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)
CIC hearing aids sit deep inside the ear canal and are custom-molded for a personal fit. Their discreet size makes them nearly invisible when worn.
Pros:
- Extremely discreet
- Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss
Cons:
- May not include features like directional microphones or Bluetooth
- Can be difficult to handle for those with dexterity issues
- Smaller non-rechargeable battery may lead to shorter battery life
In-the-Canal (ITC)
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-Ear (ITE)
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
Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC)
IIC hearing aids are the smallest custom devices available and are designed to sit deep within the second bend of the ear canal. When properly inserted, they are virtually invisible to others. These devices are custom-molded to the ear and removed daily for cleaning and battery replacement.
Pros:
- Most discreet hearing aid style available
- Custom-fit for enhanced comfort
- Uses the ear’s natural acoustics for more natural sound quality
Cons:
- Typically only appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss
- Small size may make them difficult to handle
- Limited space for advanced features like Bluetooth, directional microphones, and rechargeable batteries
- Not ideal for individuals with narrow or unusually shaped ear canals
Extended Wear Hearing Aids
Extended wear hearing aids, such as Phonak Lyric™, are placed deep in the ear canal by a trained professional and can be worn continuously for weeks or months at a time, including during sleep, showering and exercise. They are not removed daily and do not require battery changes during the wear period.
Pros:
- Completely invisible when worn
- No daily maintenance required
- Natural sound quality due to deep placement in the ear canal
- Can be worn during most daily activities
Cons:
- Not suitable for all ear shapes or degrees of hearing loss
- Subscription-based model, which may be more costly over time
- Not rechargeable or reusable—device is replaced after each use cycle
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.
