Hearing aids come in five basic styles:
- CIC (Completely-in-the-Canal)
- ITC (In-the-Canal)
- ITE (In-the-Ear)
- BTE (Behind-the-Ear)
- OTE (On-the-Ear)
Many people make an error when assuming that one style of hearing aid is better or more expensive than others; this is not necessarily true. As the saying goes, it’s what’s inside that counts. Not only do hearing aids come in different styles, they come in different technology levels.
The tiny circuit inside the hearing aid is what makes the hearing aid more expensive or less expensive. Most people today are familiar with the term digital, but what they are not familiar with is what digital means. For those of you who are technophobic, simply, a digital hearing aid may be very basic or it may be capable of frequency specific adjustments, advanced noise handling, and automatic switching. Please see our FAQs for a more in-depth explanation of digital technology.
Behind-the-Ear
In-the-Ear
In-the-Canal
Completely-in-the-Canal
On-the-Ear
How often do you frequent restaurants or parties?
Do you spend much time outdoors or participating in activities such as: Gardening, boating, or golfing?
Do you maintain dexterity in your hands?
These questions are an important part of choosing the right level of technology and style for you.
Today, some of the most advanced hearing instruments are from Starkey Labs based out of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The new Destiny™ family of hearing aids is the first in the industry to feature nanotechnology (super-duper-tiny microprocessors).
This technology makes it possible for the hearing aid to know how to perform in different environments without any manual adjustment, as well as virtually eliminate whistling and an automatic telephone feature. For more information on the Destiny™ line of hearing aids, visit the Starkey website.