Which hearing aid style provides the highest acoustic gain and is most suitable for a patient with profound hearing loss?
- A Completely-in-canal (CIC)
- B In-the-ear (ITE) half-shell
- C Behind-the-ear (BTE) with earmold ✓
- D Receiver-in-canal (RIC) with open dome
Correct answer: C. Behind-the-ear (BTE) with earmold
Explanation
BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids with custom earmolds provide the highest acoustic gain (up to 80 dB or more) and maximum output, making them the most suitable style for severe-to-profound hearing loss. They can accommodate the largest amplifier and battery size. RIC (receiver-in-canal) aids have the receiver in the ear canal, offering better high-frequency response and cosmesis but are limited in maximum output. CIC aids are cosmetically the smallest but have the least gain capacity and are unsuitable for severe losses. ITE half-shell provides moderate gain.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.