Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing instruments come in many sizes and styles. The right hearing instruments for you depends upon the technology you choose (analog hearing aids or digital hearing aids), your hearing loss and hearing needs, your lifestyle, and your personal preference.

Prices on hearing aids vary dependent on the style and technology (digital/programmable/analog).

BTE (Open Ear and Traditional)
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are extremely flexible for all types of hearing loss. The hearing device is housed within a curved shell that sits behind each ear and delivers sound through a clear tube. Traditionally the clear tube fits into a mold that has been customized to comfortably fit inside each ear. A recent innovation is called open ear technology, in which Hearing Treatment Centers specializes. The clear tube is very thin, and barely visible. It typically fits into an open earbud which is very soft, flexible, and comfortable. This type of system provides enhanced natural sound quality for both outside sounds and your own voice.

ITE
In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are very easy to operate even if the user has poor dexterity. The hearing device is housed within a custom-made shell that fits comfortably inside each ear and delivers sound directly to the ear.

ITC
In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing aids can barely be seen and are very easy to operate, even if the user has poor dexterity. The hearing device is housed within a custom-made shell that fits comfortably inside each ear canal and delivers sound directly to the ear.

CIC (Open Ear and Traditional)
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are virtually invisible to others. The hearing device is housed in a tiny shell that fits comfortably and completely into each ear canal. The device is removed from the ear canal by pulling a tiny cord. Where these miniature instruments are both powerful and cosmetically appealing, some features — such as manual volume control— are not available simply because the devices are so small. This style is available with traditional small vents, or with larger vents that provide an open ear feeling.