Types of Hearing Aids

These represent the smallest style in the custom-fit range. As CICs fit deep inside the ear canal, they are almost invisible and therefore, cosmetically appealing to the wearer. This style accommodates people with mild to moderate hearing loss. CIC solutions are suitable for people with ear canals large enough to accommodate the insertion of the device deep into the ear.

This type fills the outer ear. They are the most visible of the custom made range but can cover a wide range of hearing losses up to severe. Due to their size, they are much easier to handle than smaller custom aids and allow for optional manual features such as volume control, program button, or telephone switch. These aids have bigger batteries which provide longer battery life.

These fit into the ear canal. They are only slightly larger than the CIC models but smaller than ITE options. Due to a slightly bigger battery, battery life is longer lasting compared to CIC hearing devices. The ITC style is only suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss due to its size.

BTE hearing solutions fit behind-the-ear and are attached to a soft custom ear-mould. With BTE models, the electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Sound is directed from the device, through the tubing, and through the ear-mould to the ear. Ear moulds are custom made to fit the contours behind the ear.

Commonly known as RITE, RIC (receiver-in-canal) or CRT(Canal Receiver Technology), this style looks like the slim tube mini BTEs but contains a speaker inside the ear tip rather than the main body of the instrument. This provides a smoother amplification and improves the sound quality significantly. They come with many more features, control options and battery power than the custom-fit models. The earmold is matched to suit the wearer’s hair colour, skin tone or personal style.