and are designed to accommodate a range of hearing conditions. Custom made according to the shape of an individual’s ear, they provide optimum fit and overall performance, and cosmetic appeal.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instruments are worn behind the ear and are connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. Sound travels through the earmold into the ear. BTE hearing instruments are used by people of all ages who experience mild to profound hearing loss.