Hearing Aid Types
Hearing Aid Types
Hearing aids come in various styles and designs, each catering to different degrees of hearing loss and personal preferences. Here are some of the most common types:
“Did you know that it takes people on average ten years before taking action on their hearing loss? There are also studies to show the risks of cognitive decline with an increase in hearing loss. At PinnaClear I want to help people make the decision to take action sooner.”
― Hafiza, Senior Audiologist ―
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Invisible In Canal Hearing Aid (IIC)
One of the smallest types of hearing aid that sit inside the ear canal. Similar to the in-the-canal and in-the-ear hearing aids, these are usually custom made.
Completely In Canal Hearing Aid (CIC)
One of the smallest hearing aid devices that sit neatly inside the ear canal.
In The Canal Hearing Aid (ITC)
One of the smallest types of hearing aid that sit inside the ear canal. These are usually custom made. They are suitable for mild to moderate hearing losses
In Ear Hearing Aid (ITE)
The largest of the custom hearing aid types as it fills the concha (bowl) of the ear and is suitable for more severe hearing losses.
Mini Receiver In Canal Hearing Aid (mRIC)
The smallest behind-the-ear types of hearing aid with the receiver resting inside the ear.
Receiver In Canal Hearing Aid (RIC)
Similar to the behind-the-ear options but the receiver part of the hearing aid sits further inside the ear, rather than in the hearing aid. RIC/RITE hearing aids provide natural sound quality and are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.
Receiver In Canal Hearing Aid Power (RIC-P)
A power aid with the advantage of a receiver connection rather than an earmould connection.
Open Ear Hearing Aid (OTE)
A hearing aid that sits behind the ear which is then connected to a thin tube and dome
that sits inside the ear
Behind The Ear Hearing Aid (BTE)
A hearing aid that sits behind the ear and is connected to a tube and then a customised ear mould. BTE hearing aids rest behind the ear and are connected to a custom earmold that fits inside the ear canal. They are suitable for a wide range of hearing losses, from mild to profound. BTE aids often have larger batteries and additional features due to their size.
Behind The Ear Hearing Aid Power (BTE-P)
A power hearing aid that sits behind the ear and is connected to a tube and then a customised ear mould
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Meet your audiologist
With almost 20 years experience in the NHS and private sectors, you are in good hands. Finding the right treatment can be confusing so I am here to make things clearer and easier for you to understand.