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Hearing aid types

I never imagined a hearing aid would improve my quality of life this much.

There are different types of hearing aids, addressing different types of hearing loss and needs.

Visible hearing aids

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

The Behind the Ear (BTE) is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. It is a classic hearing aid, with a part in the auricle and a part behind the ear. The parts are connected with a visible hollow tube that carries the sound from the BTE into the ear. The receiver (loudspeaker) and the microphone are placed in the housing behind the ear.

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

The Receiver in Canal (RIC) is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. The RIC consists of one part behind the ear, and places the speaker in the auricle. Instead of a visible hollow tube, there’s a thin wire connecting the two parts. The speaker is placed in the ear-tip instead of in the housing behind the ear, thereby reducing the size of that part. Placing the receiver inside the ear results in better hearing.

Microphone-and-Receiver-in-Canal (MaRiC)

ExSilent’s unique MaRiC places both the microphone and receiver (the loudspeaker) inside the ear canal, connected to another small part behind the ear. This most sophisticated, high tech hearing aid treats mild and moderate hearing loss. Due to the location of the microphone inside the ear, directivity is enhanced and wind noise reduced. ExSilent’s Ytango hearing aids are the only ones on the market that use this most advanced MaRiC design.

Nearly invisible hearing aids

In-The-Ear (ITE)

These devices consist of a single part, placed in the outer ear bowl (called the concha). They treat mild, moderate and severe hearing impairments. ITE hearing aids are smaller compared to the Receiver-In-Canal, but are still quite visible.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

This type of hearing aid is normally used in cases of mild to moderate hearing loss. It is smaller than the In-The-Ear type. It is placed in the ear canal, and it is somewhat visible while wearing.

Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC) - invisible

I never knew invisible hearing aids existed

This smallest type of hearing aid is nearly invisible due to its placement inside the ear canal. The aid typically addresses a mild to moderate hearing loss. Since the device needs to be positioned completely in the ear canal, people with medium to large ear canals are able to fit the device comfortably. Due to the location of the microphone inside the ear, directivity is enhanced and wind noise reduced. ExSilent is a market leader in CICs with its stylish Q product line.