Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

This type of instrument has two components, the hearing aid and the earmold. The hearing aid is worn behind the ear and connects to a custom-made earmold that fits in the patient’s ear. The earmold is created from an impression of the outer ear and ear canal. The impression is taken in the Audiologist’s office and is then sent to the manufacturer for production. As the outer ear changes or grows (especially in children), new earmolds will be made to maintain a proper fit. BTE hearing aids are suitable for all types and degrees of hearing loss and for persons of all ages. It is the most appropriate style for infants and young children and for severe hearing losses for people of all ages.



In-the-ear (ITE)

The entire hearing aid is built into a custom-made shell obtained from an impression of the outer ear. The ITE is most appropriate for mild-moderate hearing losses. This style of hearing aid is not appropriate for infants or young children.





In-the-canal (ITC)

The entire hearing aid is built into a custom-made shell obtained from an impression of the ear canal. This style of hearing aid is most appropriate for mild to moderate losses. While this is one of the smallest hearing aid styles available, it may not be appropriate for certain degrees and configurations of hearing loss. It is also not appropriate for infants or young children.




Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)

Like the ITC, the entire hearing aid is built into a custom-made shell obtained from an impression of the ear canal. The difference between the CIC and the ITC is that the CIC fits a bit further into the ear canal and extends deeper toward the eardrum. This aid is often the most cosmetically inconspicuous, but is generally NOT "invisible". This style of hearing aid is most appropriate for mild to moderate, and sloping high frequency hearing losses. This style of hearing aid is also not appropriate for infants or young children.



Hearing Aid Electronics
What’s Inside the Hearing Aid

Analog, non-programmable hearing aids: (also called "conventional" hearing aids) This means that the electronics in the hearing aids are analog, consisting of electronic parts to amplify and control the sounds coming through the hearing aid. They are generally not as flexible as digitally-programmable or fully digital hearing aids in adjusting to the particular hearing loss and listening needs of each patient. However, they are the least expensive category of hearing aid.

Digitally-programmable hearing aids: These hearing aids are computer programmed by the Audiologist for each individual and often contain options that are not available in conventional hearing aids. Some programmable hearing aids offer the user an option to select among a variety of listening programs. These hearing aids typically offer more automatic adjustment for loud or soft sounds without having to use a volume control. There are three particular advantages to digitally-programmable hearing aids.

Flexibility:These hearing aids are programmed using a computer. Therefore, they can accommodate a wide range of hearing losses and a variety of hearing loss configurations. Even if the listener’s hearing changes, the Audiologist can often reprogram the hearing aid, rather than having to obtain a completely new instrument.

Advanced Compression Circuitry:
Certain digitally-programmable hearing aids are designed to amplify soft sounds but not to over-amplify loud sounds. They accomplish this by a technique called compression.

Multiple Programs: Some digitally-programmable hearing aids contain more than one program. This may be particularly useful for individuals who must listen in a variety of listening environments or who have fluctuating hearing. This feature, coupled to advanced compression circuitry, may also be highly desirable for individuals who experience difficulty listening in noise. Some of these instruments require the use of a remote control. Others include a small push-button on the hearing aid to change the program.

Digital Hearing Aids: Advancements in the ability to manufacture hearing aids that process sound digitally offer the potential for dramatic improvements over previously available instruments. Digital hearing aids analyze incoming sound and convert the sound to a digital signal. The signal can then be manipulated according to the the patients hearing levels and listening needs, reconverted to an analog form (sound waves) and delivered to the ears, without producing the types of distortion that were commonly associated with analog technology hearing aids.

The potential improvement from digital hearing aids is exciting and far reaching. Digital sound has minimal distortion. Patients in many studies report a subjective preference for digital hearing aids, commenting that the digital hearing aids sound more comfortable and more natural than non-digital hearing aids.

Costs: Costs for the various types of hearing aids range as follows:

Average Prices for One Hearing Aid

Conventional – Analog Traditional: $400 – $900
Entry Level Digital Manually Programmable: $600 – $1,100
Mainstream Digital Computer Programmable: $900 – $1,600
Advanced Digital Computer Programmable, Many Features: $1,400 – $2,495
Premium Gold Line Digital Computer Programmable: $2,300 – $2,995
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