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BTE's vs CICs
Mon, 06/28/2010 - 18:39
I've been wearing HA for about 8 years and only have used CICs. I was in my 20s when I first started wearing aids and was adamant that I not get BTEs.
I read that some people are able to hear in environments that I never thought was possible like restaurants and such. I looking into getting BTEs because I'm learnign that CICs may not be suitable for my loss. My audi never really suggested BTEs to me, though that was probably due to my insistence that I get CICs.
Are there CICs that would enable me to hear in loud settings like bars and restaurants? Or is it just that the aids I have are poor quality? Due to cosmetics I have always been wary of BTEs but I'm slowly coming around, though I'm not sure I'm quite there psychologically.
Tue, 06/29/2010 - 18:26
#2
The benefits of BTEs are that they allow for larger batteries so that they can have more power and support me features. New BTEs are so small that you can hardly see them, they're practically invisable. Even after I tell people that I wear aids, they sometimes ask where they are. You'll be able to hear so much more that you never knew you were missing and your brain will adjust quickly enough to all the new sounds. If you really don't want to hear the birds singing, or the crickets chirping, or the sound of a car come toward you, or a fire alarm going off, you can just take your aids out and go back to the world of the deaf.
Tue, 06/29/2010 - 18:40
#3
BTEs provide the most bang for you buck. They eliminate moisture problems that come with ITEs. BTEs also now come in different colors. I'd recommend you give them a try.
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 13:12
#4
I had ITE aids for about 6 years and I always felt like my ears were clogged. I just got new RITE open fit aids about 7 weeks ago. It makes a huge difference for me. I read as many things as I could on the topic, hearing many different ideas and opinions. Ulitmately it just comes down to figuring out what works for you since anybody can tell you what works for them but they'll never be able to know what works for you.
Thu, 06/10/2010 - 13:13
#5
As far as cosmetics go, my transition from ITE to BTEs was far easier than I thought it was going to be.
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 03:11
#6
The completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid is a small custom-made hearing aid that fits completely inside the ear canal. Besides the benefit of being small in size, the CIC provides a closer proximity to the eardrum which can improve the perceived sound quality and volume. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids fit comfortably behind-the-ear and are attached to a soft custom earmold. BTE hearing aids can provide more amplification than smaller devices due to the stronger amplifier and the larger battery. This style is available in the programmable, digital, and conventional circuits, and in several colors for hair and skin tone matching.
ITE/OTE are one of the most popular types of hearing aids being fitted right now due to how comfortable they are the fact that they have directional microphones which help reduce background noise. The designs for these aids have gotten smaller and some are even wireless so that you can use your phone and such. You may want to look into the Phanak Audeo Smart and the Oticon Agil.