Hearing technology has experienced rapid and considerable change in recent years. That change has made hearing devices:
- More cosmetically appealing than ever before
- More automated and easy to use
- Capable of a higher quality of sound due to advances in digital technology
- More comfortable and available in many options
STYLES OF HEARING DEVICES Many of today’s hearing devices are smaller than a dime; some are completely invisible! Even the more powerful hearing devices that traditionally sit behind one’s ear are available in miniature styles. Your audiologist will help you choose the style that is correct for you based on your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your manual dexterity.
COMPLETELY INVISIBLE – LYRIC®
This extended wear, deeply inserted hearing device is completely invisible and delivers
natural sound quality around the clock. Lyric® is the first and only device that is worn 24/7
for months at a time through activities such as showering, exercising and sleeping—all
without any hassle to your daily routine.
RECEIVER-IN-THE-CANAL (RIC)/OPEN-FIT OR OVER-THE-EAR DEVICES (OTE)
This style of hearing device is the most popular today due to its inconspicuous nature, comfort and excellent sound quality. For the RITE device, the receiver is built into a soft open dome and placed inside the ear canal with thin electrical wires replacing the acoustic tube of conventional BTEs.
BEHIND-THE-EAR DEVICES (BTE)
In general, BTEs are more powerful than smaller hearing devices due to the stronger amplifier and larger battery. In BTE devices the electronics sit behind the ear and the sound is directed through a tube into the ear canal. BTEs are also offered in a miniature size.
IN-THE-EAR DEVICES (ITE)
ITE hearing devices fi t in the bowl of the outer ear (concha) and are custom-fi t for the individual. Usually visible when facing another person, ITEs can accommodate larger sound amplifiers and offer more features. Their size makes them easier to handle and allows the use of a longer lasting battery.
IN-THE-CANAL DEVICES (ITC)
Slightly larger than the CIC, ITC devices are also custom-made and fill the bottom half of the external ear. Only barely noticeable to those in face-to-face conversation, the ITC uses a slightly larger battery than the CIC style.
COMPLETELY-IN-THE-CANAL DEVICES (CIC)
CIC hearing devices are custom-made to fi t deep within the ear canal and are nearly invisible. Directional microphones are not available in this style.
INVISIBLE-IN-THE-CANAL DEVICES (IIC)
IIC hearing devices are wireless, custom-fit and inserted further into the ear canal so they become completely invisible when worn. The devices can be removed and reinserted daily by the user. Users of these devices must be comfortable with objects deep in the canal.
Call Watauga Hearing at (423) 928-1901 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
