Open-Fit Hearing Aid
A style of hearing aid that couples to the ear canal via a thin tube and a small non-occluding dome tip, leaving the canal largely unobstructed.
Full Definition
An open-fit hearing aid (also termed 'open-canal' or 'open-ear' fitting) is a behind-the-ear device that delivers amplified sound into the ear canal through a thin tube and a small, soft dome tip that does not seal the canal. By leaving the ear canal largely open, this style minimises the occlusion effect and takes advantage of the natural acoustic properties of the ear for low-frequency sounds. Open-fit devices are particularly suited to patients with high-frequency hearing loss and good low-frequency hearing. Editors reviewing fitting reports and product documentation should note that 'open-fit', 'open-canal', and 'open-ear' are used interchangeably in the field; house style should be applied consistently. The term must not be confused with 'receiver-in-canal' (RIC) or 'receiver-in-the-ear' (RITE), which may or may not employ an open coupling.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate 'open-fit' as an attributive modifier. Distinguish from RIC/RITE devices, which describe the receiver position and may or may not use an open coupling.
In Context
- "The open-fit hearing aid was recommended to preserve the patient's natural low-frequency hearing and eliminate the occlusion effect." — Hearing aid fitting recommendation letter
- "The product brochure used 'open-fit', 'open-ear', and 'open-canal' on the same page; the editor standardised these to 'open-fit' throughout." — Marketing copy editorial review