Hearing Aids

Hearing aids make a phenomenal impact on your ability to hear! In any environment, they significantly improve your quality of life. 

Your consultation with our team will guide you to the perfect device, optimizing your communication and ideally fitting your lifestyle.

Why Boulder Valley ENT?

Our full-service approach focuses on you, your communication needs and active lifestyle.

We offer a diverse portfolio of hearing products, including the latest technologies and OTC-comparable hearing aids. We will customize your hearing devices to your unique environmental needs.

Hearing Aid Styles

Hearing Aid Styles Descriptions:

Lyric Hearing aid

The Lyric hearing aid is the world’s first hearing aid that you can wear 24/7!  All the mechanisms are stored securely and safely inside a soft, foam body that adjusts to the shape of your ear canal all the while allowing for natural ventilation and stability. Since the hearing aid can be left in the ear canal for months at a time, the battery has been specifically designed to withstand the deep ear environment for extended periods of time. Lyric works by amplifying sounds using the natural mechanisms of the ear. It is placed in the ear canal by one of our trained specialists making it 100% invisible to others.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

RIC hearing aids consist of a main body behind the ear and a narrow tube extending into the ear canal. The speaker or “receiver” is in the ear canal, separated from the power source, which helps to provide a natural sound quality. RIC hearing aids are lightweight, less visible than BTE models, and appropriate for all types of hearing loss. They also accommodate a variety of technological features like Bluetooth. The separation of components helps to reduce feedback, but they may require more maintenance due to moisture and wax build-up.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

CIC hearing aids are slightly larger than IIC devices but are still designed to sit entirely within the ear canal, making them barely visible. They are also custom-made for a precise fit, enhancing comfort and sound quality. Despite their small size, some models can accommodate directional microphones. Like IIC aids, CIC aids may pose handling challenges for individuals with dexterity issues. CIC hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss and sit deeper in the ear canal than other styles, providing a natural sound experience. 

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

These devices sit partially in the ear canal, with only a small part visible from the outside. ITC hearing aids are custom-fitted and larger than CIC and IIC devices, which makes them easier to handle and allows for longer battery life. Despite being larger, they’re still relatively discrete. They support additional features like volume controls and directional microphones. However, due to their size, they are still limited in power and are usually best for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE hearing aids are larger devices that fill the outer part of the ear. These aids are easier to handle and typically have a longer battery life than smaller aids. They also support a wider range of additional features, like volume controls, directional microphones, and wireless connectivity. The larger size and increased power make ITE hearing aids suitable for a wider range of hearing loss, including severe cases. However, their visibility is higher compared to other styles.

Invisible in Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids:

Invisible-in-canal hearing aids are some of the smallest devices available, specifically designed to sit deep within the ear canal, rendering them practically unseen to the naked eye. They’re typically custom-made to fit an individual’s ear, thereby ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. Despite their size, IIC hearing aids boast advanced technology, offering superior sound quality. However, their tiny size might make them less suitable for individuals with dexterity issues and severe hearing loss. Their smaller batteries have a shorter lifespan and don’t support additional features like directional microphones or Bluetooth.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids are the largest style and are designed to sit behind or on top of the outer ear, with a tube that directs the sound into the ear canal. Their larger size allows them to accommodate more features, larger batteries and provides more power. This makes them suitable for all levels of hearing loss, from mild to profound. BTE models are easy to handle but are the most visible type of hearing aid.

Over the Counter Hearing Aids

With all the recent news about the FDA approval of OTC (over the counter) hearing aids, it’s hard to know where to turn to get honest information. 

You deserve expert advice from people you can trust.

Your decision to improve your hearing and communication concerns requires a qualified professional partner that can help you navigate the complicated world of hearing devices. Our team will listen to your goals, and provide you the appropriate information to help you make the best choice to fit your lifestyle.

We always offer the latest in technological advancements at a variety of prices to meet your needs. It is our greatest honor to serve you, as we have for the Boulder and greater Colorado communities, for over 50 years!

If you think you may benefit from hearing aids or have questions regarding hearing aids, schedule an appointment with one of our caring and experienced ENT specialists for a full evaluation today!