HEARING AID STYLES

We offer a wide selection of custom hearing aids, including a variety of sizes, circuit options, and special features. We specialize in Siemens hearing aids, although we are able to provide hearing instruments from most other manufacturers should the patient request or require it.

Five styles of hearing aids are currently available. Three types contains all the circuitry, microphone, battery, etc., inside a shell that goes inside the ear: Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC), In-the-Canal (ITC), and In-the-Ear (ITE). The other two styles, Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Open Fit BTE, are encased in a shell that rests behind the ear. The BTE has a connection to an ear piece that goes inside the ear. The Open Fit BTE has a thin clear tubing and tip that sets inside the ear.

In CIC, ITC and ITE hearing aids, the receiver, microphone and amplifier are contained in a shell which is worn in the ear. Completely-in-the Canal aids are the smallest model available. They fit deep inside your ear canal so that they're practically invisible. In-the-Canal aids are small enough to fit almost entirely in your ear canal, making them hardly noticeable. In-the-Ear aids fit within your outer ear.

Advantages of CIC, ITC and ITE aids:

Inconspicuous and comfortable: invisible to hardly visible when worn, ideal for use during sports activities, exercise and at work.
Good directional hearing
In BTE hearing aids with earpiece, the receiver, microphone and amplifier are contained in a unit which is worn behind the ear. The sound is carried from the receiver (loudspeaker) via the ear hook and a flexible plastic tube, to the earmold that is worn in the ear canal.

We offer a comprehensive range of BTE hearing aids in a variety of circuit options. Our wide selection of amplifier types and parameters allows us to optimally meet your amplification needs.

Advantages of a BTE with earpiece aid:
Versatile:a wide range of applications ranging from mild to severe hearing loss
Easy to handle:easy battery replacement, easy to use and wear
Very comfortable to wear
Fits securely behind the ear
Good directional hearing
The Open Fit BTE is similar to the BTE with earpiece except that, instead of an earmold worn in the ear canal, it has a very slim tubing and tip that sets inside the ear.

Advantages of an Open Fit BTE aid:

Excellent cosmetic appeal; inconspicuous clear tip and tubing fits inside the ear
Needs no ear mold; eliminates the "plugged up" feeling; one's voice sounds more natural; lessened feedback and whistling
Can fit mild to moderate hearing losses
The patient can often be tested, evaluated, and fit with the open fit BTE the same day