Styles of Hearing Aids

Open Ear (Slim tube fitting)

• This aid is most effective for mild to severe high frequency hearing loss.
• The hearing aid component rests behind the ear.
• There is a slim tube that connects to the hearing aid and goes into the ear.
• Many colors  are available to match hair and skin.

• This aid is effective for individuals with mild to severe hearing losses.
• All components of the aid fit inside the ear.

 

 

 

 

 

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In-The-Canal (ITC)

• This aid is a variation of the In-The-Ear.
• Due to their small size, they can only provide enough amplification for certain mild to moderate losses.
• Use of this style of aid depends on the user's ear canal size and dexterity.
• Feedback may be a problem, depending on the severity of the hearing loss.

 

 

 

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Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

• This aid fits entirely within the user's ear canal. Little or no part of the aid is visible.
• Due to its small size, it can only provide enough amplification for certain mild to moderate losses.
• Use of this aid depends on the user's hearing loss and dexterity, as well as the size and shape of the ear canal.

 

 

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Bone Conduction Hearing Aid

• A hearing aid is attached to a headband (a soft band for young children). This allows sound transmission through the skin directly to the inner ear.
• This device is effective for conductive or mixed hearing loss secondary to surgery, trauma, infection, or congenital malformations (i.e. atresia, microtia).
• Depending on hearing levels, an osseointegrated implant referred to as a bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) may be a better option.

 

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Tinnitus Masker 

Tinnitus refers to sounds heard in the ear or head which are not produced by an external source. It is often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, whistling, or roaring. It may be perceived in one ear, both ears, or centered in the head.

• Devices that resemble hearing aids that introduce a white noise into the wearer's ear(s). This white noise may be perceived as a more acceptable sound than the tinnitus.
• Running a fan at night, using bedside devices such as listening to a radio, tape, or CD may also be effective distracters for some tinnitus sufferers.