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:
America’s Hearing Loss Population Grows to More than 34 Million, New Study by Better Hearing Institute Finds - Washington, DC, February 8, 2010
The number of Americans with hearing loss has grown to more than 34 million - roughly 11 percent of the U.S. population...
Study Finds Family Members Play Critical Role in Addressing Loved Ones' Hearing Loss - Washington, DC, December 7, 2009
The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is urging families across America to make 2010 the year they help a loved one address hearing loss...
Better Hearing Institute Urges People with Diabetes to Get Their Hearing Checked and Joins in Global Effort to Promote World Diabetes Day - Washington, DC, November 2, 2009
This year, for the very first time, the Better Hearing Institute...