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A hearing aid is a device that amplifies sounds for people with hearing impairments. There are many styles to choose from, depending on your lifestyle and your hearing test results. It's best to tell your doctor about your lifestyle and activity level so an appropriate hearing aid can be recommended.
Advanced Audiology Institute specializes in administering hearing exams, interpreting the results, and providing the right hearing aid for your lifestyle, hobbies and specific hearing needs. Many insurance providers are accepted and financing is also available. Please feel free to call the office with your questions or to set up an appointment.
Open Fit / Over the Ear (OTE)
These are small hearing aids that rest behind the ear with a fine clear tube that runs into the ear canal. At the tip of the tube is a small, soft silicone dome or molded, highly-vented acrylic tip that holds the tube in place.
Some devices have an external speaker that is placed inside the ear canal and connected to the hearing system via a thin cable. This design allows the device sitting behind the ear to be even smaller.
OTE hearing aids are designed to reduce the occlusion effect; the amplification of your own voice when you plug your ears while talking.
These devices can be used to correct mild to severe high-frequency hearing loss.
Behind the Ear (BTE)
Behind the ear hearing aids have a small plastic case that sits behind the ear and brings sound to the ear canal via a custom-made ear mold. Their durability and ability to connect to assistive listening devices, such as classroom FM systems, makes them very useful for children. Recent developments include "Invisible" BTEs with thin, hair-like sound tubes.
BTEs come in colors from inconspicuous skin tones to bright colors and optional decorations.
These devices can be used for mild to profound hearing loss.
In the Ear (ITE)
In the ear hearing aids are custom made to fit an individual's ear. They fit in the outer ear bowl (concha) and are sometimes visible when standing face to face. Many people with poor dexterity in their hands prefer ITE hearing aids because their larger size (both hearing aid and battery) makes them easy to handle.
ITE hearing aids can be used to correct mild to severe hearing loss.
In the Canal (ITC)
In the canal hearing aids fit into the ear canal. They are smaller than in the ear (ITE) hearing aids and slightly larger than completely in the canal (CIC) hearing aids. They are small and often only seen when looking directly into the ear of the wearer. They come in varying skin tone shades.
Due to the constant growth of a child's ear, they are rarely recommended for children.
ITCs are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Completely in the Canal (CIC) or Invisible in Canal (IIC)
CIC, or IIC, hearing aids fit deep inside the ear canal, out of view, which is why they are often referred to as "invisible".
CICs do not clog the concha (outer ear bowl), allowing sound to be conducted more naturally by the shape of the ear and ear canal. CIC's are also very compatible with active lifestyles and are invisible even when looking directly into the wearer's ear.
There are two types of CIC/IIC hearing aids: daily wear hearing devices and extended wear hearing devices.
Daily wear hearing devices are placed deep into the ear canal, which makes them virtually invisible. They are fully-digital hearing aids with extraordinary features that enhance speech/sound clarity. Daily wear devices can be removed when sleeping and should be removed while swimming.
NOTE: These hearing aids cannot be worn in the shower.
Extended wear hearing devices give the patient better hearing 24 hours a day since the patient does not remove them. These devices are removed and replaced with a brand new hearing aid approximately every 60 to 120 days. There are no repairs, batteries to fumble with and no warranty renewals. These hearing aids are compatible with active lifestyles since they can be worn while exercising or showering. They are the most hassle-free devices on the market.
Lyric® hearing devices made by Insound Medical were the first invisible extended wear hearing devices.
Compatibility with a CIC/IIC is based on level of hearing loss, ear size and shape, medical conditions and lifestyle.
CICs/IICs can be used to correct mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
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Hearing Aids Styles/Choosing
Hearing Aid Technology
- Lyric
- Phonak
- Oticon
- Other Options
- FAQs
Hearing Aid Comparisons
Hearing Devices
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