Hearing Aids Types
- Degree of hearing loss: not all styles and technologies are appropriate for all hearing losses
- Ear anatomy: some ear canals are very tiny, making it almost impossible to fit a completely-in-the-canal style
- Lifestyle: your different listening environments will help decide the best hearing aid to meet your needs
- Advanced Ear Mold Selection Skills
- Manual dexterity: CIC, ITC, and crossover styles are easy to insert, but require steady hands
- Design preference: choose from a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes
- Budget: a wide range of prices to fit every budget
BTE aids consist of a case, a tube and an ear mold. Generally, the case sits behind the pinna (ear) with the tube coming down the front into the ear mold. The case contains the amplification system. The sound is routed from the hearing aid case to the ear mold via the tube. These aids are suitable for mild to profound hearing losses.
OTE/RIC aids are ultra-small, lightweight, behind-the-ear type devices which leave the ear canal as open as possible. These aids have a small case behind the ear and a nearly invisible clear tube running into the ear canal where a tiny speaker delivers the sound. This design is intended to produce more natural sound and reduce the occlusion effect ("blocked ear" feeling). These aids are suitable for mild to moderate high-frequency hearing losses.
ITE aids are custom-made to fit securely in the outer ear bowl (called the concha). Due to the larger size these devices are suitable for individuals with dexterity challengers, but sometimes can visible when standing face to face with someone. A comfortable fit is achieved because the shell of the aid is custom-made to the individual's ear canal. These aids are suitable for mild to some severe hearing losses.
ITC aids are custom-made to fit securely in the bottom half of the external ear. Due to the smaller size these devices cannot be seen when standing face to face with the wearer. A comfortable fit is achieved because the shell of the aid is custom-made to the individual's ear canal. These aids are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.
CIC aids are the smallest custom-made devices available and are designed to fit securely deep inside the ear canal. Due to the size these devices are very discreet and almost invisible even when looking directly into the ear bowl. A comfortable fit is achieved because the shell of the aid is custom-made to the individual's ear canal. As the microphone is at the opening of the ear canal, these devices give a more natural experience of hearing. These aids are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.
Hearing/Ear Protection
Electronic hearing protection is popular among hunters. These devices amplify sounds and shut off entirely for very loud sounds. This allows a hunter to hear the footsteps of his prey up until the moment his gun fires. Available in Behind-The-Ear (BTE) (shown) or custom In-The-Ear (ITE) styles and can vary in price.
Custom fit earplugs provide outstanding noise protection in a variety of recreational and occupational environments. Available cords allow the wearer to place the plugs around the neck when not in use.
Floatable swim plugs are made of soft silicone material that can be made to glow in the dark! Available in many different colors, plus the option of swirling up to 3 colors to individualize to your style.
Musicians earplugs reduce sound across all frequencies rather than just low- and mid-range frequencies, making music more clear and natural sounding. Typically a canal style size, full shell style and half shell style are also available upon request. Available with three different attenuating filters: ER-9 (9 dB cut), ER-15 (15 dB cut) and ER-25 (25 dB cut).