Types of Hearing Aids

In The Ear (ITE)

In the Ear, hearing aid fits directly into the external ear.

In The Canal (ITC)

In the Canal, it is possible to make hearing aids small to fill just a portion of the external ear.

Completely In The Canal (CIC)

Completely in the Canal, fit deeply into the ear canal, making them nearly invisible.

Behind The Ear (BTE)

Behind the Ear, hearing aid is housed in a small curved case that fits behind the ear and is attached to a custom earpiece molded to the shape of your outer ear. Some BTE models do not use a custom earpiece; instead, the rubber tubing is inserted directly into the ear. The case is typically flesh colored, but can be obtained in many colors and/or patterns.

Telecoils

Electromagnetic signals can be picked up from the handset of the telephone and amplified in a manner similar to the amplifying function of the hearing aid. Also known as T-coils these features allow the user to benefit from assistive listening systems, including FM systems, infra-red systems, and audio (inductive) loops.

Resources for Assistance In Obtaining  Hearing Aids

  • Vocational Rehabilitation – if you are employed or seeking employment and need hearing aids to work, your local Vocational Rehabilitation office may be able to help
  • Medicare or Medicaid – may pay for one hearing aid. If your hearing loss requires two hearing aids you may appeal the decision. You may need the help of an advocate to help you understand the rules in your state.
  • National Assistive Technology Technical Assistance Partnership (NATTAP) – http://www.resnaprojects.org/nattap/
  • Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project (LAHAP) – http://www.lcif.org/EN/our-programs/humanitarian-efforts/hearing/index.php
  • Let Them Hear – Advocates for any patient who has been turned down for insurance coverage for a hearing device –– http://www.letthemhear.org
  • Hear Now – http://www.sotheworldmayhear.org/hearnow/  – Hear Now collects hearing aids for recycling purposes. Any make or model, regardless of age, can be donated to the hearing aid recycling program. All donations are tax deductible and a letter of acknowledgement will be sent to all identified donors.