Learning about your choices

What options do you have? Do nothing Get a hearing aid Get a cochlear implant Learn Sign Language

Hearing Aid Options Behind The Ear (BTE) In The Ear (ITE) In the canal (ITC) Completely in the Canal (CIC) Cochlear Implant (CI)

BTE – Behind the Ear Able to accommodate growth which is why it’s ideal for children. Earmolds are easy and cheap to make when new ones are needed. Most visible which is why some children are resistant to wearing them. Can have lots of feedback (ringing) if not fitted correctly.

In the Ear (ITC) Works for mild to severe losses Fits completely in the bowl of the ear Among the most visible types of hearing aids

In the Canal (ITC) Works only for mild to moderate losses Customized to fit your ear canal Difficult to change the battery Can have feedback

Completely in the Canal (CIC) Molded to ear canal Difficult to change settings and battery Barely visible More expensive

Open Fit Hearing Aid Similar to behind the ear (BTE) The case is much smaller Smaller tubing No earmolds involved

Cochlear Implant (CI) Works for people with severe to profound hearing loss who cannot be helped with hearing aids Directly stimulates the auditory nerve bypassing the damaged parts of the ear Requires minor surgery Does NOT restore normal hearing, instead gives a representation of sound

Sign Language Some people do not benefit enough from either hearing aid or cochlear implant They need to rely on their vision for communication and learning American Sign Language (ASL), total communication, cued speech