Styles

There are many styles of hearing aids. The degree of the hearing loss, power and options requirements, manual dexterity abilities, cost factors, and cosmetic concerns are some of the factors that will determine the style the patient will use. The most common styles are listed below:

Open ear: The OPEN EAR mini-BTE sits behind your ear, but is small enough that it usually cannot be seen from the front or side, even for people with short hair styles. The miniature open ear bud sits deep in your ear canal and cannot be seen. This recent technology has become the most popular in recent years due to the excellent sound quality and because they are so inconspicuous!

CIC: Completely-In-the-Canal units are the tiniest hearing aids made. They usually require a "removal string" due to their small size and the fact that they fit so deeply into the canal. CICs do not usually have manual controls attached to them because they are too small. CICs are a favorite because they are usually totally invisible!

ITC: In-The-Canal units are a little more expensive than ITEs. They require good dexterity to control the volume wheels and other controls on the faceplate, and they are smaller than ITEs.  ITCs are the smallest custom hearing aid that can incorporate directional microphones.

ITE: In-The-Ear units are the least expensive and the easiest to operate. They are also the largest of the custom made styles. ITEs have a larger battery which allows fewer battery changes.  This style can also be designed with a large volume control for those desiring easier control.

BTE: Behind-The-Ear hearing aids are the largest hearing aids and they are very reliable. BTEs have the most circuit options and they can typically have much more power than any of the custom made in the ear units. BTEs are the units that "sit" on the back of your ear. They are connected to the ear canal via custom-made plastic tubing. The tubing is part of the earmold. The earmold is custom made from an ear impression to perfectly replicate the size and shape of your ear.

562.275.3601

Fidelity Hearing Center
13079 Artesia Boulevard, Ste B-104
Cerritos, CA 90703