HEARING AID TYPES / CIRCUITS BTE: Fits behind the ear, available in many different colors. Usually this model is worn on children and Problem ears (Drainage, Wax, and Power needs). T coil is usually a standard option on this aid type.   OTE:  Fits on the ear, completely digital, fit on the spot and ready to take home.  Can be fit with custom open molds, can come with or without a volume control.  Excellent for those hard to fit high frequency losses.     ITE: Fits flush with the ear. Least expensive type, and has a lot of power. This aid is easy to use and is available with or without a T coil for telephone usage. Half Shell: This aid is a cross between the ITE and ITC, it is not as noticeable as an ITE, and it can be made more powerful than a canal. ITC: Also known as a canal, this aid fits into the canal, it is mid sized, and mid priced. This aid has a fair amount of power available, and it also sounds more natural to the user because it uses part of the ear to acquire sounds. Mini Canal: This aid is a cross between a canal and a CIC (Completely in the Canal). It is smaller than a canal and goes further in the ear canal CIC: This aid "Disappears" into the ear canal. It is very small, it is the best sounding because of the closeness to the eardrum and because of its use of most of the ear, this produces the most natural effect. This aid can not always be fitted in all patients.   Cross and Bi Cross: This aid is for people who have one dead ear and one good ear or one dead ear and a hearing loss in the other. There are different styles that are available for this type of fitting. Linear: Straight amplification. Everything at every frequency is equally amplified. Compression: Loud sounds are quieter, and quiet sounds are made louder. It makes aids more "comfortable" to listen to. Trimmer Based Digital: Digital circuitry inside while the adjustments are made externally without the aid of the computer. In office or in home adjustablity, this allows more flexibility with sound in the users everyday environment. Digital: Top of the line - highest quality. These are frequency adjustable, which means the aid can be custom tailored to match your hearing loss. You can have up to 3 different channels or programs in a digital hearing aid, these are used for different listening situations that you may encounter, such as home, restaurant, traffic, theater, places of worship, or telephone usage. Wisconsin Hearing Service | 1566 West Mason Street South End of The Beacon Center Green Bay, WI 54303 | (920) 497-7944 | (800) 359-3184