Open Fit/Receiver in the Canal Behind-the-Ear Style Hearing Aid
An Open Ear BTE or Receiver in the Canal (RIC) is a small, sleek hearing instrument that attaches to ultra-thin tubing and soft, comfortable tip inserted into the ear. A benefit of this open fit style is naturalness of the patient’s own voice when wearing this type of device. By utilizing special tubing and tips, the Open Ear BTE dramatically reduces occlusion (the sensation of feeling plugged up). This often provides the patient a more comfortable listening experience.
Open Fit BTEs often do not require ear impressions, and therefore you may be able to be tested and fit in one appointment. The flexible tips are available in various sizes for you and your audiologist to choose from, ensuring optimal comfort. Many open fit styles offer minimum controls and are more automated, making them easy to use.
Receiver in the Canal (RIC) BTEs incorporate an insulated wire which looks similar to the open fit but the receiver (loud speaker) is placed deep inside the ear canal. Aesthetically fit, patients report greater satisfaction with the sound of their own voice as well as hearing in a variety of environments compared to previously worn custom products.
These slim style behind-the-ear devices offer advanced features such as wireless connectivity to other Bluetooth devices such as cell phones and tablets. Rechargeable devices are also available. Dr. Papel will help you determine what type and style instrument is best for you and your hearing needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- Small, ergonomic design
- Reduces occlusion
- Automatic controls
- Rechargeable battery option
- Wonderful for those with even minimal loss
- BLUETOOTH connectivity for TV or cell phone
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid utilizes a custom ear mold fit into the ear with the actual device sitting snugly behind the ear. In the traditional behind the ear style, the hearing aid is attached to a custom ear mold, which fits into your ear. The newest BTE device on the market is the open fit style and the R-I-C or receiver in the canal style, both of which aim to eliminate the need for a custom mold. The most versatile style of behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids may be fit to patients with mild to severely profound hearing loss. Behind-the-ear styles are most often recommended for children since the earpiece can be easily changed to accommodate their growing ears.
The Behind-the-Ear device may also be connected to external devices, such as wireless remote microphones, and Bluetooth cell phones and tablets. These hearing aids are available as a rechargeable option, eliminating the need for changing batteries. Pre-programmed adjustments may be set up for you to help control noise from a specific direction, reducing potential feedback (squealing) from the hearing aid, and offer flexibility in specific situations. These settings may be automatic or manually controlled from the hearing aid or through a cell phone or remote control. Dr. Papel will help you decide what type and technology will work best for your hearing needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- Most versatile to address all types of hearing loss from mild to severely profound
- Capable of being attached to external sound sources
- Automatic or manual controls
- Available in a range of fun, fashion colors as well as those to match hair or skin tone
- Rechargeable option available
In-the-Ear (ITE)
In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom made to fit within the concha, the indented bowl-like outer portion of the ear. ITEs are good for those individuals with limited dexterity and are available as rechargeable devices, eliminating the need for changing batteries. In-the-Ear devices may also be paired to work with wireless devices, such as a cell phone or tablet.
ITE hearing aids are made to fit your unique ear shape. Because of their size, ITEs can have many features and options that make wearing hearing aids more comfortable and user-friendly. They may have controls for manual adjustment of volume or special listening program, or these features may function automatically giving you the option of how much or how little you control your instrument.
Of the custom aids, ITEs may offer help for the widest range of hearing loss. Dr. Papel will help you find the most appropriate and ideal device for your hearing and lifestyle needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- Good for those individuals with limited dexterity
- Custom-designed fit to your unique ear size and shape
- Automatic or manual controls
- Available in a range of shades to match skin tone
- Rechargeable option available
- Bluetooth accessible
In-the-Canal (ITC)
In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids are custom-designed to fit almost entirely in the ear canal. Less visible than In-the-Ear models, ITCs usually take up only the lower pocket of your ear.
ITC hearing aids are created specifically to fit your unique ear size and shape. They may function automatically or may have a little button for special listening programs, giving you the choice of how much or how little you control your instrument.
In-the-Canal hearing aids are appropriate for a wide range of hearing losses. These are available as rechargeable devices or disposable battery operated. ITCs may also be wirelessly paired to Bluetooth devices, such as a cell phone or tablet for phone calls or listening to media. Dr. Papel will help you determine the most appropriate style and technology for your hearing loss and lifestyle needs.
Benefits at a glance:
- Small and discrete model
- Custom designed to fit your unique ear size and shape
- Automatic or manual controls
- Available in a range of colors to match hair and skin tones
- Rechargeable option available
- Bluetooth accessible
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest, custom-designed hearing instruments. Hidden in the shadow of your ear canal, they fit deep inside your ear and are felt to be aesthetically less noticeable.
CIC hearing instruments are created to fit your unique ear shape. Due to their small size, many CIC hearing aids may not offer manual controls, but in some cases an APP may be available for your cell phone to control basic functions as program change and volume. CIC hearing aids are easy to use and comfortable to wear.
CICs are aesthetically pleasing and may help a variety of hearing loss. Dr. Papel will help you determine if your hearing loss and ear dynamics may be addressed by this style of hearing aid.
Benefits at a glance:
- Limited visibility
- Custom designed to fit your unique ear size and shape
- Completely automatic