Hearing aid styles, explained in ordinary words.
RIC, BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, IIC and ready-to-wear CIC. Starting from fully covered basic PRSI models. Advanced models from €350 per aid after the PRSI grant.
We’ll call you back
Name and number. We call within one business hour.
No referral. Free test. Up to €1,000 PRSI grant. Local clinic. 4-year warranty. Same-week slots when we can
The style is the shape, not the brand. We pick it after a free hearing test, from how your ears look and how you live. RIC and BTE sit behind the ear. ITE, ITC, CIC and IIC sit in the ear. Ready-to-wear CIC uses sleeves instead of a custom shell.
Receiver in canal (RIC)
A small unit sits behind the ear. A thin wire runs into a speaker in the ear canal. It is the style we fit most often. Light to wear. Easy to keep in place with glasses.
Who it suits
Most mild to severe losses. Everyday conversation and TV.
Behind the ear (BTE)
The whole aid sits behind the ear. Sound travels down a tube into an earmould. Good when you need more power, or when fingers find tiny aids hard to handle.
Who it suits
Stronger losses, or people who want a sturdier aid.
In the ear (ITE)
A custom shell fills the bowl of the ear. Nothing sits behind the pinna. Easier to put in than a tiny canal aid. More visible than CIC.
Who it suits
People who want the aid in the ear, not behind it.
In the canal (ITC)
A custom shell sits in the canal opening. Less of the ear is filled than an ITE. Still has room for a battery door or a charge contact you can find by feel.
Who it suits
Mild to moderate losses when you want something smaller than ITE.
Completely in canal (CIC)
Sits deeper in the canal. Harder to see. Needs a canal that can take a custom shell. Not the first choice if you have a lot of wax or very small canals.
Who it suits
Mild to moderate losses when you want the smallest custom aid.
Invisible in canal (IIC)
A custom shell sits deeply in the ear canal. Maximum discretion when the ear and hearing loss are suitable. Often battery-powered, and the smallest options may not offer wireless features.
Who it suits
People who want the most discreet custom fit and whose ear canal can take it.
Ready-to-wear CIC
A small in-canal device fitted with instant-fit sleeves rather than a custom shell. Quick to fit. It is not made from an impression of the individual ear.
Who it suits
People who want a discreet in-ear aid without waiting for a custom shell.
Starting from fully covered basic PRSI models. Advanced models from €350 per aid after the PRSI grant (€850 before the grant). We quote the pair that fits you in clinic.
Book a free hearing test. No referral.
Tullamore, Portlaoise and Portumna
Book a free hearing test
Call the local number, send a WhatsApp, or leave your number. No referral.