Types of hearing aids
For most types of hearing loss, hearing aids represent the most effective treatment. There are a great many types, makes and models, and this enables you and your audiologist to choose a solution that works best for you, your lifestyle and your budget.
BTE
(behind-the-ear)
- Mild to severe losses
- Fully featured hearing aids
- Larger case can be easier for wearers with dexterity considerations
- Case contains all features and sits behind the ear
- Many colour options
ITE
(in-the-ear)
- Mild to moderately severe hearing losses
- Small, one piece case
- Fits inside the ear canal
- Directional microphones are possible with this model
CIC & IIC
(completely-in-canal & invisible-in-canal)
- Mild to moderate hearing losses
- Very small case
- Fits inside the ear canal, making it practically invisible
- Size prevents the use of directional microphones
RIC
(receiver-in-canal)
- Mild to moderate losses
- Leaves the ear canal open for a natural sound quality
- Smallest external hearing aid, as the receiver is located in the end of the tube inside the ear
- Very small case that sits behind the ear, making it practically invisible