Hearing Aid Styles, Types and Benefits

 
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles. Moore Hearing is always at the forefront of the latest and greatest digital hearing aids on the market today. Below are examples of different styles of hearing technology.

 

Receiver-In-The-Ear (RIC)

For mild to profound hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

There also is a “mini” behind-the-ear hearing aid which has a smaller battery, smaller tubing, is much less visible and allows for a more natural sound.

• A hard-molded, plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a clear plastic tube wraps into the ear canal. A small, soft silicone dome holds the tube in place inside of the ear canal
• May be barely visible depending on case color
• The lightweight tube and soft tip provide optimum comfort and minimal visibility

 

In-the-Ear (ITE)

For mild to severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

The in-the-ear hearing aid is custom fit and fills either the whole bowl of the ear (full shell) or half of the bowl of the ear (half shell). The half shell requires a smaller battery than the full shell, but tends to be more comfortable. The in-the-ear instruments can accoodate a ranmmge of hearing losses and can allow for more features on the hearing aid. One invaluable feature is a dual-microphone system that provides better speech clarity in noisy environments.

• All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear
• A hard-molded, plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom-fit earmold extends into the ear
• May be barely visible depending on case color and earmold color;

 

Behind the Ear (BTE)

For mild to profound hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

The standard behind-the-ear hearing aid rests comfortably on top of and behind the ear. All of the electronic components are housed in this portion of the instrument. A custom made ear piece sits in the bowl of the ear and is connected to the hearing aid by small flexible tubing that is customized to fit each ear. This size instrument can provide stronger amplification for more severe hearing loss and is available in various colors to match hair or skin tones.

• All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear
• A hard-molded, plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom-fit earmold extends into the ear
• May be barely visible depending on case color and earmold color

 

Canal

For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

The canal size of hearing aid is less visible but offers fewer features due to size limitations. It is for a hearing loss that does not require much amplification. It typically uses a smaller battery than the two larger options and is slightly smaller than the half-shell in-the-ear size.

• All components contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell
• Fits outside the ear canal
• Slightly visible in the ear

 

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss and the perception of Sound Voids™

This hearing aid is the smallest and least visible instrument. It is more susceptible to problems associated with ear wax, moisture and trauma from dropping. Completely-in-the-canal instruments are restricted to patients with ear canals large enough to accommodate the insertion depth required for this instrument. It is not suited for those with severe hearing loss.

• All components contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell
• Fits inside the ear canal
• Barely or not at all visible in the ear canal

Choosing the right hearing aid depends of the type of lifestyle that you live. Click here to see what lifestyle you fit into: Hearing Aid Comparison.
 

Hearing Aid Accessories:

 

Dehumidifiers

 
Dehumidifiers are conditioning systems for all types of hearing instruments – traditional hearing systems as well as cochlear implant equipment, noise maskers, ear monitors, and more. While you sleep, it removes moisture, dries earwax, kills germs, and deodorizes your hearing instruments.

For most users, results can include:

• Fewer repairs
• Better sound quality
• Relief from itchy ears
• Longer battery life
• Fresh and clean hearing devices