A Wide Variety of Hearing Aid Styles

Deciding the style you want is the fun part! There are many options. You can choose:

• A device that’s invisible or barely visible
• A discreet device that doesn’t look like a hearing aid
• A device that is uniquely “you”—perhaps in metallic blue, espresso, or hot pink!

Each style has advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the style that’s right for you depends on several factors:

• The severity of your hearing loss
• The size and shape of your ear
• How well you can use your finger and hands (manual dexterity)
• The availability of the right hearing aid technology in a model you like

Learn more about different styles of hearing aids.

Open-Ear (OE)

A thin tube or wired speaker connected to the hearing aid delivers sound to the eardrum without blocking the opening to the ear. Sounds you hear well enter your ear naturally, and the hearing aid enhances higher-frequency, harder-to-hear sounds.

Advantages:

• Ideal for high-frequency hearing loss
• Nearly invisible
• Your own voice sounds natural
• Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for very severe hearing loss.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

CIC technology is available in models that are hidden inside the ear canal and slightly larger models that are easier to remove (but still barely visible).

Advantages:

• Available in an extended or daily wear models.
• Small and discreet
• Work well with the telephone

Disadvantages:

• Require good manual dexterity for models you insert and remove yourself
• Not suitable for severe hearing loss
• Limited number of features

In-the-Canal (ITC)

These hearing aids fit into the ear canal, and only a small portion is visible. They are available in a range of flesh-toned shades.

Advantages:

• Less visible than In-the-Ear models
• Comfortable and easy to insert
• Feature-rich

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for all types of hearing loss
• Your voice may sound different to you

In-the-Ear (ITE)

These hearing aids have a custom-molded shell that fits inside the bowl (concha) of the ear. They are  also available in a half-shell model. The shell is available in a range of flesh-toned shades.

Advantages:

• Easy to insert and use
• Accomodates a bigger battery and larger user controls
• Feature-rich

Disadvantages:

• More visibile than ITC models
• Fills more of the ear and ear canal
• Your voice may sound different to you

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

This hearing aid fits on or behind the ear. It is coupled to a custom earpiece that fits inside the ear canal.

Advantages:

• Suitable for almost all types of hearing loss
• Feature-rich
• Usually has a longer battery life than smaller styles

Disadvantages

• Visible on those with shorter hair

Read about hearing aid features. Or for more information, call us toll-free at 888-986-4327.