Home | Shop | Site Map | Contact

Hearing Instruments
Types of Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Manufacturers
Trouble Shooting Guide
Maintenance and Care
Two Hearing Aids vs. One
Cost of Hearing Aids
Sign-up to receive news
and product updates
from RHC
Home > Hearing Aids > Types of Hearing Aids
Types of Hearing Aids


In Days Gone By
  The simplest and oldest method of increasing your level of hearing is cupping your hand behind your ear, thereby collecting and reflecting sound waves into the auditory canal. In years gone by the "ear trumpet" was occasionally used by those experiencing some form of hearing loss. However, these methods are not the most reliable or sophisticated!

21st Century Solutions   Today's technologically advanced hearing instruments are sophisticated amplification systems that actually collect sounds and amplify them. There are four types of hearing instruments on the market today, virtually invisible, yet enormously efficient. Essentially, they all function in a similar fashion but are suited to specific types of conditions and degrees of hearing loss. The type of hearing instrument you use will directly depend on the results of your hearing assessment and other criteria such as comfort.


Completely-in-the-Canal Instruments (CIC)

CICs are the smallest, most inconspicuous type of hearing instrument, and are considered by some to be more cosmetically appealing than other types available today. Crafted to fit entirely within the ear canal and custom made to the contours of an individual's ear, CIC hearing instruments are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.

In-the-Canal Instruments (ITC)

ITCs are larger than the hearing instruments designed to fit entirely within the ear canal, and smaller than an ITE. The ITC hearing instrument is the most flexible hearing instrument - designed to manage a wide range of hearing needs.

In-the-Ear Instruments (ITE)

ITEs fit into the cradle portion of the ear and are designed to accommodate a range of hearing conditions. Custom made according to the shape of an individual's ear, they provide optimum fit and overall performance, and cosmetic appeal.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing instruments are worn behind the ear and are connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. Sound travels through the earmold into the ear. BTE hearing instruments are used by people of all ages who experience mild to profound hearing loss.

Read more about hearing aids:
- About Hearing Instruments
- Featured Hearing Aids by Hearing Aid Manufacturers
- Hearing Aids Troubleshooting Guide
- Hearing Aids Maintenance and Care
- Two Hearing Aids vs. One
- Cost of Hearing Aids

For all the moments that are yours to live, contact Robillard Hearing Centres for more information or to arrange an appointment for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.


Hearing Loss | Types of Hearing Loss | Signs of Hearing Loss | Free Online Hearing Test | Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid Batteries | Hearing Evaluation | Hearing Aid Repairs | Links | Site Map | Contact Us

Ottawa East: 613-745-5299, 198 McArthur Ave., Ottawa ON, Canada K1L 6P5
Ottawa West: 613-729-1404, 151 Holland Ave., Ottawa ON, Canada K1Y 0Y2

Weekly Clinics are also held in Hawkesbury 1-800-490-5365, Brockville and Renfrew 1-800-267-1571

©2007 Robillard Hearing Centre. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.