Styles of Hearing Aid Instruments

	Canal Receiver Technology (CRT) An ultra-small, lightweight, Behind-the-Ear (BTE) style that sits snugly behind the ear and connects to the ear with nearly invisible thin tube. A tiny speaker in the ear canal delivers brilliant, natural sound.
	Open Behind-the-Ear (BTE) A small BTE hearing aid attaches to a slim tube which directs sound into the ear. This "open" type of fitting is very comfortable and discreet. It is suitable for mild to moderate high-frequency hearing losses.
	Behind-the-ear (BTE) BTE's are worn comfortably behind the ear while amplified sound travels down a tube to a customized earmold that fits securely into the ear. Because they are larger, BTE's can accommodate bigger batteries for longer life and larger amplifiers for maximum amplification. Most BTE's are compatible with assistive listening devices. BTE's are suitable for mild to profound hearing losses.
	Full Shell (ITE) Full shells are also custom-made to fit securely in your outer ear. They are larger in size than the half shell and are suitable for mild to severe hearing losses.
	Half Shell (ITE) Half shells are custom-made to fit securely in your outer ear, ensuring optimum performance and maximum comfort. Half shells are suitable for mild to severe hearing losses.
	Canal (ITC) Canal hearing aids are custom-made to fit inside the external ear canal, making them almost unnoticeable. Canal hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.
	Mini-Canal (ITC) Mini canal hearing aids are custom-made to fit almost entirely inside the ear canal, making them difficult to notice. Mini canal hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.
	Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) The smallest hearing aid available, the CIC fits deeply inside the ear canal, making it almost invisible. Benefits include cosmetic appeal, more natural sound, reduced feedback, less occlusion ("talking in a barrel" effect), improved telephone use and decreased wind noise. CIC's are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses.