Hearing Aids

There are five different sizes to hearing aids today. The degree of your loss to a large extent determines the size that would be appropriate for you. Another thing to take into account is dexterity. The smaller hearing aids have smaller batteries that would be difficult to change if you are not very dexterous.

The Completely in the Canal (CIC) is the smallest and most discrete of today's hearing aids, with the entire hearing aid fitting within the ear canal. While CIC hearing aids are not for every hearing loss, they have the advantage of maintaining your ear's natural directional ability. CIC hearing aids also will typically interface with telephones without feedback and have reduced sensitivity to wind noise. CIC hearing aids are typically worn by those with mild hearing loss.


In The Canal hearing aid (ITC) is not as small as the CIC, the ITC hearing aid offers those who may not be a candidate for the CIC another option for a smaller size hearing aid. ITCs are designed to fit a full range of losses from mild to moderate losses


Another popular model is the full shell In The Ear (ITE) hearing aid. Due to the larger size of the ITE, this hearing aid may offer you access to additional features and options such as Directional Microphones or multiple memories that are not available on smaller hearing aids due to space constraints. ITE hearing aids can be worn by those with a mild to severe hearing loss


Mini Behind The Ear with a open earmold are ideal for people with normal or mild hearing loss in the low frequencies, with a mild to moderate loss in the high frequencies. This new technology addresses common frustrations such as problems with the sound of your own voice and is an unobtrusive hearing instrument which provides you with the clean, crisp natural sounds of the world.


Finally, Behind the Ear (BTE). Contrary to popular belief, they are not necessarily an "older" style. In fact, BTE hearing aids can have the same advanced technology that will be found in other style hearing aids with the added benefit of greater reliability and ease of maintenance. It is the most durable and powerful hearing instrument that could fit losses in the profound range.


1. Basic Facts

Hearing aids are designed to make speech intelligible in most listening situations for people who have a hearing loss. Hearing aids may also improve hearing in some situations (e.g. music, etc.).


ALL ears and most hearing losses differ. ALL hearing aids need to be fitted for the specific individual. There are different acoustic prescriptions for different hearing losses. There is NOT one hearing aid for all hearing problems. ALL hearing aids REQUIRE adaptation (acclimatization). It take time to "get used to" hearing through hearing aids. Hearing aids will not completely solve your hearing problems in ALL listening situations, nor will they completely restore your hearing to the same levels as when you had "perfect hearing."