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CIC (completely-in-the-canal) hearing aids are the smallest size of hearing aids, practically invisible to an observer. Custom designed to fit the wearer's ear, CIC hearing aids fit deep inside the ear canal and most closely resemble the natural hearing process.
CIC designates a size of hearing aids, but does not describe the circuit inside the shell. CIC instruments can have any of the various levels of digital technology housed within their tiny casing.
CIC hearing aids are meant for people with ear canals large enough to accommodate the insertion depth of the device into the ear and for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are usually not recommended for people with dexterity problems because they are very small instruments with tiny batteries. |
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ITC (in-the-canal) hearing aids fit into the ear canal. They are only slightly larger than the completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid but smaller than the in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid. The ITC style is available in the various levels of digital technology. With the ITC hearing aid, there is sufficient room for a directional microphone system, which will enhance your ability to understand conversation in noisy environments. |
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ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids can be used for a wide range of hearing losses. Due to their size, ITE hearing aids allow for larger receivers, which enables the hearing aid to provide greater gain (volume) and more features such as an automatic telephone coil, which allows individuals with severe hearing losses to use the telephone without feedback (whistling). Since they are larger in size, they are easier to handle for those with dexterity problems. This type of hearing aid fills the outer ear. The hearing aid case is custom made out of a hard plastic material. As shown, the hearing aid case houses all of the miniaturized hearing aid parts. The ITE style is available with the various levels of digital technology. |
 | BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids fit comfortably behind the ear and are attached to a custom earmold. With BTE hearing aids, the electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Sound is directed from the hearing aid, through the tubing, and through the earmold to the eardrum. These hearing aids can be utilized with external sound sources such as auditory training equipment, infrared listening systems, FM systems, devices for cellphone use, or television amplifying systems.
BTE hearing aids can provide more amplification than smaller devices due to the stronger receiver. This style is available in the various levels of digital technology and in several colors for hair and skin tone matching. |
 | RIC (receiver-in-the canal) hearing aids are the newest and one of the most popular styles. LIke BTE hearing aids, they also comfortably fit behind the ear, but are smaller and nearly invisible. The RIC is an "open fit" hearing aid that some find more comfortable because it doesn't occlude the ear canal. The RIC is appropriate for a mild to moderate, high frequency hearing loss. |
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