Hearing Device Styles

Our job would be very easy if one style of hearing device and one circuit worked for everyone. There are many variables to take into account before determining which style and circuit is best for you: degree and configuration of your hearing loss, size and shape of your ear canal, dexterity, vision, presence or absence of tinnitus, mental capacity (i.e. dementia or Alzheimers), earwax production or excessive hair follicles in the ear, drainage or surgery of the ear, lifestyle, employment needs, recreational activities, style preference, and finances.

It’s no wonder  patients will often walk out of the clinic with an “information-overload” look. The audiologic assessment and consultation with you is a vital part of this process. We may be the Experts, but we need to work together with your input to determine what is best for you. Below are some pictures of the different styles of hearing devices plus advantages and disadvantages of each style. More solutions...From People Who Care.

CIC - Completely-in-the-Canal

(+)Advantages of CIC Hearing Devices:

• Ease of removal and insertion, provided the user has good mobility and dexterity.

• No user controls (with the exception of a program button) and remote control for some units.

• Cosmetic appeal.

• Can be physically protected from some direct wind noise exposure. This may vary on the shape of the patient’s ear canal, concha bowl and tragus.

• Some directivity despite a single omni-directional microphone due to head, pinna and concha bowl resonant effects.

• Compatible with telephones/cellular phones with modern phase cancellation feedback systems.

• No less flexibility for programming than other types of hearing devices.

• In some cases, reduces the occlusion effect (head-in-the-barrel feeling).

• Since the receiver is closer to the tympanic membrane, less gain is required to correctly amplify for a given hearing loss than  other styles of hearing aids.

ITC -In-the-Canal

(+)Advantages of ITC and HS (half-shell) Hearing Devices:  

• Ease of removal and insertion, provided the user has good mobility and dexterity.

• Some user controls available for patients wanting more features or manual control.

• Some cosmetic appeal.

• Directional microphones can be an option depending on size and shape of ear.

• Compatible with telephones/cellular phones with modern phase cancellation feedback systems.

• No less flexibility for programming than other types of hearing devices.

• In some cases, reduces occlusion effect because of more venting capability.

• Can be less sensitive to wax because of shorter canal lengths or larger wax guards on the end of the device.

• Batteries last longer than in a CIC because of larger battery.

ITE -In-the-ear

(+) Advantages of ITE Hearing Devices:  

• Ease of removal and insertion, provided the user has good mobility and dexterity.

• More user controls available for patients wanting more features or manual control.

• Directional microphones are usually standard on this style.

• Compatible with telephones/cellular phones with modern phase cancellation feedback systems.

• No less flexibility for programming than other types of hearing devices.

• In some cases, reduces occlusion effect because of more venting capability.

• Can be less sensitive to wax because of shorter canal lengths or larger wax guards on the end of the device.

• Batteries last longer than CIC because of larger battery.

BTE -Behind-the-Ear

(+) Advantages of BTE Hearing Devices:

• Most user controls available for patients wanting more features or manual control.

• Directional microphones are usually standard now on these devices.

• Allow for wireless connection to bluetooth cell phones (as well as other bluetooth devices) and FM systems.

• Compatible with telephones/cellular phones without the need of modern phase cancellation feedback systems.

• No less flexibility for programming than other types of hearing devices.

• Reduces occlusion effect because of a larger  venting capability.

• Most resistant to breakdown because none of the electronics fit into the ear where wax and moisture cause problems (only the mold fits into the ear).

• Can be less sensitive to wax because the mold is easier to clean than custom shells.

• Batteries last longest of any style because of larger battery.

• Can fit severe to profound hearing losses.

OTE - Over-the-Ear, or 'Open-Fit'

(+) Advantages of OTE Hearing Devices:

• Very cosmetically appealing (as good as or better than CIC).

• Are the most comfortable hearing devices to wear.

• Do not cause the occlusion effect, sounds seem more natural, and least internal resonance when eating.

• Are worn easily with glasses or ears that sit tight to the head.

• Are usually automatic.

• Most come with directional microphones.

• Can use your natural hearing for telephone use (holding to ear) or holding the phone higher on the ear, to the hearing device, for improved clarity without feedback.