Hearing Aid Styles

Digital technology gives your MOSA Audiologist maximum control over sound quality and sound processing characteristics. All hearing aids provided at MOSA Audiology are digital, and your MOSA Audiologist will recommend the best hearing aid for you, based on your hearing loss and lifestyle.

Because of digital technology, controls in a hearing aid can be easily adjusted by a computer in the Audiologist's office. Many hearing aids have multiple tuning channels for optimum benefit. For example, depending on the style and model selected, a hearing aid can be programmed to offer separate settings for general hearing environments, conversations, and telephone use. The user can quickly select the most appropriate setting by simply pressing a control on the hearing aid.

Hearing aids come in three basic styles: In-the ear (ITE), In-the-canal (ITC) and Behind-the-ear (BTE). There are differences in size and in the way in which the hearing aid is controlled.

Styles

In-The-Ear (ITE) units are among the most popular hearing aids because of their size and control. They fit comfortably inside the ear and are virtually undetectable after a custom mold is made for your ear. In most cases, the volume is adjusted automatically for comfort. They are among the easiest to put into the ear, if dexterity is an area of concern for the user. These units are generally available in several sizes, ranging from the larger "full shell" to the smaller "half shell."

In-the-canal (ITC) units are smaller and fit inside the ear canal. They are less easy to put into the ear, if dexterity is an area of concern for the user. In addition, some units do not have automatic volume control, necessitating good manual dexterity to operate the volume control.

Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC) units are among the smallest hearing aids. Because of their small size and their position deep in the ear, a short removal string is required. Some difficulty may be found in trying to remove the CIC unit without this string. In addition, because of their size, these units do not have an internal volume control. Volume is controlled by a remote device or even a cell phone. 

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular because of their greatest range of flexibility in adjusting the hearing spectrum for each individual user. BTE units sit on the back of the ear and are connected to a custom-made mold that is placed in the ear. An alternative version of the BTE uses a small flexible plastic dome that is placed in the ear, rather than a custom ear mold. In addition to neutral shades, BTE hearing aids come in an extensive variety of colors.