Overview

Different brands of hearing aids have different advantages.  Let the experts at Dann Hearing help you select the best hearing solution for your individual needs.

The Different Styles of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids come in several different shapes and sizes. Most brands offer a large variety of color options as well.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE):
The Behind-the-Ear aid, as the name implies, sits behind the ear. There is an ear mold (usually custom made for each client) that is attached to the aid by a tube. Sound is amplified and goes through the tubing and earmold into the ear.

The BTE is needed when we have to get the most power possible, or if there is a specific high frequency loss that we want to correct. There are two types of BTE hearing aids:

• Behind The Ear with Tube - The regular BTE hearing aid has a tube attached to a custom made ear mold - this type of BTE hearing aid is more powerful than the type with a wire.
• Receiver In The Ear (RITE) - The RITE Behind the Ear hearing aid has wire going into hear. This type of BTE hearing aid is best for more mild to moderate hearing losses.

In-the Ear (ITE):
The In-the Ear aid fills the whole space of the external ear. This device also has room for two microphones, a push button and a volume control.

The ITE is used when we need more power than we can get from a canal or CIC, or if there are dexterity problems.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC):
The smallest type of hearing aid is the Completely-in-Canal (CIC). This goes deep into the ear and is popular because of the cosmetic appeal of its near invisibility.

Some of today's CICs have a small button that you push to change programs on the aid. For example, you could have the first program for regular listening situations, the second for a restaurant to help reduce background noise, and a third for music listening, telephone or other need. Some models have a remote control that allows you to change programs and adjust the volume on the aid.

Canal Aid:
The canal aid is slightly larger than the CIC, but this extra room allows for two microphones to be on the aid (space permitting). Sometimes manufacturers have to go with a half-shell size to put two microphones on the aid, but usually they can do that in the canal style.

Having two microphones is more effective in reducing background noise. The reason is that you can have what’s termed either "omni-directional" or "directional" hearing.

Omni-directional is used when you are in a quiet listening situation and you want to talk to just one or two people. It lets you hear all around you.

In the directional mode, sound is reduced behind you and on the side to that the person in front of you is easier to hear in a noisy environment.

Most canal aids come with two microphones, a push button to change programs and a volume control (if needed).

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