Hearing Aids: What Style is Right for Me?

So you found out that you need hearing aids, now

what? Which style of aid will you get? Do you have to

wear those gigantic ones like your grandfather used

to wear? Hearing aids have changes almost as

quickly as technology today, and a variety of styles

are available. Your sense of style and your hearing loss can both

be considerations in your choice.

There are 5 basic styles: completely in-the-canal (CIC), in-the-

canal (ITC), in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE), and open fit

BTEs. Each differs in size and placement. Some are so small they

are nearly invisible when worn, while others are a little larger and

more visible. Each style has its pros and cons, but one will be

right for you!!!

Completely in-the-canal (CIC)

Fits completely in the outer ear canal

� Most appropriate for mild to severe hearing losses

� Cosmetically appealing – virtually invisible due to deep fit

in the ear canal

� Fits securely and tends to have less feedback

� Less susceptible to wind noise due to deep fit

� Easy telephone use

� Higher repair rate

� Short battery life due to use of smaller batteries

� May not be appropriate for those with dexterity issues

� Less features – No volume control, program buttons, or

directional microphones due to limited space

In-the-canal (ITC)

Fits in the outer ear canal

� Most appropriate for mild to severe hearing losses

� A little larger than CICs

� Wider range of options than CICs; but may be difficult to

manipulate due to small size

� Easy telephone use

� Higher repair rate

� May not be appropriate for those with dexterity issues

� Short battery life due to use of smaller batteries

In-the-ear (ITE)

Fits in the outer ear canal and bowl of the ear – comes in half

shell and full shell varieties

� Most appropriate for mild to profound hearing losses

� Largest of the aids in the ear – fills half or all of the bowl of

the ear

� Wider range of options than smaller aids

� May make the patient feel more “stopped up” and occluded

than other styles

� Longest battery life of the aids in the ear, but may be

shorter than BTE aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Fits behind the outer portion of the ear and attaches with clear

tubing to a custom fit earmold in the outer ear

� Most appropriate for mild to profound hearing losses

� Most durable and easily serviced

� Come in a variety of sizes – generally the larger they are,

the more power they provide

� Greater space for additional controls and circuitry

� Longest battery life in the larger BTEs

� Can often be coupled to other listening devices

� Longest battery life of the aids in the ear, but may be

shorter than BTE aids

� Great choice for children

� Easy to replace and less expensive to change the

earmold as the child grows

Open fit BTE technology

Fits behind the outer portion of the ear and attaches to very slim

tubing or wire to a small dome in the outer ear canal

� Most appropriate for mild to severe high frequency losses

with little to no low frequency hearing loss

� Almost invisible

� Provides a very open ear feel – providing a less “stopped

up” sound

� Uses a variety of battery sizes

� Less manual options due to size limitations

Remember to consider all your options and consult with your

audiologist or hearing specialist before making a decision! The

proper choice is essential. Hearing aids will be an important part

of your life from now on!

For More Information, Call Fidelity Hearing Center At: (562)-

732-4713

Or

Visit Us At:

http://www.hearing-aids-lakewood-ca.com