Conventional Hearing Aids

Conventional Hearing Aids

Conventional hearing aids come in two main types: In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids and Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids. Each type offers unique benefits and can be further subdivided to meet different hearing needs and preferences.

In-The-Ear Hearing Aids

In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids place electronics in a custom-made acrylic shell that fills the entire bowl shape of the ear and part of the ear canal. These hearing aids are typically the most powerful in-the-ear options, accommodating many advanced technologies due to their larger size.

In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids also feature a custom-made acrylic shell but fill only half the bowl shape of the ear and part of the ear canal. Recent advancements have allowed ITC hearing aids to match the power and features of larger ITE models.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC) hearing aids discreetly house electronics in a custom shell that fills only the ear canal. They are cosmetically appealing, but their miniaturization can cause discomfort and limit features like directional microphones and telecoils.

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) hearing aids sit deeper in the ear canal, making them nearly invisible. They often include air vents for natural hearing and comfort but are not suitable for individuals with poor sight or manual dexterity due to their small size.

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Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aids

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids house electronics in a casing that sits at the top of the ear. Standard BTE models are robust, capable of accommodating various features, and often require a custom-made earmold to direct sound into the ear. They provide comfort and are less prone to whistling.

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Open-Fit BTE hearing aids use a standard or smaller casing at the top of the ear with thinner tubing, making them more cosmetically appealing. They offer the same robustness and features as standard BTE hearing aids.

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids place most electronics in a small casing at the top of the ear, while the receiver (or speaker) sits in the ear canal. This design makes the hearing aid smaller and provides slightly increased sound smoothness and clarity compared to standard or open-fit BTEs, though they may be more prone to breakdown.