Types of Hearing Aids
Finding the Right Style for Your Ears, Lifestyle & Hearing Needs
Hearing aids come in several designs, each offering unique benefits in comfort, sound performance, and visibility. Choosing the right style is an important part of achieving clear, natural hearing—and your audiologist will help match you with the option that fits your hearing loss, lifestyle, and cosmetic preferences.
Below are the five most widely used types of modern hearing aids.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Reliable • Durable • Powerful
BTE models rest comfortably behind the ear, with sound delivered through a thin tube or custom earmold into the ear canal.
Best for:
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Mild to profound hearing loss
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Patients who prefer easier handling
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Those who need stronger amplification
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Individuals with dexterity or vision challenges
Key advantages:
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Excellent power and durability
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Works well with custom earmolds
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Easy to clean and maintain
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Larger size allows stronger batteries and more features
Why patients choose BTE:
Consistency. BTEs are known for reliability and comfort, especially for long-term daily wear.
Pictured: Phonak Naida Lumity
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Most Popular Style • Natural Sound Quality
RIC devices place the speaker (receiver) directly inside the ear canal, connected to a small behind-the-ear component.
Best for:
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Mild to severe hearing loss
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Patients wanting excellent speech clarity
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People looking for a lightweight, discreet option
Key advantages:
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Most natural sound experience
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Very discreet behind the ear
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Comfortable “open fit” options reduce stuffiness
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Flexible receiver strengths for different loss levels
Why patients choose RIC:
It offers the best combination of clarity, comfort, and cosmetic appeal—making it the most commonly recommended style today.
Pictured: Oticon Intent 1
In-the-Ear (ITE)
Custom Fit • Easy to Handle
ITE models are custom-molded to fit the outer ear and are larger than ITC or CIC styles, making them ideal for patients who want something simple to insert and remove.
Best for:
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Mild to severe hearing loss
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Patients who struggle with tiny batteries or small buttons
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Those who want a secure, custom fit
Key advantages:
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Larger controls are easier to manage
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Highly stable, comfortable fit
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Can house stronger receivers than smaller custom devices
Why patients choose ITE:
They’re custom-made for your ear shape, simple to operate, and great for everyday use.
Pictured: Starkey Edge AI ITE
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Compact • Custom • Balanced
ITC devices sit partially inside the ear canal and are custom molded for comfort and stability.
Best for:
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Mild to moderate hearing loss
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Patients who want something discreet but not tiny
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Those who value a balance of appearance and usability
Key advantages:
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Smaller, more subtle appearance
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Custom molded for secure placement
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More space for features than CIC models
Why patients choose ITC:
A perfect middle-ground—discreet, comfortable, and easy enough to manage.
Pictured: Starkey Omega AI ITC R
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Nearly Invisible • Ultra-Discreet
CIC models sit deep within the ear canal, making them one of the most hidden hearing aid styles available.
Best for:
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Mild to moderate hearing loss
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Patients who prioritize discretion
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Individuals with smaller listening environments (home, quiet places)
Key advantages:
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Very low visibility
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Natural sound location (uses the ear’s natural acoustics)
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Comfortable custom fit
Things to consider:
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Smaller size means smaller batteries
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Not ideal for severe hearing loss
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Less room for advanced noise handling in some models
Why patients choose CIC:
If appearance is the main concern, CIC devices offer excellent cosmetic appeal without sacrificing essential performance.
Pictured: Signia Silk X CIC
Which Style Is Right for You?
The best hearing aid is the one that fits comfortably, meets your hearing needs, and works seamlessly with your lifestyle. At Clarity Hearing Care, we evaluate:
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Your hearing test results
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Ear anatomy
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Dexterity and handling ability
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Lifestyle demands
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Cosmetic preferences
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Insurance and budget
Then we match you with the style that will give you the best long-term clarity, comfort, and success.