Hearing Aid Styles
The type of hearing aid you are fitted for can greatly affect your quality of hearing.
Being aware of the different styles of hearing aid is important in making sure you have the best quality product.
Behind The Ear The BTE style of hearing aid sits on the back of the outer ear.
The BTE is perhaps what most people think of when they imagine a hearing aid.
BTE are the oldest style still on the market.
In the 1980s it was thought that rapidly increasing technology would see the BTE become obsolete, however, for many people the BTE suits their needs.
The BTE can assist with more types of hearing loss than any other devise.
It comes in a wide range of colours which allows it to easily blend in with skin tone.
The open-fit model is a popular variation on the BTE.
It is the most popular style at the current time.
The open-fit model is smaller than a regular BTE.
It consists of a thin, plastic tube which reaches the ear canal.
It is one of the most comfortable and discreet hearing aids available.
In the Ear The ITE is one of the larger types available.
It is visible on the outer ear and rests within the ear canal.
Its plastic exterior is available in a wide range of colours to match skin tone.
Because of its larger size, the ITE offers a greater range of functions, compared to other products.
For instance, many ITEs offer directional microphones and memory programs.
The battery is larger which means you don't need to get it changed as often.
If you have had difficulty fitting a piece you may prefer this style.
Its larger size makes it much easier to handle.
In The Canal The ITC is very similar in function to the ITE.
Its electronic system is more advanced and much smaller.
Those who have mild hearing loss often choose the ITC style.
Compared to other hearing aids they are definitely the less noticeable.
However, they will only suit a small proportion of people with hearing loss.
Younger people usually choose the ITC.
The ITC rests inside the ear canal.
This location helps the aid to better locate the direction of sound, the sound quality from an ITC is quite good when fitted correctly.
Completely in the Canal The CIC is practically invisible to the naked eye, this attracts many people to this product.
The entire aid is fitter inside the ear canal.
The CIC does not offer the same level of comfort as other hearing aid styles.
The shape of some peoples ears or their sensitivity to hearing aid may prevent them from having a CIC fitted.
IT will often take several fitting to have the CIC right.
Those that use the CIC find that there hearing is much closer to normal sound than with other hearing aid styles.
Being aware of the different styles of hearing aid is important in making sure you have the best quality product.
Behind The Ear The BTE style of hearing aid sits on the back of the outer ear.
The BTE is perhaps what most people think of when they imagine a hearing aid.
BTE are the oldest style still on the market.
In the 1980s it was thought that rapidly increasing technology would see the BTE become obsolete, however, for many people the BTE suits their needs.
The BTE can assist with more types of hearing loss than any other devise.
It comes in a wide range of colours which allows it to easily blend in with skin tone.
The open-fit model is a popular variation on the BTE.
It is the most popular style at the current time.
The open-fit model is smaller than a regular BTE.
It consists of a thin, plastic tube which reaches the ear canal.
It is one of the most comfortable and discreet hearing aids available.
In the Ear The ITE is one of the larger types available.
It is visible on the outer ear and rests within the ear canal.
Its plastic exterior is available in a wide range of colours to match skin tone.
Because of its larger size, the ITE offers a greater range of functions, compared to other products.
For instance, many ITEs offer directional microphones and memory programs.
The battery is larger which means you don't need to get it changed as often.
If you have had difficulty fitting a piece you may prefer this style.
Its larger size makes it much easier to handle.
In The Canal The ITC is very similar in function to the ITE.
Its electronic system is more advanced and much smaller.
Those who have mild hearing loss often choose the ITC style.
Compared to other hearing aids they are definitely the less noticeable.
However, they will only suit a small proportion of people with hearing loss.
Younger people usually choose the ITC.
The ITC rests inside the ear canal.
This location helps the aid to better locate the direction of sound, the sound quality from an ITC is quite good when fitted correctly.
Completely in the Canal The CIC is practically invisible to the naked eye, this attracts many people to this product.
The entire aid is fitter inside the ear canal.
The CIC does not offer the same level of comfort as other hearing aid styles.
The shape of some peoples ears or their sensitivity to hearing aid may prevent them from having a CIC fitted.
IT will often take several fitting to have the CIC right.
Those that use the CIC find that there hearing is much closer to normal sound than with other hearing aid styles.
