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| Completely In The Canal (CIC) |
Customised to fit completely in the ear canal. These are the smallest and least visible hearing aids available. All the components are housed in a small case which fits far into the ear canal. This takes advantage of the ears own natural sound collection and offers convenient telephone usage.
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In The Canal (ITC) |
An easy to handle aid which is customised to fit neatly in the ear. This type of aid is larger than the CIC, although still quite discreet. As a result, it can provide more power therefore making it suitable for a wider range of hearing losses. Because the aid is larger it has the capabilities of accommodating additional features such as a telecoil and directional microphones.
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| In The Ear (ITE) Full Shell |
Fits snugly in to the concha bowl of the ear. It is best suited for those with dexterity problems and for those with more severe hearing losses. Due to their size they also have the advantage of accommodating additional features such as a telecoil and directional microphones. |
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| Behind The Ear (BTE) |
Here the electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Tubing and a custom made ear mould direct the sound into the ear canal. BTE hearing aids can provide more amplification than their ITE counterparts due to the ability to include larger amplifiers and larger batteries, but they are not just for severe losses they can be used for mild to moderate hearing losses as well. Additional features are also available on these products. |
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| On The Ear (OTE) |
Sometimes referred to as open fit hearings aids, these can sometimes offer a more discreet solution than their CIC counterparts. There are no moulds of the ears required as they have standard sized ear buds to fit the majority of ear shapes (custom tips are available). Similar to the BTE the electronics are housed in the case that fits behind the ear. A thin tube or wire (barely visible) delivers the sound into the ear canal. Because of the nature of these devices they are only suitable for mild to moderate hearing losses. |
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