The Basics
Hearing aids come in two basic styles: those that fit in the ear and those that sit behind the ear.
- In-the-ear hearing aids require impressions of your ears for a customized fit and have the electronics built into the custom made shell. They range in size from the tiny completely-in-the-canal (CIC) which sits deeply in your ear canal, to the larger standard ITE which a full-shell that fills the entire bowl of the ear.
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids have the electronics built into a small case that fits behind your ear and sends the sound to your ear canal by a tube or wire. Because the case doesn't have to fit inside your ear canal, BTE's generally have more features than ITE's and are easier to adjust.
- A third style of hearing instruments, called a Remote Microphone (RM) hearing aid, is sometimes referred to as "the best of both worlds". The RM design is unique because the microphone is placed at the end of a flexible tube, which is then tucked securely in the outer portion of the ear. The rest of the instrument is inserted into the ear like a conventional CIC design. By combining the benefits of the behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) styles, the RM offers a comfortable fit, is virtually invisible and offers maximum noise suppression.
Today's hearing aids come in a variety of sizes, styles and colors so you can choose one that best fits your hearing needs and you feel confident wearing.
Other Factors to Consider
- Anatomy – the shape and size of the outer ear and ear canal may determine which type of hearing instrument you can wear.
- Your manual dexterity – some styles are easier to handle, insert and clean than others.
- Type and degree of hearing loss – individual variations in hearing loss can pose unique challenges and require different types of amplification.
- Your lifestyle – it's important to consider your favorite activities and the environment you spend most of your time in.
Standard Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
A one-sized-fits-all unit that sits behind the ear with a tiny earpiece that discretly extends into the ear.
Receiver-in-Ear (RIE)
Similar to the BTE, a tiny processor is hidden behind the top of the ear but the receiver is placed in the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is sometimes referred to as a Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Standard In-the-Ear (ITE)
This style is custom molded and fills most of the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Customer molded to fit partly in your ear canal, but not as deeply as the Completely-in-Canal Instrument.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Molded to fit inside your ear canal, making it almost invisible.
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
Custom molded to sit deep in the ear canal making it invisible.
Remote Microphone (RM)
Unique hearing aid design that merges the benefits of BTE and ITE devices. Custom molded piece fits in the ear while a remote microphone sits just outside the ear canal.
Invisible-Open-Technology (IOT)
Sits in the ear but does not require a mold or custom fitting.