Types of Hearing Aids

In the Ear (ITE)

An in the ear, or full shell, hearing aid fills the bowl of your ear and extends into the ear canal. It is the largest of the instruments that fit inside the ear, and can include all levels of technology and features within the acrylic shell. It is appropriate for many types of hearing loss, from mild to severe. It is not the best choice for those with a severe to profound loss. Ongoing and consistent maintenance is needed to keep it clear of wax and debris.

In the Canal (ITC)

A canal hearing aid is smaller than the In the Ear and fits more discretely into the bottom on the bowl of the ear and into the ear canal. It is suitable for hearing losses from mild to moderately severe. It can include all levels of technology and often can have multiple features, including telephone switches or additional program options. Canal aids are able to handle multiple microphones to accommodate user needs of reducing noise in adverse listening situations. Ongoing and consistent maintenance is needed to keep it clear of wax and debris.

Completely In the Canal (CIC)

A completely in the canal hearing instrument is the most discreet style available. It is often unseen in the ear canal, except by the most curious observer. Even then it is not clear that it is a hearing device. It appears as more of a shadow because it tends to blend in more that the larger devices. It is suitable for all levels of technology and can be fit to people with mild to moderately severe losses. It is not the best choice for people with manual dexterity problems or very poor vision. At present it cannot accommodate multiple microphones due to its small size. It is able to have noise reduction circuits that are built into the tiny shell. Ongoing and consistent maintenance is needed to keep it clear of wax and debris.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

A behind the ear hearing aid is a hearing aid enclosed in a small plastic cast worn around the back of the ear, with an ear mold attaching it to the bowl an canal of the ear. It is available in all levels of technology and can be used for all hearing levels including those from the mild to the severe and profound category. Often it is the best choice for children who needed lots of flexibility and durability. Maintenance may be less than needed with some other styles.