Hearing Aid Styles
Hearing aids can be seen in many different styles. The way the hearing aid fits in the ear has a profound affect on various aspects of a successful fitting. There is no particular style that suites every hearing loss and lifestyle. A thorough hearing assessment will help determine which style will work best for you.
 |
Schedule a no-cost hearing needs assessment |
Behind the Ear (BTE)
BTE instruments have a plastic casing that rests behind the ear and houses the device's technology. A clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmold inside the ear canal.
- Behind-the-ear instruments are often the most durable hearing devices — some are even completely water resistant.
- Compared to smaller, in-the-ear instruments, they hold more circuitry and can provide greater amplification.
- Appropriate for most types of hearing loss
mini-Behind the Ear (BTE)
The mini BTE rests behind the ear. The case at the back of the ear houses the technology, while a clear tube then directs amplified sound into the ear canal via an earmold or earbud.
- Smallest BTE model
- Available with thin tubing and a tiny earbud for ultimate discretion
- Appropriate for most types of hearing loss and ages
Receiver in Canal (RIC)
The receiver-in-canal device is small, discreet and incredibly quick to fit; which makes it perfect for many first-time wearers.
- The receiver-in-canal is designed to separate the microphone and receiver to lessen feedback.
- Appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss
In the Ear (ITE)
Smaller, in-the-ear instruments house their technology components in a custom-formed ear mold that fits within the outer portion of the ear.
- The easy-to-use controls are ideal for those with limited manual dexterity.
- Appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss
In the Canal (ITC)
In-the-canal (ITC) instruments feature an earmold that fits down into the ear canal and a smaller portion that faces out into the outer ear.
- They are discreet, yet partially visible within the outer ear.
- Appropriate for mild to mildly severe hearing loss.
Completely in the Canal (CIC)
These fit completely in the canal, with only the head of a tiny plastic line—with which you insert or remove the instrument—shows above the canal.
- Nearly invisible when worn.
- CIC devices offer aesthetic appeal, but the structure of some individuals' ears (e.g. those with a very narrow canal) may make this style unsuitable for them.
- Appropriate for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Miniscopic
Miniscopic is 100% invisible*. It is a deep insertion hearing aid that is customized to fit your ear's canal. Miniscopic's state-of-the-art digital technology is 100% programmable and is available for a variety of hearing losses.
- 100% custom, invisible, digital and programmable
- Featuring Vivid Speech, our smartest noise reduction and speech preservation system designed to filter out unwanted background noise
- Comfort Fit technology ensures in-ear comfort
- Engineered for excellent sound quality on the phone
- Virtually feedback free — no more whistling
- Custom designed for your ear
- Designed to be removed daily to promote better ear health
