What Are the Different Styles of Hearing Aids?

Simply Better, From the Start

The Right Hearing Aid for You: A Fashion Statement for Your Ears

Hearing aids aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in different shapes, sizes, and levels of discretion. Whether you want a nearly invisible device or something with a little more power, there’s an option for you. Let’s break down the different styles and help you find the perfect fit.

The good news? Addressing hearing loss with modern solutions like hearing aids can help reduce anxiety, restore confidence, and improve your quality of life. In this blog, we’ll explore how hearing loss contributes to anxiety and what you can do to break the cycle.

Types of Hearing Aids

1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

Best for: All degrees of hearing loss

Description: BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear and connect to an earmold or directed inside the ear canal via a thin tube.
Pros:
- Powerful and suitable for severe hearing loss
- Easier to handle
- Longer battery life
Cons:
- More visible than other styles
- Can be affected by wind noise

2. Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)

Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss

Description: Similar to BTE but with the speaker placed inside the ear canal instead of in the main housing.
Pros:
- Smaller and more discreet than BTE
- More natural sound quality
Cons:
- Receiver can be vulnerable to earwax and moisture

3. In-the-Ear (ITE)

Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss

Description: Custom-molded to fit entirely in the outer ear.
Pros:
- Larger controls make them easier to adjust
- No external tubing or wires
Cons:
- More visible than smaller styles
- Can pick up more wind noise

4. In-the-Canal (ITC)

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Description: Smaller than ITE and fits partly inside the ear canal.
Pros:
- More discreet than ITE
- Custom-molded for a comfortable fit
Cons:
- Smaller size means shorter battery life
- Can be harder to adjust for those with dexterity issues

5. Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Description: Almost entirely hidden inside the ear canal.
Pros:
- Nearly invisible
- Reduces wind noise
Cons:
- Small size can make handling tricky
- Shorter battery life

6. Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Description: The smallest and most discreet style, placed deep inside the ear canal.
Pros:
- Virtually invisible
- Natural sound quality due to deep placement
Cons:
- Very small, making it difficult to handle
- Short battery life

Choosing the Right Style

The best hearing aid for you depends on your level of hearing loss, lifestyle, and comfort preferences. If you’re unsure which style is right for you, schedule a consultation to find the perfect fit. Your ears deserve the best—don’t settle for anything less!

Take the First Step Toward Better Hearing and Balance

At Prescott Hearing we offer an array of services for complete hearing health. Prescott Hearing
Center uses some of the most advanced diagnostic and testing equipment in the industry.

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Simply Better, From the Start

At Prescott Hearing Center, we are committed to finding the perfect hearing solution tailored specifically to your needs. We will assess the various types of technology that could enhance your hearing experience and discuss the options available to you.