Hearing technology has experienced rapid and considerable change in recent years. That change has made hearing devices:
• More cosmetically appealing than ever before
• Provide a higher quality of sound due to the use of digital
• More automated and easy to use
• Provide more comfort and many options

STYLES OF HEARING DEVICES
Today's hearing instruments are smaller than ever. Some are virtually invisible! Even the more powerful hearing devices that
traditionally sit behind one's ear are available in "miniature" styles. Your hearing professional will help you choose the size
that is correct for you based on your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle and your manual dexterity. Hearing device styles get their names from where they sit on your ear. Once you know that, their names are easy to remember.

RECEIVER-­IN-­THE-­EAR (RITE)/OPEN-­FIT
This style of hearing device is the most popular today due to their inconspicuous nature and excellent sound quality. The receiver is built into a soft open dome and placed inside the ear canal with thin electrical wires replacing the acoustic tube of conventional BTEs.

COMPLETELY-­IN-­THE-­CANAL INSTRUMENTS (CIC)
CIC hearing instruments are custom-made to fit deep within the ear canal and are nearly invisible. However, they are not suitable for those who have severe hearing loss or who would have di"culty handling a tiny battery. This style is not appropriate for all hearing loss types.

IN-­THE-­CANAL INSTRUMENTS (ITC)
Slightly larger than the CIC, ITC instruments are also custom-made and !ll the bottom half of the external ear. Only barely noticeable to those in face-to-face conversation, the ITC uses a slightly larger battery than the CIC style.

IN-­THE-­EAR INSTRUMENTS (ITE)
ITE hearing instruments !t in the bowl of the outer ear (concha) and are custom-!t for the individual. Usually visible when facing another person, ITEs can accommodate larger sound ampli!ers and o#er more features. Their size makes them easier to handle and allows the use of a longer lasting battery.

BEHIND-­THE-­EAR INSTRUMENTS (BTE)
In general, BTEs are more powerful than smaller
hearing devices due to the stronger ampli!er and larger battery. In BTE instruments the electronics sit behind the ear and the sound is directed through a tube into the ear canal. BTEs are also o#ered in a miniature size.

Most hearing instruments require batteries that need to be replaced every 7–10 days.