So you found out that you need hearing aids, now

what?

Which style of aid will you get?

Do you have to wear those gigantic ones like your

grandfather used to wear?

Hearing aids have changes almost as quickly as

technology today, and a variety of styles are

available. Your sense of style and your hearing loss can both be considerations

in your choice.

There are 5 basic styles:

-Completely in-the-canal (CIC)

-In-the-canal (ITC)

-In-the-ear (ITE) Behind-the-ear (BTE) and open fit BTEs.

Completely in-the-canal (CIC)

-Fits completely in the outer ear canal

-Most appropriate for mild to severe hearing losses

-Fits securely and tends to have less feedback

In-the-canal (ITC)

-Fits in the outer ear canal

-Easy telephone use

-Short battery life due to use of smaller batteries

In-the-ear (ITE)

-Fits in the outer ear canal and bowl of the ear

-Most appropriate for mild to profound hearing losses

-Wider range of options than smaller aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

-Fits behind the outer portion of the ear and attaches with clear tubing to a custom fit

earmold in the outer ear

-Most durable and easily serviced

Open fit BTE technology

-Most appropriate for mild to severe high frequency losses with little to

no low frequency hearing loss

-Uses a variety of battery sizes

-Less manual options due to size limitations

Remember to consider all your options and consult with

your audiologist or hearing specialist before making a

decision! The proper choice is essential. Hearing aids will be an important part of your life

from now on!

So you found out that you need hearing aids, now

what?

Which style of aid will you get?

Do you have to wear those gigantic ones like your

grandfather used to wear?