Your goals for better hearing may include enjoying conversations at restaurants, hearing the television at any volume, connecting with loved ones by sharing family stories, or hearing the voices of children more clearly. From larger devices that are easier to handle, to tiny, invisible, or nearly invisible devices that are concealed within the ear canal, Purchase Ear Technology has options sure to meet your hearing or cosmetic needs.
Hearing aids come in a wide variety of styles and with a wide range of functions and features to address an individual’s specific needs. The basic components of a hearing aid include a microphone, an amplifier, a receiver, and (in the case of digital hearing technology) a small computer. No matter the level of hearing loss, a hearing aid can benefit you.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids consist of a hard plastic case worn behind the ear and connected to a plastic ear-mold that fits inside the outer ear. The electronic parts are held in the case behind the ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the ear-mold and into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss.
- Typically offers more power than a custom-made hearing aid
- Robust for active wears
- Suitable for all degrees of hearing loss
- Large, easy-to-use hearing aids that are very reliable
Reciever-in-Canal (RIC)
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) or “Open-Ear” hearing aids are the newest design to reduce or eliminate that echo or plugged up feeling wearers can sometimes experience (referred to as the occlusion effect). They are easy to wear and barely noticeable.
- For mild to moderately severe hearing loss
- Offers the greatest flexibility in programming
- Water resistant and very durable
- Leaves the ear open
- Reduced or no “plugged up” feeling
- Sleek design barely visible when worn
Mini Behind-the-Ear (miniBTE)
Mini Behind-the-Ear (Mini-BTE) hearing aids are very similar to the Behind-the-Ear style, but is much smaller and less noticeable. This style holds the electronics in a slim case that hooks over the top of the ear and hides behind the top of the ear, the same place where eyeglasses rest. A clear narrow tube follows the front of the ear and carries sound to the tiny ear bud, which sits unnoticeable in the ear canal.
- Allows natural sounds to enter the ear canal
- Can be selected, programmed and fit in a single visit
- Very discreet and appealing to people with cosmetic concerns
- Does not require custom molding
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) hearing aids are a 100% invisible when worn. This type of hearing aid sits deep in the ear canal ensuring sound travels quickly and accurately to your eardrum. These 100% invisible hearing aids are designed for daily removal.
- 100% invisible when worn
- Hear clearly in noise
- Sculpted for your ear canal
- Highest definition sound quality
- Designed for daily removal
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Completely-In-Canal (CIC) hearing aids use micro-technology allowing them to be worn deep inside the ear canal. CIC’s are so tiny, they are almost invisible when worn.
- For mild to moderate hearing loss
- Cosmetically desirable because these hearing aids are tiny in size
- Programmed to have automatic or push button settings
- Require good manual dexterity in order to place the hearing aid in the ears
- Virtually undetectable
- Placement within the ear cuts down on wind noise
In-the-Canal (ITC)
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are smaller than the ITE style and are also custom made to fit the size and shape of your ear canal.
- For mild to moderately severe hearing loss
- Fits in the ear canal
- Variety of technology level choices that previously required a larger aid
- Barely visible in the ear
- Easy to use with the telephone
- May not fit well in small ears
In-the-Ear (ITE)
In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made and fit comfortably inside the ear.
- For mild to severe hearing loss
- Fits directly into external ear
- Inserted and adjusted with ease
- Easy to insert into the ear because of its larger size
- Easy-to-operate larger features such as volume control