Shell Styles for Digital Hearing Aids
Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC)
The Receiver-in-canal style places the receiver directly in the ear canal near the eardrum. Microphones and power supply are cased in a sleek instrument worn hidden in the crease behind the ear. An extremely thin transmission wire connect the two components.
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
BTE instruments have a plastic casing that rests behind the ear and houses the device’s technology. A clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmold inside the ear canal. Behind-the-ear instruments are often the most durable hearing devices—a few are even waterproof. Compared to smaller, in-the-ear instruments, they hold more circuitry and offer greater amplification.
In-the-ear (ITE)
Smaller, in-the-ear instruments house their technology components in a custom-formed earmold that fits within the outer portion of the ear. The easy-to-use controls are ideal for those with limited manual dexterity.
In-the-canal (ITC)
In-the-canal (ITC) instruments are smaller still, featuring an earmold that fits down into the ear canal and a smaller portion that faces out into the outer ear. They are discreet, yet partially visible within the outer ear.
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
These devices fit completely in the canal (CIC). Only the head of a tiny plastic line—with which you insert or remove the instrument—shows above the canal. Although CIC devices offer aesthetic appeal, the structure of some individuals’ ears (e.g. those with a very narrow canal) may make this style unsuitable for them.
In The News:
Starkey Wins Stevie Award and IDEA Award for Sweep Technology Featured on S Series iQ - Minneapolis, MN, June 29, 2010
Starkey Laboratories, Inc., one of the world's leading hearing technology companies, is proud to announce that it is the recipient of two awards...
Physicians and Healthcare Professionals Urged to Include Hearing Health Assessments as Routine Part of Physical Exams - Washington, DC, April 26, 2010
The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is launching a national effort to urge physicians and nurse practitioners across the country...
Starkey Introduces OtoLens - Completely Invisible Custom Hearing Aid - Minneapolis, MN, April 15, 2010
Starkey Laboratories, Inc one of the world’s leading hearing technology companies, is excited to introduce the S Series™ iQ OtoLens™...