There are many different styles to choose from depending on the level of hearing loss. BTE (Behind The Ear) hearing instruments are the most robust and easy to maintain compared to custom in-the-ear hearing instruments.
One of the most significant break through in technology has been the advent of RITE (Receiver In The Ear) hearing instruments, that make the whole unit much smaller. For customers with a difficult to fit ear canal an open-fit BTE can be a simple solution to everyday needs.
Custom made hearing aids-
The smallest hearing instruments available are manufactured by Starkey Australia- the OTOLENS
The OTOLENS can only be fitted to some ear canals due to size restrictions and degree of hearing loss. CIC (Completely In Canal) hearing instruments are suitable for a number of hearing losses can be fitted with custom hearing instruments, but they do involve the most maintenance of all the hearing aids. A thorough hearing test can determine which type of hearing instrument would be most suitable.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
hearing aids consist of a hard plastic case worn behind the ear and connected to a plastic ear-mould that fits inside the outer ear. The electronic parts are held in the case behind the ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the ear-mould and into the ear. Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be the most powerful and often are the easiest type to adjust.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
Hearing aids are moulded to fit inside your ear canal and can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. Though these hearing aids are the smallest and least visible of the available styles.
In the Canal (ITC)
Hearing aids fit partly in the ear canal, but not as deeply as the completely-in-the-canal aid. In-the-canal aids can accommodate mild to moderately severe hearing loss in adults. This style may contain features that won't fit on completely-in-the-canal aids.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
Hearing aids fit completely inside the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss.
Open Fit
Hearing aids are very small behind-the-ear-style devices. Sound travels from the instrument through a small tube or wire to a tiny dome or speaker in the ear canal. These aids leave the ear open, so they are best for mild to moderate high-frequency losses where low-frequency hearing is still normal. In addition, some people may prefer the open-fit hearing aid because their perception of their voice does not sound "plugged up".
