Styles

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) CIC Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids are almost invisible to other people. They are custom made to fit deep inside your unique ear canal. Since the microphone and speaker parts of the aid are both inside your ear, this type of hearing aid most closely resembles the way you naturally hear. These are tiny devices with tiny batteries, though. They are not a good idea for people who have trouble handling small things. These aids are available with conventional, programmable analog, or digital technology.

Pros
* They are nearly invisible.
* Since the speaker partis close to the eardrum, there is boost in volume.
* Having the microphone part in your ear more closely resembles natural hearing.

Cons
* They are usually the most expensive option.
* Thy aren’t strong enough to overcome a severe hearing loss.
* Because they are small, they require good dexterity and eyesight to deal with them.
* They are more susceptible to problems from earwax build up.







In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids are slightly larger than completely-in-th canal aids but smaller than in-the-ear aids. They are still cosmetically appealing, and their increased size allows for slightly larger electronic components. They are also available with conventional, programmable analog, or digital technology.

Pros
* They are cosmetically more appealing than in-the-ear aids.
* Since the speaker part is close to the eardrum, there is a volume advantage.
* These may allow for directional microphones depending on the size of the ear canal.
* Having the microphone part in your ear more closely resembles natural hearing.

Cons
* They are only appropriate for mild to moderate hearing losses.
* Because they are small, they require good dexterity and eyesight to deal with them.
* If they have a volume control, it may be difficult to adjust because of its small size.
* They are more susceptible to problems from earwax build up.







In-The-Ear (ITE) Because they are larger, in-the-ear hearing aids can have more powerful amplifiers and more easily useable controls and features. The hearing aid shell is still custom made. It fills the outer ear. As with the other types of aids, these are also available with conventional, programmable analog, or digital technology.

Pros
* They can be used for a wide range of hearing losses.
* Because they are larger, they can have more features, like a telephone switches and directional microphones.
* They are easier to handle and adjust.

Cons
* They are easily seen by an observer.
* Because they are still small, they require some dexterity and good eyesight to deal with them.
* They have small battery compartments and may be difficult for some people to manipulate.
* Because they are inthe ear, they can be damaged by earwax.










Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
The microphones and amplifiers of behind-the-ear hearing aids fit comfortably in a small case that tucks behind the ear. The amplifier is connected to the ear by a sound tube that is fairly difficult for other people to see. The tube is sometimes connected to a custom-made ear mold. For less severe hearing losses, there are behind-the-ear available that connect to the ear with a virtually invisible sound tube that doesn’t require an ear mold. Again, these types of aids are available with conventional. programmable analog, or diital technology. A difference in the technology can make a huge difference in the performance of the hearing aids.

Pros
* They can be used for all types of hearing losses.
* Because they are larger, they can have larger amplifiers and more features, such as directional microphones and telephone coils.
* Feedback is far less of an issue due to the larger distance between the microphone and receiver
* Earwax is not a problem since the aid fits behind the ear.

Cons
* They are larger than other aids and can be more noticeable
* The tubing on the earmold needs to changed periodically.






Levels Of Technology

Open Ear BTE
Open ear hearing aids have a sleek ergonomic design and are a fraction of the size of traditional behind the ear hearing aids. They utilize ultra-thin tubing that is practically invisible. Because these aids are fitted with a soft breathable tip instead of an earmold, occlusion, a stopped up feeling, is eliminated. These aids are very comfortable and provide natural sound.