Types of Hearing Instruments

TYPES OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS

There is no single hearing instrument that is suitable for all types of hearing loss. The type you need depends on your individual hearing loss and the nature of that loss.

The Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
This model is a small hearing instrument housed in a curved case that fits securely behind the ear. It is attached to the earmold by a short, plastic tube. Sound is delivered from the hearing instrument through the earmold and into the ear canal.

In-The-Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)
During the 1970’s innovation resulted in manufacturers developing electronic circuits that fitted into the ear mould with all the acoustic benefits of moulding technology. Without the limitations created by having to pipe sound through the tube of the BTE into the ear, a variey of acoustic restrictions were also aleviated. Also, microphones were now positioned in the ear; a more natural position than compared with the microphone above and behind the ear or in the pocket as with previously technologies.

In-The-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC)
Micro technology resulted in even smaller hearing aids which, besides the cosmetic appeal, also meant that sound would be deflected by the folds of the ear and improve acoustics.

Completely-In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC)
During the nineties micro circuitry improved to the point where completely-in-the-canal hearing aids permitted the positioning of the microphone in, or virtually in the canal to maximize the advantages of the sound processing via the ear into the canal, thereby overcoming most of the obstacles inherent with all preceeding technologies.

Today, all the above hearing aids have their place and are still being fitted.
Alongside acoustic improvements was the development of superior electronic circuitry which may be divided into five main developments.
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TYPES OF HEARING INSTRUMENTS There is no single hearing instrument that is suitable for all types of hearing loss. The type you need depends on your individual hearing loss and the nature of that loss.
The Behind-The-Ear (BTE) This model is a small hearing instrument housed in a curved case that fits securely behind the ear. It is attached to the earmold by a short, plastic tube. Sound is delivered from the hearing instrument through the earmold and into the ear canal.
In-The-Ear Hearing Aids (ITE) During the 1970’s innovation resulted in manufacturers developing electronic circuits that fitted into the ear mould with all the acoustic benefits of moulding technology. Without the limitations created by having to pipe sound through the tube of the BTE into the ear, a variey of acoustic restrictions were also aleviated. Also, microphones were now positioned in the ear; a more natural position than compared with the microphone above and behind the ear or in the pocket as with previously technologies.
In-The-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC) Micro technology resulted in even smaller hearing aids which, besides the cosmetic appeal, also meant that sound would be deflected by the folds of the ear and improve acoustics.
Completely-In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (CIC) During the nineties micro circuitry improved to the point where completely-in-the-canal hearing aids permitted the positioning of the microphone in, or virtually in the canal to maximize the advantages of the sound processing via the ear into the canal, thereby overcoming most of the obstacles inherent with all preceeding technologies.
Today, all the above hearing aids have their place and are still being fitted. Alongside acoustic improvements was the development of superior electronic circuitry which may be divided into five main developments.