Behind the Ear (BTE) style
hearing aid fits over and behind the ear and requires either
an earmold or open tube fitting to deliver the sound into
the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is suitable for all
degrees of hearing loss.
In the Ear (ITE) style hearing
aid fits entirely within the ear, filling the whole concha area
and ear canal. These aids are larger and more visible than the
smaller instruments and thus are easier to handle for patients
with dexterity problems. This type of hearing aid is suitable
for mild to severe hearing losses.
Half Shell or Canal (HS or ITC)
style hearing aid is similar to the ITE but much smaller, filling
only the lower portion of the ear and ear canal. They are generallyless
powerful than the larger models and are appropriate for mild
to moderately-severe hearing losses.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
style hearing aid is designed to fit very deeply inside the
ear canal, so very little is visible. This hearing aid, due
to its size is difficult to handle for someone with dexterity
problems. It is most suitable for mild to moderate hearing losses
Hearing Aid Technology:
Digital Hearing Aids:
Today's digital technology encompasses a whole realm
of instruments from basic to very advanced circuitry.
They are designed to provide very clear and natural sound
quality.
They provide improved speech understanding in the presence
of background noise.
They provide greater directionality of sound
They provide accurate fine tuning to the individual hearing
loss
They automatically self adust to compensate for changes
in the environment.
Assistive Listening Devices:
This includes a large variety of products designed to improve hearing in specific listening environments and can be used independently or coupled with your hearing aid(s). Some examples:
