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The different styles
Different styles of hearing instruments
There are several different styles of hearing instruments, not to mention the multiple design and color options. Each hearing instrument is designed and fitted to each persons hearing needs.
The place where hearing instruments are worn is the simplest way of categorizing the different types. Basically, hearing instruments are worn in the ear, or behind the ear.
- ITE is the abbreviation for hearing instruments worn "In-the-ear." ITEs are often called "custom" hearing instruments because they need to be custom-made to fit each individual ear.
- BTE is the abbreviation for "behind-the-ear".
In-the-ear (ITE):
Custom (ITE) hearing instruments are used for mild to severe hearing loss. Custom instruments sit entirely within the ear and are fitted individually based on an impression of the wearer's ear. The picture below illustrates the range of styles from the so-called Micro-CIC instrument, which fits completely in the ear canal to the full-shell hearing instrument, which completely fills the bowl of the ear.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) – conventional:
BTEs are used for all types of hearing loss from mild to profound. They come in a variety of styles from Miniature-BTEs to the larger SuperPower instruments. Many offer multiple directional microphone systems for improved understanding of speech in noisy situations.
Behind-the-ear systems can be open or closed. Closed means that the fitted earmold almost completely fills the outer ear and ear canal.
They are versatile and suitable for a variety of hearing losses. Conventional BTEs offer more power and can be more inconspicuous. They may offer easier handling because they are larger.
The earmold connects a BTE instrument to the ear and is individually shaped for each wearer. It is important because it fulfills multiple functions for acoustics and better hearing. One of the most important tasks of the earmold is to conduct the amplified sound to the eardrum. It also improves the positioning and hold of the hearing instrument behind the ear. An important aspect of the earmold is to seal the auditory canal. This acts as a block and prevents acoustic feedback; the annoying high pitched whistling often associated with hearing instruments.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) – open fitting:
Open fittings use a thin tube in place of an earmold to connect the BTE instrument to the ear. Open fittings are more comfortable and avoid the collection of moisture in the ear. They are only suitable for certain hearing losses, but the advantages include sound quality and comfort.
Receiver-in-canal (RIC):
RIC open fittings look quite similar to the open fittings discussed above. But contrary to most conventional behind-the-ear instruments, the receiver is placed within the canal and connected to the BTE unit via a thin tube. Since the receiver is no longer within the behind-the-ear (BTE) unit, the BTE unit is particularly small, light, and inconspicuous.
In-the-crest (ITC):
Vibe™ hearing systems are developed with a special design that does not fit the category of ITE or BTE. Vibe fits along the bowl of the ear (concha), thus combining several benefits: the natural acoustic advantage provided by the outer ear is preserved, the ear canal itself stays open, and nothing collides behind the ear, such as with glasses.
