Types of Hearing Aids

Today’s hearing aids come in a variety of styles, sizes, and technology levels. The best hearing aid for you depends on your hearing loss, ear anatomy, lifestyle, listening environments, comfort preferences, and the features that are most important to you.

Our hearing specialists can help you compare your options and find a style that fits naturally into your everyday life.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

Small, discreet, and versatile

RIC hearing aids are one of the most popular styles available today. The main hearing-aid body sits discreetly behind the ear while a thin wire connects to a small speaker positioned inside the ear canal.

Benefits:

• Small and discreet design

• Comfortable for many users

• Excellent option for mild to severe hearing loss

• Natural sound quality

• Available with rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth connectivity

• Easy to adjust as hearing needs change

A great choice for: People who want a discreet hearing aid with modern features and flexibility for a variety of listening environments.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Powerful performance and flexibility

BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear and connect to the ear through tubing or a receiver. Because they can accommodate larger components, they are often used for a wide range of hearing losses, including more significant hearing loss.

Benefits:

• Can provide higher levels of amplification

• Durable and easy to handle

• Suitable for a wide range of hearing losses

• Comfortable option for many ear shapes and sizes

• Can accommodate larger batteries and additional technology

• Often easier to see and handle for people with dexterity concerns

A great choice for: People who need more amplification or prefer a hearing aid that is easier to handle.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

Custom-made for your ear

ITE hearing aids are custom-made from an impression of your ear. The entire device fits within the outer portion of the ear, providing a personalized fit.

Benefits:

• Custom fit for your individual ear

• Easy to insert and remove

• No components behind the ear

• Can accommodate a variety of hearing-loss levels

• Larger surface area can make controls easier to operate

• Available with modern connectivity and technology options

A great choice for: People who prefer a custom-fit hearing aid that sits within the ear.

In-the-Canal (ITC)

A discreet custom-fit option

ITC hearing aids are custom-made to fit partially inside the ear canal. They are smaller than ITE devices while still providing enough space for useful features and controls.

Benefits:

• More discreet than larger custom styles

• Custom fit for comfort and stability

• Easy to access for many users

• Less visible than traditional BTE styles

• Can provide a good balance between size and functionality

A great choice for: People who want a custom hearing aid that is less noticeable while still being practical to handle.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

Designed for a discreet appearance

CIC hearing aids sit deeply within the ear canal, making them less visible than many other hearing-aid styles. Their small size can provide a more natural appearance while still addressing many types of hearing loss.

Benefits:

• Very discreet

• Fits inside the ear canal

• Less visible from the outside

• Custom-made for your ear

• Can be a good option for people who prioritize appearance

A great choice for: People who want hearing aids that are as discreet as possible.

Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)

Maximum discretion

IIC hearing aids are designed to sit deeply inside the ear canal and are typically the least visible hearing-aid style. Their small size makes them appealing to people who want their hearing aids to be difficult to see.

Benefits:

• Extremely discreet

• Custom-fit to the ear

• Virtually invisible for many people

• No behind-the-ear components

• Maintains a natural appearance

A great choice for: People who place a high priority on discretion and have hearing loss appropriate for this style.

Our Specialists Help You Find the Right Solution

Choosing hearing aids is about more than selecting a device. It’s about finding a hearing solution that works for your everyday life, your communication needs, and the way you want to hear.

Our hearing specialists can help you understand your options, compare hearing-aid styles and technology, and find the solution that best fits your hearing and lifestyle goals.