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There are many styles of hearing aids. The most common styles are:
Over The Ear (OTE): The OTE style of hearing aid is considered an “open ear” fitting, because it conceals the batteries and microphone components in a slim and modest casing located behind your ear. A small receiver is hidden inside the ear and connected to the OTE component by a clear tube that is nearly invisible to the eye. People that feel “plugged up” by instruments worn inside the ear canal find this open-ear style more comfortable.
Completely in Canal (CIC): The CIC style of hearing aid is the smallest custom hearing instrument. It fits deeply in the canal, making it almost invisible. A small removable cord attached to the instrument assists you when removing the instrument. The CIC style is the most cosmetically appealing because it is nearly invisible.
In The Ear (ITE): The ITE style of hearing aid is custom-made and fits entirely in the ear. ITE styles are comfortable and easy to handle and operate. The ITE style is the largest sized custom-made instrument so it is visible inside the ear.
In The Canal (ITC): The ITC style of hearing aid is custom fit into the ear canal, and is smaller than the ITE....so small and discreet that it is barely visible to others.
Behind the Ear (BTE): The electronic components of a BTE style are concealed in a slim casing that fits behind the ear. Several microphones are located at the top of the instrument to detect sound. An ear mold fits inside the ear and is attached to the hearing instrument by a thin, clear tube that holds the device in place. The BTE hearing instrument option is the larger in size than the OTE style.
Invisible In Canal (IIC): Invisible-In-Canal hearing aids are 100% invisible when worn. This instrument sits deep in the ear canal ensuring sound travels quickly and accurately to your eardrum. The IIC is designed for daily removal.
Choosing the right hearing aid is a very personal decision. You should take several factors into consideration like: comfort, aesthetics, lifestyle, level of hearing loss and budget considerations. Your hearing specialist can demonstrate the features of each style, and help you find the one that is right for you. |
