Rochester Hearing & Speech Center

Hearing Aid Styles

Completely In The Canal The completely-in-the-canal (CIC) style is the least visible hearing aid. This style aid works best for people with a mild hearing loss.

In The Canal The in-the-canal (ITC) style fits inside the ear canal. Provides good benefit for individuals with a mild or moderate hearing loss.

In The Ear An in-the-ear (ITE) style fits into the contour of the outer ear and extends into the ear canal. These aids are more visible than canal aids and can help people with a greater degree of hearing loss - from mild to moderate or even severe.

Behind The Ear The behind-the-ear (BTE) style fits over and behind the ear and requires an earmold in the outer ear that is connected with the hearing aid via tubing. This aid is recommended for all ranges of hearing loss.

Types Of Hearing Aid Technology

New technology has advanced the capabilities of hearing aids.

Digitally Programmable Hearing Aids

• These hearing aids maximize your hearing in a variety of settings with more precise settings matched to your needs and preferences. A programmable hearing aid stores the appropriate hearing aid settings for different listening environments in the hearing aid's computer chip memory.
• Easier to use when you move from one listening environment to another. Different settings can be accessed from the hearing aid's memory by using a hand held remote control device.

Digital Hearing Aids

Digital hearing aid technology has advanced greatly in the past 3 years such that hearing aids are as sophisticated as many advanced computers on the market today- while still fitting your ear!

• Give you the clearest and most natural sound quality.
• Allow you the best hearing possible by matching your hearing needs and preferences with the capabilities of the hearing aid.
• Contain the best electronic capabilities available because of the use of computer chips.

Steps to a successful hearing aid experience:

• Hearing Evaluation - the first step in getting the best hearing aid is to get a full hearing evaluation by a licensed audiologist.
• Hearing aid consultation-your clinician will work with you to understand your lifestyle needs to ensure that you get the best hearing aid you.
• Earmold impression - an impression of your ear is taken and used to order a custom hearing aid specifically matched to your hearing loss.
• Hearing aid fitting- you receive your new hearing aid during this visit. Your clinician will program the hearing aid for your preferences, then show you how to insert, maintain, and use it.
• Progress check - after a week or two of wearing your hearing aid you return for a progress check to assure that your hearing aids are meeting your needs.
• 45-day check - We schedule this visit at the end of your 45-day adjustment period to ensure that you are satisfied with your new hearing aids and to make sure we have answered all of your questions.

Note: There is no charge for visits that occur within the 45-day trial or hearing aid warranty period. There is a fee for office visits after the warranty period. Warranty periods vary dependent on the type of hearing aid purchased.

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