Audio Devices & More at The Georgetown Hearing Clinic

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC): CICs are molded to fit completely into the ear canal and are virtually invisible. We recommend for mild to severe hearing loss. Although some prefer the discreet appearance, like all custom fit hearing aids, they are prone to wax build up and must be sent to manufacturer for repairs. Battery life commonly runs between 3 to 6 days since these small devices can only fit a smaller battery. 

Receiver-in-canal (RIC): These are the most commonly prescribed aids at our clinic. The microphones are located behind the ear, and the receiver follows the contour of the ear into the canal. Air can travel in and out of the ear canal, which makes voices sound as natural as possible. We recommend these for mild to severe hearing loss. These devices are very easy to configure because of the variety of receiver strengths and dome sizes and styles. RICs are also very easy to service and repair with wax guards, domes and receivers that we can replace right here in the clinic. Some models of RICs can use a rechargeable battery system, and accessories like hand-held remote controls are also available. 

Behind-the-ear (BTE): The hearing aid sits comfortably behind the ear and is connected by clear tubing to a custom fit earmold that fits inside your ear canal. We recommend these for severe to profound hearing loss. The body of the hearing aid can be larger than the RIC because it needs more power! Larger batteries in this device can last much longer than the RICs.

In-the-ear (ITE): The hearing aid is contained in a custom shell that sits in the outer part of the ear. We can fit mild to moderate-severe hearing loss. Another custom self-contained unit prone to wax build-up, that needs to be returned to manufacturer for all repairs.

In-the-canal (ITC): A custom mold that sits partly in the ear canal and is slightly smaller than the ITE. We recommend for mild to moderate-severe hearing loss. Another custom self-contained unit prone to wax build-up, that needs to be returned to manufacturer for all repairs.