For a brief explication of each style, please navigate to the bottom of the page.

ITE

ITC

ITE

ITC

CIC

CIC

RIC

Micro BTE

BTE

In-the-ear hearing aid (ITE)

This is the largest of the hearing aids that go directly in the ear.  It can accommodate a larger battery than the other products and may have a larger volume wheel.  This model is most appropriate for people with dexterity or vision problems.  In-the-ear hearing aids are appropriate for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

In-the-Canal hearing aid (ITC)

This product is smaller than the in-the-ear version and fills about half of the concha area.  In-the-canal hearing aids typically have a smaller battery and volume wheel than the In-the-ear hearing aids.  This model will be more difficult for a person with vision/dexterity problems.  Canal aids are appropriate for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Completely-in-the-Canal hearing aid (CIC)

This is the smallest of the products and is often advertised as “invisible”.  This hearing aid is appropriate for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.  Because it is so tiny the batteries are very small and it is definitely not appropriate for people with vision or dexterity problems.  Because of its size, it does not offer all of the technological complexities of the larger aids.  In addition, because of the small size a volume control is usually not included.  CIC hearing aids are usually digital aids, so the volume control is automatic.

Receiver In the Canal (RIC)

These are the newest style of hearing aids available, and look similar to the Open Fit instruments. The main difference between Open Fit and RIC instruments is that for a RIC hearing aid, the receiver is placed inside a small dome in the ear canal. This results in a smaller behind the ear component, more power in the instrument, a discreet aid, less distortion and a natural and comfortable fit.

Micro Behind-the-Ear (micro BTE)

These aids are very similar to the regular behind the ears. On the positive side it is smaller in size and can provide ample gain like a regular BTE to a mild to moderate loss. On the negative side there is no volume control and the battery is smaller. Some clients like the ability to control the volume in different enviroments. Batteries are generally the same price per cell, however having a smaller battery meaning the life of it is diminished. Costing the client more money in the long run due to less battery life.

Behind-the-Ear hearing aid (BTE)

Behind-the-ear hearing aids consist of 2 pieces.  A plastic earmold that is relatively inexpensive and is custom made to fit into the ear.  The ear mold is connected via a piece of tubing to the hearing aid, which hangs behind the ear.  Most behind the hearing aids have a volume control, a battery compartment and program button.   A behind-the-ear hearing aid is appropriate for a person with mild to profound hearing loss.  An advantage to the behind-the-ear hearing aids is that they are less prone to damage by earwax since the mold that goes into the ear is just plastic and the actual hearing aid hangs behind the ear.  In addition, a behind-the-ear hearing aid is the only style appropriate for people with a profound hearing loss and for children.