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Hearing Aids - American Hearing Aid Associates
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CIC
(Completely in the Canal)
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This
is the smallest type of hearing aid made and is almost invisible
in the ear. All the components are housed in a small case
that fits far into the ear canal. This takes advantage of
the ear's own natural sound-collecting design and offers convenient
telephone usage.
CICs are custom made for each ear; however, these hearing
aids are restricted to persons with ear canals large enough
to accommodate the insertion depth of the instrument into
the ear. Also, the CIC style uses a very small battery that
requires good manual dexterity. This type of hearing aid is
not suitable for persons with severe hearing losses. |
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ITC
(In the Canal)
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| A
little bigger than the CIC, the ITC hearing aids also fit
far into the ear canal. Canal hearing aids use a slightly
larger battery than the CIC style. This style is used for
mild to moderate hearing losses. |
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ITE
(In the Ear)
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| These
hearing aids can be used for a wider range of hearing losses.
Due to their larger size, ITEs can accommodate larger sound
amplifiers and more features such as a telephone switch. They
are also easier to handle. |
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BTE
(Behind the Ear)
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| In
BTE hearing aids, the electronics are housed in a case that
fits behind the ear. Tubing and a custom made earmold direct
the sound to the ear canal. Due to its robust design, this
style is especially recommended for children. BTE hearing
aids can provide more amplification than smaller devices due
to the stronger amplifier and the larger battery. This style
is available in several colors for hair and skin tone matching. |
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