Types of Hearing Aids
Technological advances have produced more options in hearing aid electronics and styles than ever before, and there are continual gains being made in the industry. Electronics, price and style all play a part in the choice of a hearing aid.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
RIC (receiver-in-canal) hearing aids are similar in appearance to the OTE style. The thin tubing makes it very cosmetically appealing. The receiver is housed within a small tip that goes in to your ear and the computer sits behind the ear. Recommended for mild to severe high frequency hearing loss. Advantages: great comfort, great cosmetic appeal, and some are water resistant for those with perspiration or moisture problems.
Over-the-Ear (OTE)
OTE (over-the-ear) hearing aids have a very discreet tube and ear tip that fits inside the ear but the computer is housed behind the ear. This instrument is considered to be the most cosmetically appealing (along with the RIC) of all hearing aids and has gained great popularity over the last several years. Originally designed for those with only high frequency hearing loss, this instrument is now offering benefit for those who have some mid and even low frequency hearing loss. Advantages: great comfort, great cosmetic appeal.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
CIC (completely-in-the-canal) hearing aids are recommended for moderate to severe hearing loss. This type of hearing aid, though very cosmetically appealing, has a higher repair rate and is more susceptible to ear wax or fluids draining from within the ear.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
ITC (in-the-canal) hearing aids are for mild to moderate hearing loss. They are custom made to fit inside the ear. but ITC aids, like ITE hearing aids are also not recommended for children. Advantages: easy insertion and removal for those with dexterity problems, cosmetic appeal.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids are worn in the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing losses. This style is not usually used for children, because the case that holds the working parts of the aid must be changed as the ear grows larger. Advantages: few repair problems, large fitting range.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids use an ear mold that is custom-made for inside the ear, and the computer sits behind the ear. Both children and adults can use BTE hearing aids. They are recommended for most types of hearing loss from mild to profound. Advantages: very durable, few repair problems, large fitting range.
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