Hearing aids are available in many different sizes and styles. The style that is recommended is not only based on the degree and configuration of hearing loss but also the desired features and the needs of the patient. The majority of the hearing aids we fit are all bluetooth compatible, meaning they can be paired with bluetooth technology to wirelessly stream phone calls and music to the hearing aids and, in some cases, connect to the internet. There are numerous Apps that can be used with the hearing aids when paired to mobile phones to make adjustments to the hearing aids volume and sound quality. We offer hearing aids with rechargeable batteries so there is no need for weekly battery changes or the extra cost of batteries. This technology is also very helpful for patients with vision or dexterity issues.
Southeast Michigan Hearing Center partners with numerous hearing aid manufacturers to ensure that we offer the newest in advanced hearing aid technology with features that meet patient’s specific communication needs. These manufacturers include, Phonak, Oticon, Resound, Starkey and Signia.
Completely In Canal (CIC)
One of the smallest custom styles, CIC instruments, fit deeply within the ear canal with the smallest battery size available and are nearly invisible when worn. However due to their smaller size, they are limited on the technology and features that they can include.
In The Canal (ITC)
ITC instruments are appropriate for mild and moderate hearing losses and fit entirely in the ear canal. Because they’re slightly larger than CIC models, they have a larger battery, hence longer battery life, and also include additional features such as directional microphones for better understanding in noisy environments and controls such as volume and program controls.
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)
RITE models have the speaker of the instrument housed in the ear, with the main body of the instrument nestled behind the ear. RITE hearing aids are held in the ear by a small plastic dome with a thin, virtually invisible, wire that connects the body of the hearing aid to the speaker.
This is one of the most popular style of hearing aids, due to its relatively small size that is hidden behind the ear and its comfort. These hearing aids come in a variety of battery sizes, including rechargeable and numerous features including rechargeable batteries, volume controls, directional microphones, tinnitus maskers and bluetooth compatibility.
Full Shell (FS) or In-the-Ear (ITE)
Full shell models sit flush within the ear. Because of their larger size they are appropriate for mild-to-severe hearing losses. They can be built with a number of controls and features, including bluetooth technology.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid hooks over the top of your ear and rests behind the ear. A tube connects the hearing aid to a custom made earmold that fits in the ear canal. This type is appropriate for people of all ages and those with almost any type of hearing loss.
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids
Bone-anchored hearing aids use a surgically implanted abutment to transmit sound via bone conduction to the inner ear, bypassing the external auditory canal and middle ear. This type of hearing aid is primarily suited for people who have conductive hearing losses, single-sided deafness and people with mixed hearing losses who cannot wear ITE or BTE hearing aids.
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear Implants are a surgically implanted, electronic device that provides hearing to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. The Cochlear Implant has an external device (sound processor) and internal device (magnet & electrode array) which communicate via electronic impulses to transmit sound to the auditory nerve. Cochlear Implants are suitable for patients with poor word discrimination or patients who have minimal benefit with traditional hearing aids.