Hearing Aids

The term DIGITAL is used so often today, it can be confusing. When the term "digital" is used when referring to hearing aids, it generally means the hearing aid is 100% digital. In other words, the hearing aid is indeed a "complete computer". 100% digital hearing aids have been commercially available since the mid-1990s and they are wonders of modern technology. 100% digital hearing aids can process sound using incredibly fast speeds. Interestingly, most 100% digital hearing aids have some analog components, such as the microphone and the receiver. 100% digital hearing aids transform analog information into a digital signal and process the sound to maximize the speech information you want to hear, while minimizing the amplification of sounds you do not want to hear.

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ITE (In-The-Ear): ITEs are often the most comfortable and easiest to operate, and are the largest of the custom made styles.

ITC (In-The-Canal): This popular, discreet hearing aid is smaller than ITEs and requires good dexterity to control the volume wheel. 

CIC (Completely-In-The-Canal): The smallest, most discreet custom hearing aid available sits deeply in the ear canal and requires a "removal string" to pull the hearing aid out. CICs do not usually have manual controls due to their size.

BTE (Behind-The-Ear): BTEs are the largest hearing aids and are very reliable.  They have the most circuit options and typically offer more power than custom made units.  Resting on the back of your ear, BTEs are connected to the ear canal via plastic tubing that attaches to a custom ear mold that replicates the size and shape of your ear.


OPEN FIT/RIC (Receiver-In-The-Canal): These virtually invisible hearing aids have a tiny, clear tube or speaker which enters the ear canal and connects to a small case that rests on top of the ear.  Leaving the ear mostly open, this style is one of the most natural-sounding and cosmetically appealing options on the market.