Broadly speaking, there are two major factors to be considered when selecting a new hearing aid - style expectations and technological requirements. These choices are impacted by degree and type of hearing loss, lifestyle, dexterity and cost. We hope the following explanations will prove a guiding hand.

Completely in Canal (CIC)

CIC hearing aids, as the name suggests, fit totally into the ear canal making them invisible to an observer. CIC is the ideal option, therefore, if utmost discretion is paramount.

Due to our independent status we have access to custom made CIC's suitable for a wide range of hearing losses from mild to severe (despite what you might have been told elsewhere!).

Inside the Canal (ITC)

ITC hearing aids sit in the ear canal and the bottom portion of the ear bowl. This style is incredibly compact yet still simple to handle. They are available in both standard and power custom made formats, thus can increasingly accommodate even very severe losses.

Inside the Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids fill most of the bowl of the ear. This custom made style is preferable for individuals with limited finger dexterity, as it is easier to insert and manipulate the controls. They are superbly economical for battery usage. It is also possible to generate greater power from an ITE, providing more scope to increase the volume if hearing levels deteriorate.

Receiver in the Ear (RITE)

RITE or 'open ear' fittings have become vastly popular in the last few years. Their outstanding qualities include discretion on a par with CIC's and natural, occlusion free voice reproduction such that the wearer never feels removed from their surroundings. They have been attributed with lowering the average first time hearing aid client age by a decade! RITE's are ideal for restoring high frequency sounds, post-operative ears needing decent ventilation, even many severe hearing losses. They are also available in almost any colour you can think of!

Behind the Ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids consist of sound processing components in neat casing behind the ear, attached to a mould partially filing the ear bowl. They are ultra reliable, easy to manipulate and can be connected to items including mobile phones, MP3 players and radios. Certainly in the past function won out over beauty; nowadays the range of colours and designs act to banish any stigma attached to wearing BTE's. The massive fitting range of this style makes it suitable for every hearing loss, from mild to profound.

To arrange an appointment or request more information,
simply email info@jameshearing.com
or telephone 01869 601199 / 07974 735811.