Types of Hearing Aids - HearLife of MN

Behind The Ear (BTE)

For users with more severe hearing losses or smaller ear canals, Behind the ear hearing aids (BTE) – are a great solution. All the electronic parts in the hearing aids are in the housing that sits behind your ear. A customised earmold and a tube direct sound into your ear. You can easily control volume and select programmes on most BTE’s.

Receiver In The Canal (RIC)

Receiver in canal (RIC) hearing aids are similar to BTE’s in shape and style, but are smaller because the receiver (or the loudspeaker) is placed in the ear-tip instead of the housing. These hearing aids are most suitable if you have mild to severe hearing loss. With RIC hearing aids, sound is sent directly from the housing behind your ear through a thin wire to the receiver which is in your ear canal. Not only do they provide outstanding sound, they are discreet and are fully automatic.

Receiver In The Ear (RITE)

Receiver in the ear (RITE) hearing aids transmit sound to a receiver that sits just outside your ear on the concha – the hollow next to your ear canal. Whether or not RITE hearing aids are suitable for you depends on the shape of your ear and your degree of hearing loss. If you want a smaller housing than a BTE, then RITE hearing aids may be the solution.

In The Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids are suitable for most types of hearing losses. They are usually small like an eartip and sit in the outer portion of the ear canal. Depending on the size of the ear canal an in the ear hearing aid may be relatively discreet. When you are fitted for an ITE, the shell of the hearing aid is custom-made to fit the shape of your ear. This shell contains all vital electronics and is great for people on-the-go who need their hearing aids to stay in place. The batteries are inserted via a battery door located directly on the hearing aid. They can be easily removed with a small magnetic wand.

Completely In Canal (CIC)

Completely in canal (CIC) hearing aids are a great option for those with mild to moderate-severe hearing loss who are looking for a discreet hearing aid solution. Depending on the size and shape of your ear, a CIC hearing aid can fit deep inside the ear canal, making it almost invisible. All Widex CIC hearing solutions are fully automatic – so you can hear clear and natural sounds with minimal or no intervention. CIC hearing aids can be removed via a small extension cord.

Invisible In Canal (IIC)

The IIC’s are the smallest hearing aid models on the market. Invisible in canal (IIC) hearing aids use the ear’s natural shape to localize sound. The custom-made shell is made to fit deep into your ear canals, making it virtually invisible. IIC hearing aids fit so comfortably in your ears that you may forget you are even wearing them. They are also fully automatic, making the listening experience even more natural.