Types of Hearing Aids

Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Aids

A completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid is designed to fit inside your ear canal, and can’t be seen. It improves mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.

• Is the smallest and least visible type
• Is less likely to pick up wind noise

• Very small batteries have a shorter lifespan and can be difficult to handle

In-the-Canal Hearing Aids

An in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is custom molded and fits partly in the ear canal, so it can be only partially seen by others. This style can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.

• Less noticeable than larger styles of hearing aids
• Includes more features that won’t fit into completely-in-the-canal aids

• Can be tricky to adjust because of their small size
• Earwax can clog the speakers 

In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

In-the-Ear Hearing Aids are custom molded to your ear and are helpful to people with mild to severe hearing loss. They are made in two styles:

• Full Shell – fits most of the bowl-shaped area of your ear.
• Half Shell – fills only the lower part of your ear. 

• Includes more features such as a volume control and two directional microphones for noise control.
• May be easier to handle.
• Larger battery has longer life, with several options for rechargeable batteries.

• Small size can still be tricky to adjust.
• Speakers can still be clogged by earwax.

Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids rest behind your ear and connect to a custom ear mold that fits in your ear canal. The two pieces are connected by a small, translucent tube, making it more discreet. This is the most commonly prescribed hearing aid and is useful for all ages and almost all types of hearing loss.

• Mini designs are barely visible
• Has directional microphones
• Capable of more amplification than other styles
• May be available with rechargeable batteries

• May pick up more wind noise than other styles

Receiver-in-the-Canal or Receiver-in-the-Ear Hearing Aids

The receiver-in-canal (RIC) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) styles are similar to a behind-the-ear hearing aid with the speaker or receiver that sits in the ear canal. Instead of tubing, however, a tiny wire connects the piece behind the ear to the inner ear receiver.

• Typically less visible than BTE styles
• Has directional microphones
• Has manual control options
• May be available with rechargeable batteries

• Is susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker

Open-Fit Hearing Aids

Open Fit Hearing Aids are similar to behind-the-ear and reciever-in-the-ear styles in that the receiver is tucked behind the ear and the speaker, connected by a wire, fits inside the ear canal. The difference is that the speaker in the ear has an open dome, which allows for low-frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally and for high-frequency sounds to be amplified through the hearing aid. This makes Open Fit aids a a good choice for those who have good low-frequency hearing but struggle with higher-frequency sounds. 

• Doesn’t plug the ear, allowing more natural sound to pass through the open dome
• Makes your own voice sound better to you

• Often Visible
• Non-custom dome can make speakers more difficult to insert into ear canals 
• Not a fit for all types of hearing loss