Hearing Aid Options

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Hearing Aid Options

FREE Hearing Screenings
(by appointment only)

hearing screenings picture man with child

The Hearing Center offers a broad range of high-quality hearing aids designed to suit our patients' personal needs and preferences. Our audio professionals will help you select a hearing aid that perfectly matches the degree of hearing loss, the level of experience with hearing aids, and the lifestyle and financial circumstances of each individual patient.

Free hearing screenings are available on a "walk in basis" and evaluations are available by appointment only. To schedule your appointment, please call 508-994-1400, or complete this form

Here is a brief summary of the most popular types and styles of hearing aids available today.

Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC)
In-The-Canal (ITC)
In-The-Ear (ITE)
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)


Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC) hearing instruments This is the smallest type of hearing aid available and it is almost invisible in the ear. All the components are housed in a small case that fits far into the ear canal. This takes advantage of the ear's own anatomical design and ability to collect sound naturally. CICs are custommade for each ear; however, these hearing aids are restricted to people with ear canals large enough to accommodate the insertion depth of the instrument into the ear. Also, the CIC style uses a very small battery that requires good manual dexterity. This type of hearing aid is not suitable for people with severe hearing losses.

In-the-Canal hearing instruments (ITCs) A little bigger than the CIC, the ITC hearing aids also fit far into the ear canal. Canal hearing aids use a slightly larger battery than the CIC style. This style is used for mild to moderate hearing losses.

In-the-Ear hearing instruments (ITEs) These hearing aids can be used for a wider range of hearing losses. Due to their larger size, ITEs can accommodate larger sound amplifiers and more features such as a telephone switch. They are also easier to handle for many people.

Behind-the-Ear hearing instruments (BTEs) In BTE hearing aids, the electronics are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Tubing and a custom-made earmould direct the sound to the ear canal. Due to its robust design, this style is especially recommended for children. BTE hearing aids can provide more amplification than smaller devices due to the stronger amplifier and larger battery. This style is available in several colours to match people's hair and skin tone, or in bright, fun colours for children.

Hearing Aids Frequently Asked Questions