Hearing Aid Selection in North Vancouver
Hearing Aids
Finding the right device for your treatment and lifestyle.
Request your appointmentHearing Aid Styles
The style of the hearing aid is chosen and prescribed based on:
- Hearing loss
- Anatomical/medical considerations (e.g. ear shape/size)
- Manual dexterity
- Vision abilities
- Lifestyle
- Skin sensitivities
- Cosmetics
Prescription Hearing aids typically are grouped into two categories: In-The-Ear and Behind-The-Ear.
Custom styles
In-The-Ear Styles (i.e. Custom Styles)
In-the-Ear hearing aid styles are custom fit biomedical devices that are manufactured using a 3D scan, or silicone cast, of your outer ear. All of the components of these hearing aids are located in the ear. The shell and faceplate come in various colours for different skin tones and preferences. In the ear styles range in size.
Style 01
Invisible In The Canal (IIC)
For mild to moderately-severe hearing losses, the IIC is the ultimate in discretion. The entire hearing aid fits deep in the ear canal making it completely invisible in most ears.
Note: This style of hearing aid is only appropriate for certain hearing losses and certain ear canals.
Style 02
Completely in The Canal (CIC)
For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss, the CIC is slightly larger than the IIC, making it virtually undetectable.
Note: As with the IIC, this style of hearing aid is only appropriate for certain hearing losses and certain ear canals.
Style 03
In The Canal (ITC)
For mild to severe hearing loss, this hearing aid fills more of the concha (i.e. the bowl of your ear).
Style 04
In The Ear (ITE) or Full Shell
For mild to severe hearing loss, this hearing aid fills the entire concha (i.e. the bowl of your ear).
BTE styles
Behind-The-Ear Styles
Behind-the-Ear styles are biomedical devices that are located behind or on top of the outer ear (pinna), with a tubing or wire that routes the sound into an ear piece in the ear canal. The ear piece may be custom molded from an impression/cast of your ear (i.e. an earmold) or it might be a more universal ear tip (i.e. dome). BTE hearing aids come in various colours for different skin tones, hair colours, and personal preferences. BTE styles are also available with disposable or rechargeable batteries.
Style 01
Behind The Ear (BTE)
For mild to profound hearing loss, this hearing aid suits all hearing losses. Sitting behind the ear, it delivers sound through a tube that is attached to an earmold in the ear.
Style 02
Receiver In The Ear/Canal (RITE/RIC)
Suitable for mild to severe hearing losses, this hearing aid suits a wide variety of hearing losses. This is the most popular hearing aid style fit today due to its versatility, reliability, and size.
Style 03
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Rechargeable hearing aids bring the simplicity of all-day power without the hassle of changing batteries.
When Sounds Grow Muffled, It's Time to Take Action.
Struggling to follow conversations? A hearing test could be the first step toward clearer communication.
Request Your Appointment