Hearing Aid Styles

A wide range of technology and a host of features are available as part of 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 technology levels, such as Basic entry, Advanced or Premium level.

Basic digital hearing aids generally require the wearer to make some manual adjustments in certain listening environments, such as turning a volume 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 does the availability of advanced features. Examples of some of the advanced features found in today’s digital hearing aids are shown in the examples.

When selecting a Style the following is considered:

  • The degree of the hearing loss (power requirements)
  • Manual dexterity and spatial orientation
  • Anatomical and medical conditions
  • Cosmetics
  • Bluetooth media connectivity
  • Rechargeable or battery

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.

 Click on Each Picture for Description

RECEIVER IN CANAL (RIC)
RIC models have the speaker of the instrument incorporated in the ear tip, instead of in the main body of the instrument. 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. RIC instruments fit mild-to-severe hearing losses. This hearing aid style is the most popular throughout the United States and the world. Bluetooth capable and rechargeable.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) is a generic name of hearing aids that encompass models that sit behind or on top of the outer ear, with tubing or receiver wiring that routes sounds down to the ear. The tubing or wiring connects to an an ear mold or receiver for a secure fit in the ear canal. BTEs come in wide variety of colors and modern designs that help them blend with hair and skin tones. BTE styles accommodate different features such as size, 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 off the cool designs. There are several styles of BTEs – each is listed beginning with Receiver In Canal.
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. Mini BTEs are often recommended for moderately-severe to severe high frequency losses. Bluetooth capable and rechargeable.
Power BTE with Earmold
These types of BTE’s are the largest and most powerful instruments. Their longer shape follows the contour behind the outer ear and houses more circuit options capable of producing more power and performance capabilities. A small tube runs down the ear carrying amplified sounds to a custom ear mold that goes into the wearer’s ear. Hearing loss coverage is from severe-to-profound. Bluetooth capable and rechargeable.
Invisible In Canal (IIC)

The smallest custom style, IIC instruments, sit invisibly in or past the second bend of the ear canal. IIC devices are specifically designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Bluetooth not available and non-rechargeable.

Completely In Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are the smallest and most popular custom hearing instruments sold. This is mainly due to the discreet fit they offer. The standard CIC hearing aid has advanced to a point where it is now wireless and can be controlled by a remote control. As technology has advanced the range of the loss served has increased significantly from mild-to-severe. In addition, microphone capabilities have been improved to give patients much better directionality and clarity. Bluetooth not available and non-rechargeable.
Half Shell In The Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are larger than CICs. Some ear shapes and losses are better served by this type of hearing aid opposed to other styles. The ITC hearing aid is much easier to insert for patients that have arthritis, spatial orientation problems and the need for more power/options. Due to its size it is less apt to fall out without the user detecting it. These hearing aids commonly come equipped with manual volume and environmental controls. Bluetooth capable and rechargeable.
Full Shell In The Ear (ITE)

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.

Full shell models sit flush within the entire ear bowl. Their size allows the maximum number of additional controls and features such as directional microphones, which require space on the outer portion of the instrument. They use a larger battery size than the smaller styles and can fit a larger receiver with enough power for even some severe hearing losses. Because of their flexibility, they’re widely recommended for mild-to-severe hearing loss. Bluetooth enabled and rechargeable.

What is the best hearing aid for me?

When it comes to hearing aids there are many styles and models available to suit different hearing loss needs. At Budget Hearing Centers we are completely unbiased with our suggestions having 8 major brands to choose from for the correct prescription. It is important to remember not all hearing aid brands are  alike. Some brands work better for a person’s specific loss than others. Unlike most other practices we are trained by each manufacture to prescribe, fit, program and repair their hearing aids.

At Budget Hearing Centers we take all these factors into consideration and importantly what you feel comfortable with! Over 1000 patients have placed their hearing healthcare needs with us. We are confident you also will be happy with your outcome.

Close to 50% less than other clinics and dealers

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