|
Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids
These
hearing aids come in three variations:
1. Analog
Hearing Aid: Behind
the ear model with a tube that connects to
an an ear mold which sits inside the ear. The hearing aid rests behind
the ear and a plastic tube connects it to the ear mold. This is the most common type of hearing aid and at one time was the only type you could buy.
Note the
large hearing aid case behind the ear
and the thick tube connecting the case
to the mold in the ear canal.
|
|
 |
|
Behind The Ear
Hearing Aid -
Older Analog Version |
|
|
|
| 2.
Digital BTE hearing aid: Behind
the ear with a "fishhook" extension.
This version fits behind and over the ear. The fishhook part fits over
the front of the ear and points down
towards the ear canal. One end of a tube
is connected to the opening in the
fishhook end the other end connects
through a tubeto a
mold in the ear canal. |
|
 |
|
Digital Behind
the Ear with fish hook extension |
|
|
|
|
3 Digital Open Fit hearing aid:
These hearing aids are all digital
hearing aids and are about 1/3 the size
of the older BTE hearing aids. They
still fit behind the ear but they are
only about 1' long and about 1/4" wide.
These models are characterized by small
size, very light weight, a thin molded
sound tube and a small bud that has
holes in it and fits in the ear canal.
Purchase a digital open fit hearing aid
here |
 |
|
Newer Digital Open Fit Hearing Aid |
|
| |
|
In-the-ear (ITE)
and
In-the-canal (ITC) aids
In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic. ITE aids can accommodate added technical mechanisms such as a telecoil, a small magnetic coil contained in the hearing aid that improves sound transmission during telephone calls.
Purchase an In The Ear hearing aid here |
 |
 |
| In-The-Ear |
In-The-Canal |
|
Completely In The Canal (CIC)
A Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is largely concealed in the ear canal and is used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because of their small size,
CIC hearing aids may be difficult for the user to adjust and remove, and may not be able to hold additional devices, such as a telecoil.
In the Canal hearing aids can also be easily damaged by earwax and ear drainage. They are not typically recommended for children.
Although the advantage of the CIC aid style is the small size, the disadvantages of higher cost, and extreme difficulty in adjusting are often not worth the effort.
|
|
 |
|
Completely
in-The Canal |
|
