Hearing Aids Types / Styles – How They Work

In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

Completely in the canal hearing aids are the smallest and most discreet type of hearing aid. They are created by making a custom mold of your ear canal and the housing sits completely within the canal, virtually invisible to anyone else. There is a thin cord that can protrude slightly outside the canal to make the device easier to remove.

Advantages of In the Canal Hearing Aids

• Some of the smallest hearing aids so perfect for those looking for the most discreet options
• Because they are within the ear, protected from wind noise and gives a natural sound

Disadvantages of In the Canal Hearing Aids

• Not suitable for children or those with dexterity issues
• Harder to remove and clean
• Susceptible to wax and moisture buildup

In-the-Ear (ITE) Aids

A more modern design, the ITE hearing aid is when the complete hearing aid is housed in a small container that sits within the ear. Only a small portion of this hearing aid is visible in the Concha of the ear. They are custom made to fit within the ear but since they are generally small generally don’t have controls on the devices themselves.

Advantages of In the Ear Hearing Aids

• Custom mold so should be more comfortable
• More discreet and less visible to other people
• Still has controls on the device

Disadvantages of In the Ear Hearing Aids

• Smaller device may be difficult for those with dexterity issues
• May be susceptible to moisture and wax within the ear.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Aids

Behind the ear hearing aids, or otherwise known as BTE hearing aid hook your ear with the housing sitting cleanly behind your ears. The BTE hearing aids have a thin tube which connects the housing to the earpiece which sits within the ear canal.

Advantages of Behind the Ear Hearing Aids

• Can contain more buttons and features due to larger size
• Easier for people with less dexterity to use

Disadvantages of Behind the Ear Hearing Aids

• Device is larger so not as discreet.
• Some may be susceptible to wind noise
• If patient has excess wax it may clog up the device

Behind-the-Ear Aid: Open Fitting

A small plastic case rests behind the ear, and a very fine clear tube runs into the ear canal. Inside the ear canal, a small, soft silicone dome or a molded, highly vented acrylic tip holds the tube in place. These aids offer cosmetic and listening advantages and are used typically for adults.

Receiver-in-the-Ear Aids

Similar to the RIC hearing aids, the RITE is also when the receiver sits within the ear rather then the hearing aid itself. The difference between the RITE and the RIC is where the receiver sits, the RIC sitting deeper in the ear canal. These are normally easier to use with a telephone because they are smaller than BTE and other types and can be used from mild to severe cases of hearing loss.

Advantages of RIC and RITE Hearing Aids

• Because the receive is in the ear, the devices are smaller and more discreet
• Lightweight and generally more comfortable
• Less feedback and susceptible to wind noise

Disadvantages of RIC and RITE Hearing Aids

• Receiver may get damaged by moisture and wax in the ear.
• Smaller devices and therefore easier to lose
• Generally more expensive than the equivalent BTE hearing aid.

Receiver-in-Canal Aids

Similar to the BTE hearing aids, the RIC hearing aids is when there is a receiver housed in either a custom or standard mold that sits within the ear canal. The advantage over the BTE hearing aids is that they are generally smaller and can you can sometimes change to stronger receivers without needing completely new hearing aids.