Style, type, and additional options must be determined when selecting a hearing aid. We will discuss your needs, preferences and the demands of your hearing loss to help choose the right hearing aid for you.

Style

Style is simply what the hearing aid looks like:

1. CIC (Completely-in-the-Canal) Nearly invisibly when in the ear.
2. ITC (In the Canal) Slightly larger than the CIC, allowing some user controls.
3. ITE (In the Ear) Fills the inside of the ear. Easy to handle. Many options can be added.
4. BTE (Behind-the-Ear) Most powerful. All options available. Very durable.

Type

The type refers to the technology that makes up the inner workings of the hearing aid. These choices include:

1. Conventional – Basic Analog Circuitry. The “old-fashioned” but least expensive option.

2. Programmable – Also Basic Analog Circuitry, but these can be attached to a computer to adjust their sensitivity at different frequencies to “custom-fit” your hearing loss.

3. Digital – Digital Signal Processing. Always programmed by a computer. Ranges from less-expensive basic digital to high-end advanced digital. Digital aids offer a reduction of background noise that is the biggest complaint of analog hearing aids.

Options

(some are specific to Style and Type. We will go over these with you.)

1. Volume Control
2. Memory push-button
3. Telephone Switch (T-Coil)
4. Remote Control
5. FM System
6. Directional Microphone
7. Noise Reduction Circuitry