Styles of Hearing Aids
We aim to understand your needs and wishes, as well as overcoming the difficulties you are facing. At your initial consultation we’ll talk through your hearing profile, identifying the problem situations, sounds and environments that prove a challenge. There are a variety of hearing aids available and based on your hearing loss and shape of ear, we’ll help you identify which one will work best for you.
 ICC – Invisible in the Canal
‘Completely Invisible’
The most discrete hearing instrument on the market. This tiny device sits deep in the ear canal, very close to the ear drum. The placement of the aid in the position has some fantastic acoustical advantages as well as offering the best cosmetic solution. These custom-made units suit mild to moderate hearing losses and suitability depends upon the size and shape of the natural ear canal. |
CIC – Completely in Canal
‘Practically Invisible’
These are usually custom-made, self-contained units that are fitted completely in the ear canal. They are suitable if you have a mild to moderate hearing loss and your ear canal is a certain size and shape. They are very tiny and use small batteries, so you must have good dexterity and eyesight to operate. |
ITC – In the Canal
‘Inconspicuous’
These are usually custom-made, self-contained units that are fitted in the ear canal. They are suitable if you have a mild to moderate hearing loss and your ear canal is a certain size and shape. They are slightly larger than the CIC, with a bigger battery, making it easier to use and allowing additional features such as telecoil or directional microphones. |
ITE – In the Ear
‘Easy to Handle’
These are usually custom-made, self-contained units that fill the contour within the ear. They are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. They are easy to use and can accommodate many features. |
OTE – On the Ear
‘Maximum Comfort and Discretion’
Tiny device worn on top of the ear, with a discrete tube that sits comfortably and invisibly in the ear canal, providing amplification at the frequencies required, whilst leaving ear open to make most of your own natural hearing. |
RITE – Receiver in the Ear
‘Cosmetically Versatility’
This style of hearing aid is miniature in design, thanks to the clever placement of the receiver element in the ear canal instead of being housed in the body of the hearing aid. The aid is worn on the ear with a thin wire into the ear, where the receiver comfortably sits. |
BTE – Behind the Ear
‘Powerfully Reliable’
These units sit snugly behind the ear, amplifying sounds to an ear-mould worn in the ear. They are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss and are more powerful as they have more room for a stronger amplifier and potent battery. They are available in a comprehensive range of sizes, colours and power levels and can accommodate many features. |
