Hearing Aid Guide
The PENTA audiologists work with a variety of manufacturers, which includes Phonak, Siemens, and Resound. However, as audiologists, we are able to choose from any manufacturer.
Receiver in the Canal (RIC)
- For mild to profound hearing loss
- Cosmetically appealing
- Provides the benefits of a full-size model BTE in the smallest casing available
- Sound conducted into the ear by receiver in the canal
- Available in many colors
Behind The Ear (BTE)
- For mild to profound hearing loss
- All components in a small, slim case worn behind the ear
- Sound conducted to the ear through a plastic tube attached to an earmold
- Capability to manually adjust volume or programs depending on the manufacture
- Available in many colors
In The Ear (ITE)
- For mild to severe hearing loss
- All components contained in a housing that fills concha bowl of the outer ear and extends into the ear canal
- Sound conducted into the ear by receiver in the canal
In The Canal (ITC)
- For mild to moderately-severe hearing loss
- Moderately small
- All components in a housing that fits in ear opening and canal
- Sound conducted into the ear by the receiver in the canal
- Less visible in the ear than ITE models
Completely In The Canal (CIC)
- For mild to moderate hearing loss
- Cosmetically appealing
- All components in a molded housing that fits in the ear canal
- Receiver located in the canal
- No user-adjustable controls
- Almost invisible in ear
- Wearer must have a fairly straight ear canal