Types of Hearing Aids

A hearing aid helps the ear to pick up sound, amplifies it and sends it into the ear canal. A hearing aid consists of a microphone that picks up sound waves and converts them into electrical signal, an amplifier, a loudspeaker (or receiver) that converts the amplified signals into sound and an ear mould or plastic tube that sends the sound into the ear canal.

Hearing aids have a battery door where the battery is put in and you have the option of a volume control and/or a telecoil switch. A telecoil switch allows you to use your hearing aid on the telephone. Some hearing aids also have a program button where you can switch between different settings. 

 What are the types of Hearing Aids?

There are many styles of hearing aids. The most common styles are listed below:

 

	Invisible-In-The Canal (IIC) Extended Wear
	Lyric the first completely invisible, extended wear hearing aid. Phonak breakthrough hearing aid requires no handling at all and remains in your ear 24/7. There are no batteries to change, no maintenance is needed and no daily insertion or removal is required.
	Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)
	Starkey's SoundLens, newest custom fit style is truly 100% invisible when worn. The instrument sits in the second bend of the ear and comes complete with Starkey’s industry-leading technology.
	Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
	Fits completely in the ear canal and is virtually invisible.
	In-The-Canal (ITC)
	These hearing instruments fit into the ear canal and are slightly larger than CIC hearing aids and have option of a volume control on the faceplate.
	In-The-Ear (ITE)
	These Instruments are custom-made to fit within your entire ear. While being more visible, this style offers a larger battery size, and larger volume wheel for ease of operation.
	Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
	These hearing instruments rests behind the ear while a clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmold inside the ear canal. They are the most reliable and most powerful of hearing instruments. Also available in a mini and micro size for improved cosmetics.
	Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) or Canal-Receiver-Technology (CRT)
	This very small and feather light hearing instrument rests behind the ear. The ergonomic design, combined with extremely thin tubing, results in a uniquely satisfying cosmetic solution. The receiver (speaker) resides within the ear canal to deliver superior sound clarity.