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What are the Different Kinds of Hearing Aids?

• Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
• In-the-Ear (ITE)
• In-the-Canal (ITC)
• Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

Different people can have the same hearing loss but very different perceptions of sounds and amplification. For this reason, there are several types of hearing aids available to meet your hearing loss needs. Each type offers different advantages, depending on its technology design, levels of amplification and size. You will have a 30 day trial period during which the hearing aids can be returned for a refund if you are not satisfied.

The four basic styles of hearing aids for people with sensorineural hearing loss are:

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn behind the ear and are connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The components are held in a case behind the ear. Sound travels from the aid through the earmold into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss. Poorly fitting BTE earmolds may cause feedback, a whistle sound caused by the fit of the hearing aid or by buildup of earwax or fluid.

• For mild to profound hearing loss
• Larger two-piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear
• A hard-molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom-fit earmold extends into the ear
• May be barely visible depending on case color and earmold color

In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic. ITE aids can accommodate added technical mechanisms such as a telecoil, a small magnetic coil contained in the hearing aid that improves sound transmission during telephone calls. ITE aids can be damaged by earwax and ear drainage, and their small size can cause adjustment problems and feedback. They are not usually worn by children because the casings need to be replaced as the ear grows.

• For mild to severe hearing loss
• Larger one-piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell
• Fills the entire bowl of the ear
• Visible in the ear

In-The-Canal (ITC) aids are customized to fit the size and shape of the ear canal and are used for mild or moderately severe hearing loss.

• For mild to moderately/severe hearing loss
• Small one-piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell
• Fits outside the ear canal
• Slightly visible in the ear

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are largely concealed in the ear canal and are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because of their small size, canal aids may be difficult for the user to adjust and remove, and may not be able to hold additional devices, such as a telecoil. Canal aids can also be damaged by earwax and ear drainage. They are not typically recommended for children.

• For mild to moderately/severe hearing loss
• Very small one-piece hearing aid
• All components contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell
• Fits inside the ear canal
• Barely visible or not visible at all in the ear canal

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