Hearing Devices in Victoria

BTE devices have a small plastic case that fits behind the ear and conducts sound to the ear canal, usually through an ear mould that is custom-made. BTEs can be used for mild to profound hearing losses and are especially useful for children because of their durability and ability to connect to assistive listening devices such as classroom FM systems.

Their colours range from very inconspicuous skin tones for adults to bright colours and optional decorations for children. Recent innovations in BTEs include miniature "invisible" BTEs otherwise known as Micro BTEs with thin, hair-like sound tubes (see open-fit devices below). These are often less visible than in-the-ear (ITE) and some keep the ear canal more open so listeners may still utilise their residual natural hearing (most helpful for those with normal hearing in the lower frequencies). Ideal for high-frequency losses, these miniature versions are generally used for mild to moderate hearing loss.

These devices fit in the outer ear bowl. They are sometimes visible when standing face-to-face with someone. ITE hearing devices are custom-made to fit each individual's ear. They can be used in mild to some severe hearing losses. Feedback, a squealing/whistling caused by sound leaking out of the device and being amplified again may be a problem for severe hearing losses.

Some modern circuits are able to provide feedback regulation or cancellation to assist with this. Traditionally, ITEs have not been recommended for young children because their fit could not be as easily modified as the ear mould for a BTE and thus the device had to be replaced frequently as the child grew.

ITC devices are smaller than the ITEs filling only the bottom half of the external ear. You usually cannot see very much of this hearing device when you are face-to-face with someone. The final size of the device will depend on the shape and physical size of the ear canal and the features on the device.

These devices are even smaller and often not visible unless you look directly into the wearer's ear. Although the advances in technology are allowing MIC and CIC devices to be fitted to larger hearing losses than ever before, these devices are usually fitted for mild to moderately severe losses. Another issue for CICs is an individual’s ear canal must of a certain size and shape to accommodate the device. Whilst the cosmetic appeal is high for some wearers, these devices are limited in their range of options, e.g., directional microphones and T-coils are not always able to be fitted.

Recently, a new device has come on the market: the "open-fit" or "over-the-ear" OTE hearing device. Usually quite discrete, these are small behind-the-ear type devices with a much finer clear tube that runs down into the ear canal. Inside the ear canal, there is a small soft silicone dome or a moulded, highly vented acrylic tip that holds the tube in place. There are also devices available which have an external speaker, placed inside the ear canal and connected to the hearing system itself by a thin wire.

These are known as RITE or receiver-in-the-ear. The external speaker allows the device behind the ear to be even smaller. These devices are designed to reduce the "occlusion effect" which is the amplification of your own voice when your ears are plugged up (try sticking your fingers in your ears and talking). Conversely, they increase the possibility of feedback and as such are limited to moderate high-frequency losses. Open-fit devices are very beneficial for high-frequency hearing losses and have been introduced by all major hearing device companies.