Understanding Different Hearing Aid Styles

Your hearing healthcare professional is going to help you choose the best kind of hearing aid available, suited to your needs, your budget and the kind of lifestyle you want to live. However, it helps to be informed of the different kinds of devices on the market. There are many types of hearing aids available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Consider the following:

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

The first kind of hearing aid developed, with a casing containing all the components that rests behind the ear. This is the most versatile kind of hearing aid, with models that fit every level of hearing loss. Those who aren’t as manually dexterous may prefer them because they are bigger and easier to handle.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC)

These are just like BTE hearing aids, but with a receiver that sits inside the ear canal. The electrical wiring in the canal reduces noise distortion. As such, these devices are better suited to those with mild to moderate hearing loss and aren’t as effective for severe or profound hearing loss.

In-the-ear (ITE)

Smaller than both kinds of behind the ear devices, ITE hearing aids rest on the bottom portion of the outer ear. They are always custom made and versatile, able to help with hearing loss that ranges from mild to severe.

In-the-canal (ITC)

These are much like in the ear devices, except they extend deeper into the canal, leaving less visible on the outer ear. The ITC hearing aid is best suited for mild to mildly severe hearing loss. Due to their slightly larger battery size, in the ear and in the canal devices often have some manual controls and features, like a volume dial and directional microphone, but not as extensive as behind the ear or receiver in canal varieties.

Invisible in the canal

One of the smallest kinds of devices currently available on the market, these are custom-made using a mold of the ear and reach further into the canal than any other kinds. They tend to lack the manual features of larger devices and have a smaller battery size, meaning they are not best suited to those who have trouble with their manual dexterity. It’s also worth noting that they are only really effective for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. However, they are a popular choice for aesthetic reasons, being invisible to the naked eye.

Completely in canal

Another style of device custom-made to fit directly inside the ear canal. These are only slightly more visible than invisible in the canal devices because of the tip of the small plastic handle showing at the ear’s entrance. Otherwise, their strengths and weaknesses are much the same. If you want to learn more about any of the particular styles of hearing aids, then it’s best to ask your hearing care professional. They can tell you about individual features as well as why they may or may not be suited to your needs.