Which hearing instrument style is right for you?
Hearing instrument styles differ in their appearance and how they fit on and in your ears and offer different advantages depending on the design, size and technology. Most styles are available in a wide range of colors to suit your needs. You and your hearing healthcare professional can help you choose the style that’s right for you
Open behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Small BTE hearing aid attaches to a slim tube which directs sound into the ear
- "Open" type of fitting is very comfortable and discreet and has a more natural sound with less occlusion (“blocked ear” feeling)
- Suitable for mild to moderate high-frequency hearing losses
Receiver-in-canal (RIC)
- Ultra-small, lightweight, behind-the-ear (BTE) style that sits snugly behind the ear and connects to the ear with a nearly invisible thin tube
- Tiny speaker in the ear canal delivers quality sound
- Benefits include more natural sound and less occlusion (“blocked ear” feeling) than a traditional BTE
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Worn comfortably behind the ear while amplified sound travels down a tube to a customized earmold that fits securely into the ear
- Because they are larger, BTEs can accommodate bigger batteries for longer life and larger amplifiers for maximum amplification for people with a more severe hearing loss
- Most are compatible with assistive listening devices and are suitable for mild to profound hearing losses
Micro-completely-in-the-canal (micro CIC)
- Smallest custom hearing aid available
- This tiny ultra comfortable in-th-ear solution fits deeply inside the ear canal making it hidden from sight.
- Since the microphone is at the opening of the ear canal, this style provides a more natural sound quality
- Suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses
Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
- Smallest custom hearing aid available, the CIC fits deeply inside the ear canal making it almost invisible and very discreet
- Since the microphone is at the opening of the ear canal, this style provides a more natural sound quality
- Suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses
In-the-canal (ITC)
- Custom-made to fit almost entirely inside the ear canal, making them difficult to notice
- Suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing losses
Half shell (ITE)
- Custom-made to fit securely in your outer ear, ensuring optimum performance and maximum comfort
- Suitable for mild to severe hearing losses
Full shell (ITE)
- Custom-made to fit securely and comfortably in the outer ear making it more suitable for people with dexterity challenges
- Larger in size than the half shell and are suitable for mild to severe hearing losses
- Accommodates larger batteries required for longer life
