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Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Aids
At Worcester Hearing Centre. We supply the latest and best hearing aids, sourced from world leading hearing device manufacturers. Each manufacturer supplies their hearing aids in BTE (Behind The Ear) and ITE (In The Ear) styles. For all intent and purposes these styles are almost standardised to a certain extent. Although there are visual and size differences, all hearing aids fall within the general types that are explained here. All of our hearing aids are available in a range of technology levels to meet each client’s personal needs.
Lyric
The world’s first 100% invisible in-the-ear hearing aid which can be worn 24/7 for up to 3 months at a time. They can be used in the shower, while sleeping and exercising and do not need batteries – you won’t even know you’re wearing them.
Invisible-in-the-ear (IIC)
IIC hearing aids fit deep into the ear canal and are almost invisible. The visibility is dependent on the size and shape of the ear canal but don’t worry, our audiologists will advise you. These instruments are removed for showering and sleeping, but can be worn at all other times.
In-the-ear (ITE)
Unobtrusive hearing aids that are worn in the ear. Aesthetically pleasing, they cover hearing losses from mild to severe. The smallest ITE-models are called CIC (Completely-in-Canal), as they fit completely in the canal they are almost invisible – amount of visibility will depend on the size of the ear canal.
Micro OTE (over-the-ear)
Micro Style generation models: The state-of-the art microStyle hearing aids are small and feather-light. The ergonomic design, combined with the extremely thin tubing, results in a uniquely satisfying cosmetic solution. They disappear behind your ear and you forget you are wearing them – until you hear the astonishing difference they make to your communication. In the most modern solutions the receiver (or speaker) is placed in the ear canal for unbelievable clarity of speech, even in noise.
BTE (behind-the-ear)
Versatile and powerful hearing aids that are worn behind the ear. They can be utilised for all degrees of hearing losses, but are particularly beneficial for severe or profound hearing losses because they can provide a great deal of volume. They are also great to be used for special listening situations like the classroom or at a lecture by adding wireless technology like FM systems.
