Hearing Aid Styles
As hearing aid technology continues to evolve, choosing a style that suits your needs can be challenging.
At Hearing Associates, we understand each person experiences hearing loss differently. That’s why all our patients receive custom care.
Our expert staff will consider your hearing test results, lifestyle, budget and cosmetic concerns to help you choose the best hearing aid for you.
Not all hearing aid styles are suitable for everyone, so we carry various devices that differ in size, placement, features and amplification.
Mic-In-Helix (MIH)
These devices are exclusive to ReSound and are a viable solution for mild to severe hearing loss. MIHs sit in your ear canal and connect to a microphone in the helix of your outer ear with a nearly invisible tube. Separating the mic from the computer provides more natural sound quality and reduces wind noise.
Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE)
Also referred to as Receiver-In-Canal (RIC), RITE hearing aids function like BTE devices but are much smaller and more discreet. A small receiver wire leads from behind the ear into the ear canal. This hearing aid style is much more cosmetically appealing and offers superior sound quality.
Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE)
BTE devices are the largest modern hearing aids. The processing components are housed in a case behind the ear. Sounds are amplified and sent through a contoured tube into an earmold inside the ear. BTEs are durable, easy to handle and maintain, and can adapt to a wide variety of assistive listening devices.
Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs) are surgically implanted devices that use bone conduction to transmit sound vibrations around the middle ear directly to the inner ear. A titanium implant is inserted in the mastoid bone and connects to a sound processor behind the ear.
There are two types of candidates for BAHAs: people with natural ear defects and those with single-sided deafness. They’re also a good option for people with severe hearing loss who have not experienced improvement with traditional hearing aids.
Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC)
Also known as Invisible-In-The-Canal, CIC hearing aids are the smallest, most discreet device we carry. They fit entirely in the canal and are made uniquely made to fit your ears. They’re made with a clear nylon post that helps with insertion and removal. CICs are powered by a #10 hearing aid battery.
In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC)
These devices are larger than the CIC hearing aids. They are custom-made to fit in your ear canal and are powered by a #312 or #10 hearing aid battery. Starkey offers rechargeable options for ITC and ITE devices.
In-the-Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)
These hearing aids are made to fit in the “bowl” of the ear. Lightweight and compact, their size makes them comfortable and easy to manage. They require a #13 or #312 hearing aid battery.
Hearing Associates is committed to making the latest hearing aids styles and technology available to you. We provide comprehensive audiology service to patients in Mason City, Iowa, Albert Lea, Minnesota and the surrounding areas.