Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing aid fittings are a critical part of the process of getting hearing aids. During a hearing aid fitting, a hearing care professional will assess your needs and help you choose a hearing aid that suits your personal needs. The hearing care professional will then customize the hearing aid to fit your specific needs. This process involves programming the hearing aid to fit your hearing loss and lifestyle. After the hearing aids arrive at the audiologist's office, they will be hooked up to a computer and programmed to fit your needs. Follow-up visits are also important to ensure that the hearing aids are working properly and to make any necessary adjustments. BTE hearing aids are often recommended for people who have mild-to-moderate hearing loss

Types of Hearing Aids

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids are a type of Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid that uses a slim clear tube to deliver sound into the ear canal while the microphone and speaker reside within a dome that is placed in the opening of the ear canal. RIC hearing aids are smaller than traditional BTE models, making them a more discreet option that comes in various colors to help blend into hair and skin color. They offer a high level of sound amplification, which can be adjusted to meet individual needs and preferences, effectively treating mild to severe levels of impairment. RIC hearing aids can offer many advanced features like noise reduction and wireless connectivity to devices like smartphones, televisions, and other audio streaming sources through Bluetooth technology. RICs have become increasingly popular, striking an ideal balance between size, functionality, and performance.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are the traditional type of hearing device that sits behind the ear and uses a tube to deliver sound to an ear mold or dome inside the ear. Though they are the largest and most visible type of hearing aid, they also offer the most power and number of features. BTEs provide superior sound amplification and can effectively treat all but the most profound levels of hearing loss. In addition to numerous onboard controls like volume wheels and mode selection buttons, they can host many advanced features like noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and wireless connectivity. Furthermore, BTEs use the largest batteries, which provide unrivaled power output and longevity. While BTE hearing aids may not be as discreet as other options, they offer high performance with advanced technologies and powerful amplification. They are also ideal solutions for children as they are durable, easy to operate, and easy to maintain.

In-The-Canal (ITC)

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are larger than both IICs and CICs and are placed closer to or flush with the opening of the ear canal. They are custom-made devices that fit entirely in the aural cavity, making them less visible than other types of hearing aids. ITCs are designed to treat a range of hearing loss levels, from mild to slightly severe, but while they offer many benefits, they may not be the best option for individuals with severe hearing loss due to restricted amplification. Additionally, the battery life in ITC hearing aids is shorter than other options as their smaller size limits battery capacity, while regular maintenance may be required due to their exposure to earwax and moisture.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

Though they are larger than IICs, Completely-In-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are one of the tiniest hearing aids available on the market, designed to be almost invisible while providing a modest level of sound amplification. They are custom-molded to fit the contours of the user's ear canal for a comfortable, discreet fit. CICs sit deep within the ear canal, making them practically undetectable. However, because of their small size, CIC hearing aids may not be suitable for those with dexterity issues or those with severe hearing loss. They are also not recommended for those who often experience chronic earwax buildup.

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)

Invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids are a popular choice for those who prefer the most discreet hearing solution that also provides superior sound quality. These hearing aids are designed to be placed deep inside the ear canal, making them virtually invisible to others while offering a more natural sound due to their internal location. IIC hearing aids are custom-made to fit the unique shape of each individual's ear canal, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. They are most suitable for people with mild to moderate hearing loss as their amplification and features are limited by their extremely small size. The minute batteries that power IICs also require the most frequent replacement out of all hearing aid types.

Bobby Tunstall

2022-12-14

Top notch service. Director of Operations Jo O'Brien really cares about her clients. On my latest visit, 12/14/22, once again I received great service. Got my hearing aids serviced and supply of batteries in minutes.

Don Wood

2022-11-16

Wonderful and efficient ladies! Solves hearing problems with a smile on their face and the prices are great! They solved all my hearing problems quickly!

Anton Seiler

2022-10-20

Great staff and Miss Vickie is full of good information and freely shares her knowledge. If you feel you may have lost some hearing, Gulf Coast Audiology is your first stop. I highly recommend them.

simon bechtel

2022-09-02

I am extremely pleased with the staff and audiologist at Gulf Coast Audiology. They are very courteous and cooperative with scheduling appointments and reminders. The audiologist is very knowledgeable in this field and took the time to answer all of my questions and to explain everything. I highly recommend!

Eric James

2022-08-31

Good place to go. The lady's that work there really know there stuff and pointed me in the right direction. Thanks for your knowledge and Expertise..

William Riddell

2022-08-17

I came to Gulf Coast Audiology in my quest for a specialized piece of aviation hearing protection. From the moment I explained what I was looking for, I was met with genuine interest and intent. I explained that it seemed to be quite the process to procure the device, but after confirming that they would be able to assist, it was game on! Jo took all the information I had, asked additional questions, dug deep into the procurement process, and absolutely exceeded my expectations. Even the extra items associated with my special order were masterfully handled. The molds taken were absolute bullseyes on the first try. My first day wearing the earplugs, they were in for 7 discomfort-free hours. I even forgot that I was wearing them at one point! Highly recommended. They will be the only place I go for further hearing needs.

James Bevel

2022-07-28

The staff at gulf coast audiology are so knowledgeable in their field. They make sure all your hearing needs are their priority. The caring staff teaches you everything you need to properly wear, maintain and use your equipment. Gulf coast audiology will be the only place I go for my hearing needs.

David Rodgers

2022-07-26

My resent visit to Gulf Coast Audiology with Dr.Vickie Cruse was great, Ms. Cruse was so professional she talked me through what was to take place prior to getting started and after everything was over she explained the results in a manner I could clearly understand, great job two thumbs up 👍👍.