Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-Ear or BTE
	Worn just behind the ear, coupled to the ear canal via plastic tubing and an ear mold, these instruments take advantage of size to incorporate a wide selection of circuit types and options to help hearing impaired listeners hear better in many situations.

In-the-Ear or ITE
	Worn in the bowl of the ear, with circuit and ear mold now together in a single piece, the ITE takes natural advantage of the shape of the ear to channel sound down the canal to the eardrum.

In-the-Canal or ITC
	Worn in the canal of the ear, this small cosmetically appealing hearing instrument also takes advantage of the shape of the ear to channel incoming sound directly into the ear canal. Some circuit types and options may be limited by physical size of the ear canal.

Completely-in-the-Canal or CIC
	Virtually invisible when worn down in the ear canal, these tiny hearing instruments offer great cosmetic appeal. The physical limitations imposed by very small ear canals may restrict circuit type and options.

Open-Fit or Receiver-In-Canal
	Info coming soon...Please call for more information.

Types of Circuits

Linear Circuits

Linear circuits clearly amplify all sounds, soft, medium, and loud, to the maximum capacity of the receiver. This means that whispers and shouts will receive the same amount of boost in loudness. For some hearing impaired persons who are sensitive to loud sounds this may make the wearing of a linear circuit difficult in some noisier listening environments. For many others who like the clarity and loudness of sound a linear circuit may be appreciated.

Compression Circuits

Compression circuits actually do what their name implies, they compress or change the incoming sound in some way to keep all incoming sound, soft or loud, audible and comfortable to the listener. For hearing aid wearers who are sensitive to noisier environments, compression instruments may provide more comfortable use.

Programmable Circuits

Today's technology has allowed hearing instrument engineers to develop a microchip that, along with the circuit itself, allows the instrument to be digitally programmed for a wearer's specific needs.

Programmable hearing instruments offer the user a wide range of adjustments. Unlike other hearing instrument models that basically amplify all sounds, this new sound processing technology, with more control options and flexibility, allows the hearing healthcare professional to obtain a higher degree of precision in fitting individual loss. Now, the exact amount of amplification required can be targeted better than ever before. With an individual lifestyle in mind, the hearing healthcare professional can program a hearing instrument with special options allowing for two or three different types of listening environments.

Digital Circuits

100% digital hearing instruments incorporate a digital programming chip and two digital sound processing circuits which act on incoming signals. For those hearing impaired who can still detect subtle differences in sound and tone quality, the expense of these digital models may be worth it. For those hearing impaired individuals who can no longer detect very small changes in sound or tone quality, the additional cost may not be justified.

Advanced Digital Circuits

Same as above...100% digital circuit with additional features like: automatic volume control, automatic feedback reduction (self-corrects aid from whistling) and bluetooth compatibility.

The trend today in miniaturized circuits is digital. It is more reliable and offers exceptional sound quality. Most manufacturers are turning to 100% digital instruments. There are still a few manufacturers who offer analog models.