Hearing Aid Styles - How it Looks
There are many hearing aid manufacturers in the world. We have the ability to work with most all of them. Over the years we have learned which companies consistently produce high quality instruments and have great customer service. Listed below are companies we most commonly use in our office (in no particular order): Phonak, Rexton, Oticon, Siemens, GN ReSound and Unitron.
Types of Hearing Instruments
Receiver-In-the-Ear (RITE) and “Slim Tube” hearing devices are the most unobtrusive hearing instrument a person can wear. It keeps the ear canal open to reduce any plugged-up sensation. The appropriateness of this style hearing device is limited based on the degree of hearing loss.
The Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing instrument is very discreet. If you value cosmetic appeal, this may be the best device for you. The appropriateness of this style depends on your degree of hearing loss and level of manual dexterity.
The In-The-Canal (ITC) style hearing instrument is a smaller model than the full-shell ITE and is appropriate for hearing losses from mild to moderately severe. Features may be somewhat limited due to size. Good manual dexterity is important for this style.
A custom In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing instrument fills the outer portion of the ear. This style is appropriate for mild to severe hearing losses and may include features such as directional microphones, multiple listening programs, a tele-coil or BluetoothTM compatibility.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) instruments are appropriate for hearing losses from mild to profound. Directional microphones, multiple listening programs, tele-coil, and Bluetooth™ compatibility are available. This style is a good choice for pediatric patients and individuals with excessive moisture and accumulative cerumen (earwax).
And now there is the 100% invisible option of the Lyric Hearing Device available at our Chico Offiice.
