Hearing Technology Has Changed, a Lot.
Nobody looks forward to the day when they purchase their first set of prescription hearing aids. But with hearing loss becoming increasingly common throughout the US, hearing technology is an essential part of caring for your hearing health.
The good news is that the prescription hearing aids you may remember your grandparents or parents wearing are a thing of the past. The latest technology is incredibly small and discreet, offering many more benefits aside from amplification.
With the latest technology, you connect your phone, television, or computer to your hearing aids. This means you can seamlessly stream calls and music whenever you desire. Some patients even describe this as “like having a superpower!”
At Jacobs Audiology, one thing you’ll quickly understand is that hearing technology is only part of the jigsaw. The level of care and methodical plan we create to achieve better hearing is a much more important part of the process.
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) – Tiny & Often Invisible
IIC hearing aids are the smallest custom style you can find on the market today. They are invisible, resting in or just beyond the second bend of your ear canal. IIC devices have been designed specifically for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss.
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids fit deeply and completely inside the ear canal and are custom styled to the individual. Many patients find these devices cosmetically appealing as they are almost invisible when worn, so are a very discreet option. They are suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing losses.
In-The-Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are really comfortable and incredibly easy to use. They are placed in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl and are designed for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss. They are slightly larger in size, an advantage of this being their longer battery life and additional features such as directional microphones and volume controls. These features are really handy for better understanding in loud environments.
In-The-Ear (ITE)
Full shell models sit flush within the outer ear bowl. They are larger in size which brings a maximum number of controls and features. These include directional microphones, which require extra space on the outer portion of the device. They use a larger battery than the smaller hearing aids which means they can manage a larger receiver that has enough power for some severe hearing losses. Due to their range of options and additional features, they are highly recommended for people with mild to severe hearing losses.
Receiver-In-The-Ear (RIC)
RIC style hearing aids are an incredibly versatile hearing instrument and a firm favorite among many audiologists. The RIC models look very similar to the BTEs when worn they are like mini versions of them. Their speaker is incorporated into the ear tip, as opposed to the main unit of the hearing aid. RICs are recommended for those with mild to severe hearing losses.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
Patients with a profound hearing loss usually require some additional performance features, which are provided by the BTE model hearing aids. This instrument may not be invisible, but it is a more streamlined and lightweight instrument than its predecessors. The BTE’s technology is housed in the casing of the hearing aid, behind the ear while the clear plastic acoustical tube sends the amplified sounds into a customized earmold fitted inside the ear canal.
