Hearing Instruments

Hearing Aid Styles: Hearing aids come in a wide range of sizes, styles, and technology. The type of hearing aid that is recommended for each patient depends upon their individual hearing needs and lifestyle. The different types of hearing aids include the completely-in-the-canal, in the the ear, and behind the ear. Many of the instruments below come with noise reduction features, directional microphones, multiple listening programs, volume control, telephone compatability, FM compatability, and remote options. Some of these options may be limited due to the size and the type of hearing aid circuit. A consultation with our audiologist with provide you with information about these options and products. The different hearing aid styles we provide are:

BTE (Behind-the-Ear)

These instruments are most appropriate for children and patients with a moderately severe to severe hearing loss. It is also useful for patient’s with moderate earwax accumulation and moisture issues. Remotes are most compatable with this style, allowing the patient to adjust their hearing instruments with the push of a button.

ITE (In-the-Ear)

This is a custom hearing instrument (requiring an impression) that fills the outer portion of the ear. It is most appropriate for mild to moderately-severe hearing losses. Many options can be included in this style due to it’s larger size. Some manuel dexterity is needed to use this instrument.

ITC (In-the-Canal)

This is a custom instrument that fits nicely into the ear canal. It is smaller than a full shell and therefore is more cosmetic. Features can include directional microphone, multiple listening programs, telephone compatability, and volume control. Some options may be limited due to size.

Mini-Canal

This is a custom instrument that fits deeper into the ear than the ITC, therefore is more cosmetic. It is most appropriate to fit mild to moderate hearing losses. The deep fit benefits from the patient’s natural ear canal resonance, therefore requiring less volume. Many options can come with this product, but may also be limited due to the size of the patient’s ear.

CIC (Completely-in-the-Canal)

This is a custom instrument that fit’s the deepest in the ear of all of our hearing instruments. It also benefits from natural ear canal resonance and is very cosmetic. Many options can come with this model, but may be limited due to the size of the patient’s ear. This is not an appopriate fit for a child or someone with a very small ear canal, someone with a history of wax issues or ear drainage.

Open Ear Fitting

This new innovative product benefits mild to moderate hearing losses, particularly those with high frequency losses. It’s lightweight behind the ear case and replaceable tubing and ear tip, allow it to be worn comfortably. It's very cosmetic, easy to fit in the office, and offers 100% digital technology. Demonstrations of these hearing aids are available in our office.

Hearing Aid Technology

Today’s technology provides significant advances over older, conventional linear hearing aids. We use modern software to fit the majority of our hearing aids, allowing us a more precise fit and easier adjustments. We now have a variety of hearing aids that use digital signal processors, automatic directional microphones, core noise reduction, and automatic volume and telephone capabilities, etc. All of these features are designed to help the patient hear better in a wide variety of listening situations.

Complimentary demonstrations of all of our products are available in our office, with a scheduled appointment.