Overall there are five basic types of hearing instruments. Your hearing care professional will help you decide which type is best for your particular hearing loss.

Behind the ear (BTE): The main section of this instrument is worn behind the ear. BTEs come in a large variety of sizes – some are so small that they are nearly invisible behind the ear.

Invisible open technology (IOT): This is the newest style, introduced by Resound in April 2008. IOT fits into the ear canal like a CIC, but has the microphone placed in the external ear.

In the ear (ITE): An ITE instrument is completely contained in a custom-made acrylic shell or casing that fits into the outer ear.

In the canal (ITC): Somewhat smaller than an ITE, the casing of an ITC device is custom-made to fit the contours of your ear canal.

Completely in the canal (CIC): A CIC instrument fits so deep into the ear canals that it is practically invisible. A short plastic rod assists easy insertion. For more information on various types of hearing instruments, please visit www.resound.com