What are the difference between hearing aid types?

/ Blog / By

Hearing aids come in different styles, sizes, and technology levels, each suited to different degrees of hearing loss and personal preferences. Here are the main types and their differences:

1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

  • Standard BTE: Sits behind the ear with a tube connecting to a custom earmold.
  • Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): Smaller than standard BTE, with a thin wire leading to the receiver inside the ear.
  • Best for: Mild to profound hearing loss.
  • Pros: More powerful, longer battery life, durable, good for children.
  • Cons: More visible than in-ear models.

2. In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

  • Full Shell: Fills most of the outer ear.
  • Half Shell: Covers only the lower part of the outer ear.
  • Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss.
  • Pros: Easier to handle, good battery life, customizable.
  • Cons: More visible than smaller in-ear models.

3. In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

  • Sits partially in the ear canal.
  • Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss.
  • Pros: Discreet, more natural sound, easier to handle than completely-in-canal.
  • Cons: Smaller battery, may be tricky for people with dexterity issues.

4. Completely-in-Canal (CIC) & Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) Hearing Aids

  • CIC: Fits deep inside the ear canal.
  • IIC: Even smaller, almost invisible.
  • Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss.
  • Pros: Nearly invisible, natural sound quality.
  • Cons: Shorter battery life, can be affected by earwax and moisture.

5. Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)

  • Works through bone conduction instead of air conduction.
  • Best for: Conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness.
  • Pros: Good for people who can’t use regular hearing aids.
  • Cons: Requires surgery, expensive.

6. Cochlear Implants

  • A surgically implanted device for people with severe to profound hearing loss.
  • Best for: Those who get little or no benefit from traditional hearing aids.
  • Pros: Can restore hearing for people with severe loss.
  • Cons: Requires surgery, longer adjustment period.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid

The right type depends on hearing loss severity, lifestyle, comfort, visibility preferences, and budget. 

 

Scroll to Top