What is a Receiver in the Canal Hearing Aid?

An RIC hearing aid consists of a tiny housing containing all electronics except the receiver, which is positioned behind the ear. A thin tube connects the housing to the receiver, which is worn in the concha (bowl-shaped portion) of the ear. It’s a small and discreet unit but powerful enough for treating mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

What is a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid?

The most popular style of hearing aid (about 60 percent of users choose this type), a BTE device is curved to match the contour of the ear and rests directly behind the ear. The housing, which contains all the electronics, is encased in plastic and connects to the ear canal with a thin, clear tube or ear mold. Though more visible than other styles, the BTE is simple to use, making it a popular choice for children. It’s powerful enough for all types of hearing loss.

What is a Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aid?

This hearing aid is placed in the ear canal and is the smallest available. It takes advantage of the ear’s natural ability to collect sound, and its discreet size makes the device virtually invisible to others. The trade-off is a shorter battery life, and it may prove difficult to adjust for those with poor manual dexterity. This is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss.

What is a In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid?

This style is also designed to fit in the ear canal, but not as deeply as a CIC device, resting securely in the lower portion instead. It’s a little larger, making it easier to insert and remove and extending the battery life. Best for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.

What is a In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid?

This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear, and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust. A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style.

How do rechargable hearing aids work?

One of the latest, and most welcome, breakthroughs in hearing aid technology is rechargeable batteries. Most of the major hearing aid manufacturers now offer rechargeable options or the ability to convert existing hearing aids into rechargeable ones, freeing users from the hassle of disposable batteries. Not only is this great for the environment; it saves you money in the long run. By utilizing lithium-ion batteries, you can get up to 24 hours of performance with a single charge, allowing you to wear your hearing aids all day long and not have to worry about having them run out of power during an especially inopportune moment. Many include disposable battery backups for an added measure of security.

Hearing Aids | Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic

Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aids have improved greatly with the advent of digital technology. If you’re picturing big and bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you’ll be pleased to learn today’s instruments are smaller, more comfortable and provide sound that is more natural. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding one that appeals to your lifestyle needs and cosmetic preferences should be easy.

Here are the types available:

Receiver in the Ear (RITE):

Photo of a freestanding RITE set into a photo of a person wearing one.

The sounds produced by a RITE hearing aid are smoother, free of distortion and more natural, through the utilization of open-fit technology. The lightweight, nearly invisible aid places the processor high on the ear and delivers the sound to the ear canal, by way of a thin wire, to a tiny speaker that sits deep inside the ear canal. The devices are compatible with telephones and FM systems for those who need extra help in noise. The RITE technology is one of the most cosmetically appealing hearing aid and is available in as many as 14 different colors.

Behind the Ear (BTE):

Photo of a freestanding BTE
set into a photo of a person wearing one.

BTE hearing aids have the ability to deliver more amplification than smaller devices can deliver to the wearer. The electronics of the aid are held in a case that fits behind the ear. The sound is routed to the ear canal by way of a tube that is held in the ear with a small plastic or silicone earmold. The larger casing allows a stronger power supply and speaker to be held in the aid. The slightly larger size of the device makes it easier for those where dexterity is compromised. Additionally, these devices are compatible with telephones and personal FM systems, making them ideal for children and adults in need of extra help in noise. The casings are available in several fun or subtle colors.

BTE Mini Tube

The mini tube is an available option for the BTE style instruments. They were first introduced in open fittings for high pitched hearing needs, but more recently have become applicable for up to moderately severe conditions. These mini-tubes provide a sleek and subtle look for the wearer that rivals the RITE model. Best for those who want the cosmetic advantage of a RITE model, but due to medical issues cannot accommodate a receiver in the ear. These aids are compatible with telephones and personal FM systems for those who need extra help in noise.

In the Ear (ITE):

Photo of a freestanding ITE set into a photo of a person wearing one.

