Types of Hearing Aids - Long Island Hearing Aids

CIC (Completely in the canal)

These hearing devices are custom made and fit completely in the ear canal. They are almost invisible in the ear and require a small plastic wire or string protruding from your canal in order to remove them. These seem to be one of the more popular devices on the market today. However, CIC devices are not for those suffering from anything more than a moderate loss. Their small size means they are the least powerful and a higher amount of dexterity is needed to manipulate the small battery. Due to their small size, the batteries will have to be changed more often than the larger aids. CICs do not have manual controls due to their small size.

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ITC (In the canal)

ITC custom made devices are larger than the CIC but smaller than the ITE hearing devices. The ITC aids can be seen by others, filling roughly half of the canal. Unlike the CIC hearing devices, the ITC aids have a volume wheel. However, similarly, good dexterity to change the battery and to use the volume wheel is a must. This hearing device can be good for people with a mild to moderate-severe hearing loss.

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ITE (In the ear)

The largest of the custom made hearing devices, the ITE models fit completely in the ear. They tend to be more comfortable than the ITCs and the CICs. Though they are less powerful than the BTE devices, the ITEs are more powerful than the CIC and the ITC. They are also usually large enough to accommodate other features, such as a directional microphone, telephone switch and can also accommodate a larger amplifier. Their size makes them easier to handle and allows them to be used for a wider range of hearing losses.

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BTE (Behind the ear)

The largest hearing devices on the market today are the BTE aids. These aids have all of their electronics housed in a plastic casing that sits behind the ear. Plastic tubing and a custom made ear mold direct the sound from the aid into the canal. These devices tend to be the most reliable and allow for the strongest amplification. Though these may be seen, they can be hidden by choosing a flesh-toned color.

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Open Ear

Open ear or open fit hearing aids are the newest device on the hearing aid market. It is most effective for people who are suffering from a mostly high frequency hearing loss. Essentially, open hearing aids sit on the top or behind your ear. There is typically no ear mold to close up the canal and the tiny clear tube that runs from the device into your ear is near to impossible to see. They are extremely light weight and many users say that after a few minutes of wearing them, they could not feel them at all. Their small size, however, means that the small batteries need to be changed often.

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