Final answer:
An in-the-canal (ITC) or completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid fits into the ear canal and is used for various degrees of hearing loss. For damage to the cilia in the cochlea with intact nerves, cochlear implants that directly stimulate the nerves are an alternative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of hearing aid that is contained in a tiny case and fits partly or completely into the ear canal is known as an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid or a completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid. These devices are designed to be less visible than other types of hearing aids and can cater to varying degrees of hearing loss.
Hearing losses can occur due to problems in the middle or inner ear. In cases where the damage is to the cilia of the cochlea but the nerves remain functional, a cochlear implant might be used, which stimulates the nerves directly with an array of electrodes, bypassing the damaged cilia.
It's essential to address these forms of hearing loss appropriately, as amplification from traditional hearing aids has the potential to cause further damage, particularly when nerve damage in the cochlea is present.