{"id":36,"date":"2018-06-22T23:03:20","date_gmt":"2018-06-22T23:03:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fueldev.site\/~gulfcoas\/?page_id=36"},"modified":"2020-01-27T12:46:14","modified_gmt":"2020-01-27T17:46:14","slug":"hearing-aid-types","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/hearing-aids\/hearing-aid-types\/","title":{"rendered":"Hearing Aid Types"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ll be pleased to learn that today\u2019s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide a more natural sound quality. Your audiologist will help you decide which <a href=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/hearing-aids\/choosing-a-hearing-aid\/\">hearing aid style is right for you<\/a> based on your specific needs and preferences. Available hearing aid styles include: receiver-in-the-canal, open fit, behind-the-ear, completely-in-the-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, and extended wear devices.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"bte\" src=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/bte.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-172\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"hearing-aid-types-text\">\n<h2>Behind-the-Ear (BTE)<\/h2>\n<p>\tA BTE hearing aid is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. A tube connects the hearing aid portion to an earmold, which is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ingentaconnect.com\/content\/aaa\/jaaa\/2002\/00000013\/00000007\/art00003\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Performance of Custom-Fit versus Fixed-Format Hearing Aids | Journal of the American Academy of Audiology\">custom fit to your ear<\/a> canal. This type of hearing aid is appropriate for people of all ages and is powerful enough for all types of hearing loss.<\/p>\n<p>\tA BTE hearing aid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Traditionally has been the largest type of hearing aid, though some newer mini designs are streamlined and less visible<\/li>\n<li>Is capable of more amplification than other styles<\/li>\n<li>May be more difficult to insert<\/li>\n<li>Now available with a rechargeable battery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"ric\" src=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/ric.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-177\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"hearing-aid-types-text\">\n<h2>Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)<\/h2>\n<p>\tA RIC hearing aid is a variation of the behind-the-ear hearing aid. A thin wire, rather than tubing, connects the piece that sits behind the ear and in the ear. This style keeps the ear canal open, allowing low-frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally and high-frequency sounds to be amplified through the hearing aid. It\u2019s a small and discreet style of hearing aid but powerful enough for treating mild to moderately-severe hearing loss. <\/p>\n<p>\tThe receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Has a less visible behind-the-ear portion<\/li>\n<li>Offers a more natural sound quality of your own voice<\/li>\n<li>May be difficult to handle due to small parts and batteries<\/li>\n<li>Now available with a rechargeable battery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"ite\" src=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/ite.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-176\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"hearing-aid-types-text\">\n<h2>In-the-Ear (ITE)<\/h2>\n<p>\tThis hearing aid style is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features, larger batteries and makes the unit easier to insert and remove. Those with mild to severe hearing loss can benefit from this style. <\/p>\n<p>\tAn in-the-ear hearing aid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>May include features such as volume control and directional microphones that are easier to adjust<\/li>\n<li>Is generally easier to insert and remove<\/li>\n<li>Uses larger batteries, which are easier to handle and last longer<\/li>\n<li>May be susceptible to earwax clogging<\/li>\n<li>May pick up more wind noise than smaller devices<\/li>\n<li>Is more visible in the ear than smaller devices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"itc\" src=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/itc.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-175\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"hearing-aid-types-text\">\n<h2>In-the-Canal (ITC)<\/h2>\n<p>\tThe ITC hearing aid style is designed to fit partly in the ear canal, but not as deeply as a CIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. Due to it being slightly larger than a CIC hearing aid, it is easier to insert and remove and its battery life is longer. This style is best for patients with mild to moderately-severe hearing loss.<\/p>\n<p>\tAn in-the-canal hearing aid: <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Is less visible in the ear than the larger ITE style<\/li>\n<li>Offers larger batteries than the CIC style<\/li>\n<li>May be susceptible to earwax clogging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"cic\" src=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/cic.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-173\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"hearing-aid-types-text\">\n<h2>Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)<\/h2>\n<p>\tA CIC hearing aid is molded to fit deep inside your ear canal and is the smallest style available. It takes advantage of the ear\u2019s natural ability to collect sound and it\u2019s small discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others. This style may be a good choice for <a href=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/hearing-loss\/hearing-loss\/\">mild to moderately-severe hearing loss<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>\tA completely-in-the-canal hearing aid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Is the smallest and least visible type of hearing aid<\/li>\n<li>Uses very small batteries, which must be changed frequently <\/li>\n<li>Doesn&#8217;t contain extra features, such as volume control or directional microphones<\/li>\n<li>Is more difficult to manage for people with dexterity issues<\/li>\n<li>May be more susceptible to earwax clogging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"ric\" src=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/ric.