Hearing aids have come a long way thanks to digital technology. If you’re picturing big, bulky devices with questionable sound quality, you’ll be pleased to know that today’s hearing aids are smaller, more comfortable and deliver more natural, clearer sound. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so finding one that suits your lifestyle and cosmetic preferences should be straightforward with the help of one of our audiologists or hearing instrument specialists.
Here are the most common types:
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)
The most commonly fitted style for adults, RIC hearing aids have a small housing worn behind the ear that contains the microphone, amplifier and processor. A thin wire connects this housing to a receiver (speaker), which sits in the ear canal.
Pros:
- Small and discreet
- Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss
- Often includes modern features like Bluetooth® and rechargeable batteries
Cons:
- May not be powerful enough for profound hearing loss
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
BTE hearing aids are worn behind the ear with tubing that delivers sound into the ear canal through a custom earmold or dome. All components are housed in the unit behind the ear, making it highly durable and powerful.
Pros:
- Easiest style to handle and maintain
- Popular choice for children and individuals with severe or profound hearing loss
- Durable and compatible with custom earmolds
- Often includes modern features like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries
Cons:
- More visible than other styles
- May be less cosmetically appealing for some users
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)
ITC hearing aids fit partly in the ear canal but are slightly larger than CIC devices, making them easier to insert and remove. They allow room for more features while still maintaining a low profile.
Pros:
- Suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss
- Easier to handle than CICs
- Longer battery life than smaller models
- Some include modern features like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries
Cons:
- Less discreet than CIC models
- May not be powerful enough for profound hearing loss
In-the-Canal (ITC)
ITE devices fill the outer portion of the ear and are custom-made to the shape of the ear. Their larger size accommodates more advanced features, such as manual volume controls and directional microphones.
Pros:
- Easier to operate and adjust, especially for those with dexterity concerns
- Suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss
- More feature availability including Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries
Cons:
- More visible than smaller styles
- Typically not the first choice for those with mild hearing loss or cosmetic concerns
In-the-Ear (ITE)
This hearing aid is designed to fill the outer portion of the ear and is larger than those worn in the ear canals. It is less discreet, but the size allows for more features and makes the unit easier to adjust.
A bigger battery translates to longer life and means those with severe or profound hearing loss can benefit from this style.
Pros:
- Unit is easier to adjust
- Stronger battery for longer use
- Best for severe or profound hearing loss
Cons:
- Bulky size that is less discreet
- May not be best for those who have mild or moderate hearing loss
Hearing Aid Manufacturers
We partner with a range of leading manufacturers to provide you with high-quality, customized solutions for your hearing needs. Each manufacturer offers unique features, styles and technology levels to meet a wide variety of preferences and hearing profiles.
