Hearing Aids

If you've been thinking about getting a hearing aid, the ISU Speech & Hearing team can help. We can help with all parts of the process, starting with selection and fittings. We also offer ongoing check appointments and repairs at our walk-in clinic.

Hearing aids vary a great deal in price, size, special features, and the way they're placed in your ear. There are also quite a few different styles available, including:

Completely in the canal (CIC) or mini CIC

A completely-in-the-canal hearing aid is molded to fit inside your ear canal. It improves mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. Smallest and least visible type.

In the canal (ITC)

An in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is custom molded and fits partly in the ear canal. This style can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. Less visible than larger styles, more visible than CIC.

In the ear

An in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid is custom-made in two styles — one that fills most of the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear (full shell) and one that fills only the lower part (half shell). Helpful for people with mild to severe hearing loss.

Behind the ear

A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid hooks over the ear and rests behind it. A tube connects the hearing aid to an earpiece that fits in your ear canal. Appropriate for people of all ages and those with almost any type of hearing loss.

Receiver in canal or receiver in the ear

The receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) styles are similar to BTE hearing aids with the speaker or receiver in the canal or in the ear. The difference is that a tiny wire connects the piece instead of tubing.

Open fit

An open-fit hearing aid is a variation of the BTE style. It allows for low-frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally and it amplifies high-frequency sounds. Good choice for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.