Hearing Aid Styles

A wide range of technology and a host of features are available in each hearing aid style. The cost of hearing aids generally depends on the technology and the number of features the instrument has and not necessarily on the style selected. Today’s digital hearing aids are typically offered in various levels such as basic or entry-level to advanced or premium-level. Within each level, different technology and features are available.

Basic digital hearing aids generally require the wearer to make some manual adjustments in certain listening environments such as turning a volume control up or down, or pushing a button to change listening programs. In contrast, a premium or more advanced hearing aid responds automatically to changes in the listener’s environment, making changes based on the signals being detected by the hearing aid. The hearing aid wearer is not required to make any manual changes. As the level of the technology increases in hearing aids, so do the availability of advanced features.

When selecting a style the following is considered:

  • The degree of the hearing loss (power requirements)
  • Manual dexterity & visual abilities
  • Patient budget
  • Cosmetics
  • Skin sensitivities
  • Anatomical/medical considerations

Styles of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are available in many different sizes and styles thanks to advancements in digital technology and miniaturization of the internal components. Many of today’s hearing aids are considered sleek, compact, and innovative – offering solutions to a wide range of hearing aid wearers.  Some are even rechargeable!

In-the-Ear Styles

Hearing aids worn in the ear are usually custom-fit, based on an impression of the ear. They’re available in different skin tones to camouflage with the outer ear. There are several styles – each is listed below, ranging from smallest to largest. We also have “Instant fit” in-the-ear options that do not require an impression, including the newest Signia Active Pro that looks like earbuds!

IIC

Invisible In-The-Canal (IIC)

The smallest custom style, IIC instruments sit invisibly in or past the second bend of the ear canal. IIC are specifically designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

The smallest custom style, CIC instruments fit deeply and entirely within the ear canal. They fit mild to severe hearing losses and offer high cosmetic appeal as they’re nearly invisible when worn.  We also carry the Signia Silk that does not require an impression for certain losses.

ITC

In-the-Canal (ITC)

ITC instruments sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl, making them comfortable and easy to use. Because they’re slightly larger than CIC models they have a longer battery life and can host additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity and directional microphones (for better understanding in noisy environments) and manual options such as volume controls. They fit mild to severe hearing losses.

Full Shell or ITE

Full Shell or In-the-Ear (ITE)

Full shell models sit flush within the outer ear bowl. Their size allows the maximum number of additional controls and features such as Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, push buttons, and volume controls, which require space on the outer portion of the instrument. Because of their flexibility, they’re widely recommended for mild to severe hearing loss.

Behind-the-Ear Styles

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models sit behind or on top of the outer ear, with tubing or a wire that routes sounds down into the ear via an ear tip or earmold that also secures them in the ear canal. BTEs come in colors to blend with hair or skin tones to suit personal styles. Different BTE sizes accommodate different features, controls, battery types and degrees of power (larger instruments generally have more power than smaller ones). While many people choose discreet BTEs that are unnoticeable when worn, others are tempted to show them off!!  Most of our BTE’s come in a rechargeable option.

Mini BTE

Mini BTE with slim tube and tip

Mini BTEs are designed to hide behind the outer ear, and have ultra-thin tubing to discreetly route sound into the ear. The tubing connects to a soft tip that sits in the ear canal but doesn’t occlude it. The result is a natural, open feeling as airflow and sound enter the ear naturally around the tip, while amplified sound enters through the tip. This is known as “open fitting” and is recommended for mild to severe high frequency losses.  Several offer a rechargeable option.

Receiver in the ear (RITE)

Receiver in Canal (RIC)

RIC models are mini BTEs that have the speaker of the instrument incorporated in the ear tip instead of in the main body of the instrument. RIC instruments fit mild to severe hearing losses and looks similar to the Mini BTE when worn on the ear.  This is by far the most popular style due to ease of use, comfort, and sound quality.  Most RIC’s are rechargeable but we also have battery powered if preferred.  We also offer a slim style in the Signia Styletto!

BTE

BTE with earmold

BTEs with earmolds fit mild through profound hearing losses. Their longer shape follows the contour behind the outer ear and can house many features such as a program button and volume control. The earmold color and style, as well as the wearer’s hairstyle, determine exactly how they’ll look on each person.  Many BTE’s are rechargeable.