All components of the hearing aid are housed in a small case that fits into the bowl of the ear. This device is used for mild to severe hearing needs. Good for those where dexterity is compromised. Additionally, these devices are compatible with telephones and personal FM systems for those who need extra help in noise.

In the Canal (ITC):

Photo of a freestanding ITC set into a photo of a person wearing one.

This unit is smaller than ITE’s and fits further into the ear canal. ITCs have less bulk in the ear cavity. This device is used for mild to moderately severe hearing losses. As room permits, these devices can accommodate most circuit functions and telephone compatible circuitry.

Completely in the Canal (CIC):

Photo of a freestanding CIC set into a photo of a person wearing one.

These hearing aids fit further in the ear canal making them barely visible from the front. This device is used for mild to moderately severe hearing losses. Due to size constraints, some circuit functions are not available.

Hearing Aid Technologies

Digital Hearing Device

Digital hearing aids are programmable aids with digital circuits that can be accurately programmed to match the patient’s individual hearing loss, and sound sensitivities. The device separates the frequency response into bands and channels, which can be altered independently, creating a custom listening experience. This custom technology allows improved clarity of sound, less circuit noise, faster processing of sound, and improved listening in background noise.

With thorough testing and consultation with an audiologist we can determine the appropriate aid choice for you. Factors considered include: hearing loss, lifestyle objectives, age, hearing aid experience, and auditory ecology.

Technologies offered at Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic include:

Fully Integrated Systems

Multichannel adaptive directionality allows for greater ease of listening to multiple speakers, even when background noise is present.
Incorporates parallel processing allowing the instruments to detect, identify, and locate multiple interfering background noisea, allowing greater ease of listening in small groups.
Can allow users to control the directionality focus with the touch of a button.
Allows users to hear the telephone through both instruments.
Noise reduction or speech enhancement can be made more or less aggressive in processing depending upon your needs.
Bluetooth capabilities allowing the listener to connect to cell phones, televisions, MP3 players, land lines and more.
Uses automated volume control to permit substantial gain for soft sounds while protecting the wearer from louder sounds.
Automatic “music” program.
Can learn from the wearer as volume adjustments are made.
A dynamic feedback cancellation feature reduces the likelihood of “squealing.”
Allow more open ear fitting, resulting in greater comfort and satisfaction.

Smart Systems

Adaptive directionality that maintains speech in one-on-one conversation in moderately noisy environments.
Incorporates parallel processing allowing the aids to detect, identify, and locate the interfering background noise allowing greater focus on the primary speaker.
Noise reduction or speech enhancement can be made more or less aggressive in processing depending upon your needs.
Bluetooth capabilities allowing the listener to connect to cell phones, televisions, MP3 players, land lines and more.
Uses automated volume control to permit substantial gain for soft sounds while protecting the wearer from louder sounds.
Manual “music program”.
A dynamic feedback cancellation feature reduces the likelihood of “squealing.”
Allow more open ear fitting, resulting in greater comfort and satisfaction.

Environmentally Responsive Systems

Automatic directionality that maintains speech in small groups in quiet environments.
Bluetooth capabilities allowing the listener to connect to cell phones, televisions, MP3 players, land lines and more.
Uses automated volume control to permit substantial gain for soft sounds in quiet environments.
Have dynamic feedback cancellation features that reduce the likelihood of “squealing”.

Multipurpose Systems

Incorporates high quality digital processors with frequency shaping options.
Uses high quality feedback cancellation.
Best Detects and reduces steady state noise (i.e. road noise, fans, etc).
Allows for manual switching for changes in directional sensitivity.
Provides volume automation for comfort.
Allows for manual selection of telephone adaptations.

Premium Digital Systems

Incorporates high quality digital processors with frequency shaping options.
Uses high quality feedback cancellation.
Allows for manual switching for changes in directional sensitivity.
Provides volume automation for comfort.

Call Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic at (425) 454-1883 for more information or to schedule an appointment.