Completely In Canal (CIC)

The CIC is the smallest hearing aid and is very discreet. The small, custom-made shell fits into the ear canal works well with the telephone without whistling. The battery used in a CIC is very small and requires good manual dexterity. The CIC hearing aid is not appropriate for persons with very severe hearing losses and can be very difficult to fit correctly to your ear. Your hearing professional will do what is necessary to ensure your hearing aids fit.

Mini Canal (MC)

Mini canal hearing aids are slightly larger than CICs. They are very discrete and have a volume control. Telephone usage is not as good for mini canals because the microphone of the hearing aid is further out, making the hearing aid more likely to whistle. The same fitting issues apply for mini canals as for completely in the canals.

In The Canal (ITC)

The ITC hearing aids fit into the ear canal with a portion that also sits in the bowl of your ear. Canal hearing aids use a larger battery than the CIC style, which will last longer and is easier to handle. This style is used for mild to severe hearing losses. Because of the larger size, ITC hearing aids can have more features such as directional microphones and telephone amplifiers. ITC hearing aids are also slightly less susceptible to wax problems.

Half Shell (HS)

These are a little larger than ITC hearing aids. Half shells are usually recommended when there is a need for more power and features such as directional microphones and telephone amplifiers.

In the Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids fill the bowl of your ear and are also known as Full Shells. Due to their larger size, ITEs can accommodate the most power available for in the ear hearing aids. ITEs can have a larger battery as well as the features available in the other styles.

Behind The Ear (BTE)

The main part of the hearing aid fits behind the ear. They are best suited for people that have severe hearing losses. People that are prone to getting ear infections, have had surgery, or produce excessive earwax are also good candidates for BTE hearing aids. Wax is less of an issue for BTE hearing aids, but moisture can be more of a concern because they are located in the hairline behind the ear where you tend to perspire.

Open Ear (OE)

Open Ear hearing aids are small BTE hearing aids designed to help those with high frequency hearing loss. People with high frequency hearing loss often complain that they feel "plugged up" or like they are talking into a barrel. On an Open Ear the sound travels through a slim tube and a small earbud, leaving the ear open so you don't feel plugged up - and they look great too!

Receiver In Canal (RIC)

RIC Hearing Aids are a recent development and hearing aids like the Oticon Delta, Unitron Moxi, Siemens Centra, and Phonak Audeo use this technology. RIC hearing aids use a wire to connect the receiver to the hearing aid and deliver the sound into your ear. They can be used on moderate to severe hearing losses, instead of a larger BTE hearing aid. Now people that need power can wear a discreet, RIC hearing aid. We offer RIC hearing aids in a variety of colors to blend into your hair to conceal them even further.