Type of Hearing Aids

Reciever-In-The-Canal (RIC)

1. Available in mini or micro sizes
2. All components except receiver contained in a case worn behind the ear
3. Sound directed into the ear canal through receiver unit
4. Can be fit with standard domes or custom earmolds
5. Virtually unnoticeable when worn
6. For mild to severe hearing losses
7. Variety of color options available

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

1. For mild to profound hearing loss.
2. Larger two - piece hearing aid.
3. All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear.
4. A hard - molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom - fit earmold extends into the ear.
5. May be barely visible depending on case color and earmold color.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

1. For mild to moderately - severe hearing loss.
2. Very small one - piece hearing aid.
3. All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell.
4. Fits inside the ear canal.
5. Barely visible or not visible at all in the ear canal.

Invisible Styles (IIC- Micro CIC)

Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) hearing aids go even further to stay out of sight—literally.

Like Canal-style hearing aids, these tiny instruments are custom made to fit inside your ear canal. However, IIC devices sit beyond the second bend of the canal. Because they're deeper in the ear, they're not at all apparent; IIC devices typically come in shades to mimic the shadows of the ear.

1. Invisible-in-the-Canal Features:
2. Custom fit
3. Virtually invisible
4. For mild to moderate hearing losses
5. Dark color designed to blend with the shadows of the ear

In-the-Canal (ITC)

1. For mild to moderately - severe hearing loss.
2. Small one - piece hearing aid.
3. All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell.
4. Fits outside the ear canal.
5. Slightly visible in the ear.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

1. For mild to severe hearing loss.
2. Larger one - piece hearing aid.
3. All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell.
4. Fills the entire bowl of the ear.
5. Visible in the ear.

Mini-Canal (MC)

1. For mild to moderately - severe hearing loss.
2. Small one - piece hearing aid.
3. All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell.
4. Fits mostly in the ear canal and extends slightly outside of the ear canal.
5. Barely visible in the ear.

Half Shell (HS)

1. For mild to severe hearing loss.
2. Larger one - piece hearing aid.
3. All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell.
4. Fills a portion of the bowl of the ear.
5. Visible in the ear.

Open-Ear (OE)

1. For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss.
2. All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear.
3. A hard-molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a clear, thin tube extends into the ear canal.
4. Barely or not at all visible.