Hearing Aid Basics
What are the basic styles of hearing aids?- Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids -- these aids are contained in a tiny case that fits into the ear canal. They are the smallest hearing aids available.
- In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids -- these aids are slightly larger than CIC hearing aids.
- In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids -- all parts are contained in the concha and helix part of your ear (the bowl). These hearing aids are larger than canal aids.
- Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids -- all parts are contained in a small plastic case that sits behind the ear; the case is connected to an ear mold by a piece of clear tubing.
- All hearing aids work similarly and have similar parts. These include:
- a microphone to pick up sound
- an amplifier to make sound louder
- a miniature loudspeaker (receiver) to deliver the sound into the ear
- batteries to power the electronic parts
- Some hearing aids also have ear molds (earpieces) to control the flow of sound into the ear, enhance sound quality, and help hold the hearing aid in place.
Amount of power, ease of handling the volume control, availability of special features, etc. Follow the links below to learn about these three primary types of hearing aids differ:
- Conventional hearing aids - are the traditional device most people think of when they hear the reference hearing aid. They do not offer much in the way of flexibility.
- Programmable hearing aids - are still analog devices but offer some flexibility in their sound amplification.
- Digital hearing aids - are the height of modern hearing enhancment technology. They provide the most flexibility and the most precise correction for the wearer.