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-177\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"hearing-aid-types-text\">\n<h2>Open-Fit<\/h2>\n<p>\tThe open-fit hearing aid is a smaller version of the BTE hearing aid. Like the BTE style, it rests behind the ear and uses a thin transparent tube to deliver sound to the ear canal through a small earpiece. This style keeps the ear canal open, allowing low-frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally and high-frequency sounds to be amplified through the hearing aid. It\u2019s a small and discreet style of hearing aid but powerful enough for treating mild to moderately-severe hearing loss.<\/p>\n<p>\tThe open fit hearing aid:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Has a less visible behind-the-ear portion<\/li>\n<li>Offers a more natural sound quality of your own voice<\/li>\n<li>May be difficult to handle due to small parts and batteries<\/li>\n<li>Now available with a rechargeable battery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"extended_wear\" src=\"https:\/\/gulfcoastaudiology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/extended_wear.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-174\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"hearing-aid-types-text\">\n<h2>Extended Wear Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n<p>\tA recent innovation in hearing aids is the development of an extended wear device, called Lyric. This device is placed deep in the ear canal and designed to stay in place for anywhere from one to three months at a time without removal. <\/p>\n<p>\tBecause Lyric is positioned so close to the eardrum, extended wear hearing aids offer improved sound directionality and reduced feedback, and their design prevents damage from moisture and earwax. These are particularly appealing to those with active lifestyles and can be worn while showering, exercising and sleeping. They are completely invisible to others. <\/p>\n<p>\tDespite these advantages, they may not fit all ears, and may cause some discomfort for certain patients. Lyric extended wear hearing aids are designed for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. <\/p><\/div>\n<p>Call <span class=\"company-name \">Gulf Coast Audiology<\/span> at <a href=\"tel:+12392677888\" class=\"phone \"> <span class=\"phNum\">(239) 267-7888<\/span><\/a> for more information or to schedule an appointment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ll be pleased to learn that today\u2019s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide a more natural sound quality. Your audiologist will help you decide which hearing aid style is right for you based on your specific needs and preferences. Available hearing aid styles include: receiver-in-the-canal, open fit, behind-the-ear, completely-in-the-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, and extended wear&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":20,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"(239) 267-7888 | Hearing aids come in a variety of types to treat different hearing loss severity, types, and lifestyle needs. Discover your options here.","_seopress_robots_index":"","schema":"<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\r\n{\r\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\r\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\r\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is a Receiver in the Canal Hearing Aid?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"An RIC hearing aid consists of a tiny housing containing all electronics except the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear. A thin tube connects the housing to the receiver, which is worn in the concha (bowl-shaped portion) of the ear. It\u2019s a small and discreet unit but powerful enough for treating mild to moderately severe hearing loss.\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"The most popular style of hearing aid (about 60 percent of users choose this type), a BTE device is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The housing, which contains all the electronics, is encased in plastic and connects to the ear canal with a thin, clear tube or ear mold. Though more visible than other styles, the BTE is simple to use, making it a popular choice for children. It\u2019s powerful enough for all types of hearing loss.\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is a Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"This hearing aid is placed in the ear canal and is the smallest available. It takes advantage of the ear\u2019s natural ability to collect sound, and its discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others. The trade-off is a shorter battery life, and it may prove difficult to adjust for those with poor manual dexterity. This is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss.\"\r\n    }\r\n }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is a In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"This style is also designed to fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as a CIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. It\u2019s a little larger, making it easier to insert and remove and extending the battery life. Best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"What is a In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\": \"This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear, and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust. A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style.\"\r\n    }\r\n  }, {\r\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\r\n    \"name\": \"How do rechargable hearing aids work?\",\r\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\r\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\r\n      \"text\":\"One of the latest, and most welcome, breakthroughs in hearing aid technology is rechargeable batteries. Most of the major hearing aid manufacturers now offer rechargeable options or the ability to convert existing hearing aids into rechargeable ones, freeing users from the hassle of disposable batteries. Not only is this great for the environment; it saves you money in the long run. By utilizing lithium-ion batteries, you can get up to 24 hours of performance with a single charge, allowing you to wear your hearing aids all day long and not have to worry about having them run out of power during an especially inopportune moment. 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