Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing Aids come in multiple styles, each with unique benefits and considerations. We recognize that how a hearing instrument looks and feels is often a top priority for our patients; feeling comfortable and confident while wearing your hearing aids is essential. Modern hearing instruments are crafted with both function and discretion in mind, and we're committed to collaborating with you to discover the perfect solution that aligns with your individual lifestyle, preferences, and comfort level.
Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids (BTE):
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are one of the most recognizable styles, featuring a curved plastic case that sits comfortably behind your ear. The main body houses all the electronic components and connects to your ear through a thin, clear tube that delivers sound to a custom earpiece or dome that fits inside your ear canal. The hearing aid rests securely against the natural curve behind your ear, making it barely visible from the front while remaining easily accessible for adjustments and battery changes.
Advantages:
Powerful amplification - Can accommodate severe to profound hearing loss better than smaller styles
Longer battery life - Larger size allows for bigger batteries that last longer between changes
Easy to handle - Larger components make insertion, removal, and maintenance simpler for users with dexterity issues
Versatile features - More space allows for advanced technology like directional microphones and wireless connectivity
More visible - The behind-the-ear placement makes them more noticeable than completely-in-canal options
Wind noise - The microphone placement can pick up wind sounds during outdoor activities
Glasses interference - May feel less comfortable when worn with eyeglasses or sunglasses
Physical activity concerns - Can shift or fall off during vigorous exercise or sports
Potential Disadvantages:
Receiver-in-the-ear Hearing Aids (RITE):
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids, also called receiver-in-canal (RIC), feature a sleek, compact design with a small case that sits discreetly behind your ear. Unlike traditional behind-the-ear models, the speaker (receiver) is separated from the main body and positioned directly in your ear canal, connected by an ultra-thin, nearly invisible wire. This design allows the main component to be significantly smaller while delivering sound more directly to your ear. The receiver sits in your ear canal with either a soft dome or custom-molded tip.
Discreet appearance - Smaller behind-the-ear component and thin wire make them much less visible than traditional BTE aids
Natural sound quality - Speaker placement in the ear canal provides clearer, more natural sound with less feedback
Comfortable fit - Lighter weight and open-fit design allow your ear to breathe and feel less plugged
Easy maintenance - Replaceable receivers mean repairs are often quicker and less expensive than other styles
Advantages:
Moisture vulnerability - The receiver in your ear canal is more exposed to earwax and moisture, potentially requiring more frequent cleaning or replacement
Delicate wire connection - The thin wire between components can be fragile and may break with rough handling
Limited power - Generally not suitable for severe to profound hearing loss due to size constraints
Small controls - Tiny buttons and battery compartments can be challenging for users with limited dexterity
Potential Disadvantages:
Completely-in-the-Canal Hearing Ads (ITC):
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the most discreet option available, custom-made to fit entirely within your ear canal with only a tiny faceplate visible at the canal opening. These miniature devices are molded specifically to your ear's unique shape and sit deep enough in the canal that they're virtually undetectable to others. A small removal string or handle allows you to pull the hearing aid out when needed. The snug, custom fit means they move naturally with your jaw and stay securely in place throughout daily activities.
Maximum discretion - Nearly invisible when worn, providing the most cosmetically appealing option
Natural sound localization - Deep canal placement takes advantage of your ear's natural acoustics for better directional hearing
Reduced wind noise - Protected position in the ear canal minimizes interference from wind and background sounds
Phone-friendly - Less likely to cause feedback when using telephones or headphones
Advantages:
Potential Disadvantages:
Limited features - Small size restricts advanced options like directional microphones, volume controls, or wireless connectivity
Frequent maintenance - More susceptible to earwax buildup and moisture damage due to deep canal placement
Handling difficulties - Tiny size and removal string can be challenging for users with dexterity issues or vision problems
Power limitations - Not suitable for severe hearing loss and typically have shorter battery life due to smaller battery size
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made devices that fill the outer portion of your ear, sitting in the bowl-shaped area called the concha. These hearing aids have a smooth, shell-like appearance that's molded to match the contours of your outer ear, with all components housed within a single plastic case. The faceplate sits flush with your ear's natural curves and typically includes user controls like volume wheels or program buttons. ITE hearing aids are more substantial than canal styles but don't extend behind the ear, creating a balanced middle-ground option for visibility and functionality.
In-the-Ear Hearing aids (ITE):
Advantages:
Easy-to-use controls - Larger size accommodates volume wheels and program buttons that are simple to locate and adjust
Good battery life - Bigger battery compartment allows for longer-lasting power compared to smaller hearing aid styles
Stable fit - Custom molding and substantial size provide a secure, comfortable fit that rarely shifts or falls out
Moderate visibility - More discreet than behind-the-ear styles while still offering accessibility for adjustments
Potential Disadvantages:
Noticeable appearance - Fills the visible outer ear area, making them more apparent than canal-style options
Occlusion effect - Can create a "plugged up" feeling and make your own voice sound hollow or boomy
Wind sensitivity - Microphone placement in the outer ear can pick up wind noise during outdoor activities
Limited power range - Generally suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss but may not provide enough amplification for severe cases
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are custom-made devices that sit partially in your ear canal, extending slightly into the outer bowl of your ear. These hearing aids are smaller than in-the-ear models but larger than completely-in-canal styles, creating a comfortable middle size that's molded to fit your specific ear shape. The visible portion shows a smooth faceplate that sits at the entrance of your ear canal, often flesh-toned to blend naturally. ITC hearing aids typically include a small removal handle or string for easy insertion and removal.
In-the-Canal Hearing Aids (ITC):
Advantages:
Balanced discretion - Less visible than larger styles while remaining easier to handle than tiny CIC models
Some manual controls - Size allows for basic controls like volume adjustment or program buttons on select models
Natural acoustics - Partial canal placement takes advantage of your ear's shape for improved sound quality
Secure fit - Custom molding provides a stable, comfortable fit that stays in place during normal activities
Potential Disadvantages:
Limited features - Smaller size restricts advanced technology options like directional microphones or extensive connectivity
Earwax concerns - Canal placement makes them more susceptible to wax buildup and moisture damage requiring regular cleaning
Handling challenges - Still quite small and may be difficult for users with dexterity issues or vision problems to manage
Power restrictions - Generally suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss but may not provide sufficient amplification for severe cases