There are four basic types of hearing aid instruments common to most manufacturers. All four will help with mild to moderate hearing losses, but if loss is more severe, choices can be more limited. While size is the most obvious difference, each style of hearing aid has different attributes that are important to consider.

Hearing instruments worn behind-the-ear or in-the-ear can carry more sophisticated technology and more powerful amplifiers; they are also more durable. In contrast, new smaller models reside closer to the eardrum, and that proximity to the inner ear can help deliver a more natural sound quality. Your hearing professional will provide you with a recommendation and rationale that’s based on your specific needs and physiology.




Behind The Ear BTE or Over The Ear OTE

Behind-the-ear or Over-the-ear hearing aids have a plastic housing for the components which rests behind the ear. A clear plastic tube and a custom made earmould funnels amplified sound into the ear canal. This model, though developed decades ago, can be every bit as sophisticated as smaller hearing instruments. In fact, it can hold more circuitry and amplify sounds to a greater degree than in-the-ear types. BTE or OTE hearing aids can be more durable than other types and a few are even waterproof.

In-the-Ear (ITE)

In-the-ear instruments house componentry in a custom-formed earmold that fits within the outer portion of the ear. These hearing aids can be used for a wide range of hearing losses. Its size and easy-to-use controls also may be helpful for those with limited manual dexterity as they are easier to handle..






In-the-Canal (ITC)

In -the-canal (ITC) instruments are smaller still, with an earmold that fits down into the ear canal, and a smaller portion facing out into the outer ear. They are discreet, yet still visible within the outer ear. In-the-Canal hearing instruments use a slightly larger battery than completely in the canal hearing aids.

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

The newest generation of hearing instruments are those that fit completely in the canal (CIC). Barely visible—and then only if someone’s peering into your ear—the only clue to their existence is the head of a tiny plastic line with which you place or remove the instrument. All the components are housed in a small case that fits far into the ear canal. CICs are popular for their aesthetic appeal and that they take advantage of the ear's own natural sound-collecting design, but the physiology of some individuals’ ears (i.e., a very narrow canal) may make this style unsuitable for them. The styles use a very small battery that requires good manual dexterity.