Design and Style
People have preferences about how hearing instruments should look, feel and operate.
This is often the first thing people think about when they decide to purchase a hearing solution. After all, when something is worn on the body, it is a personal experience, and cosmetics are an important consideration.
Hearing instrument manufacturers and hearing care professionals have been listening to the public. The result: choices that satisfy people more than ever before.
Research into people's preferences has produced new hearing instruments that look better than ever, without compromising performance.
Choose Your Style:
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
Behind-the-ear (BTE) instruments are by far the most popular solution and make up a large percentage of hearing instruments fit today. They are worn behind the ear and are smaller, more attractive, and sound better than ever.
There are two styles of BTE instruments- one where the receiver (speaker) is in the ear canal (RITE), or one where the receiver is inside the instrument (ear hook).
Receiver in the Ear (RITE)
All RITE solutions have their electronics, battery and microphone inside a casing worn behind the ear. An ultra thin, sculpted wire carries the amplified sound to a speaker that fits in the ear canal.
RITE Advantages:
- Superior cosmetics,
- More natural sound quality
- Comfortable open fitting
Receiver-in-the-Ear technology works well for hearing losses mild to severe.
BTE with Ear Hook
BTEs with ear hooks are connected to the ear canal via plastic tubing. The tubing is attached to an ear mold which is custom made from an ear impression to perfectly replicate the size and shape of your ear. Most BTEs with ear hooks can be fitted with a very cosmetically appealing thin tube solution.
BTE with ear hook advantages:
- Flexible physical fit options
- Accommodates super power needs
- Best choice for young children
Custom
- Custom hearing instruments range in size from the smallest CIC (Completely In the Canal) to the slightly larger ITC (In The Canal) to the HS/ITE (Half-Shell or fully In The Ear).
- All of the working parts are contained within a single unit which is custom-molded to the ear. A choice of colors is available to best match individual skin tone.
Whether you prefer a RITE style with a non-traditional design, a behind the ear or a custom version, there are a wide variety of choices available. It is important that you communicate your preferences to your Audiologist.
If you like the way they look, you will feel more comfortable about wearing them and will be not only satisfied but enthusiastic.
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