Hearing Aid Styles
Our team of experts is focused on thoroughly investigating the unique needs of each patient and specific hearing issues. Throughout all of our locations, you have access to superior quality hearing aids and can enjoy a personalized, higher standard of care.
Considerations During Style Selection:
- What degree of hearing loss are you experiencing?
- Visual abilities and dexterity
- Your budget
- Sensitivities
- Cosmetics
- Lifestyle Needs
Styles of Hearing Aids
When looking at what hearing aid is best suited for you there are many different sizes, color variations, and styles of devices available. Lifestyle and activity level also play a large part in which technology level hearing device is best suited for you. There is a large selection of hearing devices to best suit your personal needs.
Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC)
- For mild to moderately severe hearing loss
- Completely invisible in most ears
- Custom-made for you
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
- Appropriate for almost all types of hearing loss
- Custom earpiece is molded to fit your outer ear
- Discreet design
There are several benefits of this type of hearing aid. Since the devices are large and fairly robust, they are less fiddly and easier to use. This is very important for seniors or those with limited motor abilities or poor eyesight.
Behind the ear devices are less prone to breakdowns and are less likely to require repairs. The receiver-in-canal devices tend to come into contact with some of the ear wax and moisture while the behind the ear varieties do not. If you’re researching open fit hearing aids in Charlotte, another aspect to take into account is the batteries, which are larger and longer lasting for behind the ear devices.
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
- For mild to moderately severe hearing loss
- Leaves the ear open
- Reduced or no “plugged up” feeling
- Sleek design barely visible when worn
The sleek and discreet design is the chief plus-point of the receiver in the canal type of hearing aids. They are ideal for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who would rather not advertise to the world that they need to use a hearing aid.
High-pitched sounds are very well amplified and users of this type of hearing aid report excellent results even over prolonged use. This type of hearing aid is also very comfortable for the user because it leaves the ear canal open. This also reduces feedback and produces a more natural sound.
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
- For mild to moderate hearing loss
- Virtually undetectable
- Placement within the ear cuts down on wind noise
In-the-Canal (ITC)
- For mild to moderately severe hearing loss
- Fits in the ear canal
- Variety of technology level choices that previously required a larger aid
Half Shell In-the-Ear (ITE)
- For mild to severe hearing loss
- Fits directly into the external ear
- Inserted and adjusted with ease
Full Shell In-the-Ear (ITE)
- For mild to severe hearing loss
- Fits directly into the external ear
- Inserted and adjusted with ease
