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What are the different types of hearing aids?
- 23 May 2024 3 min read
There are mainly two main types of hearing aids — In-the-Ear (ITE) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE).
These two types come in many small designs to fit different ears and lifestyles.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 430 million people around the world live with hearing loss. Many of them use hearing aids to hear clearly, enjoy conversations, and live better lives.
Buying a new hearing aid can be confusing because there are so many shapes, sizes, and features. But don’t worry — let’s understand them in a simple way.
In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
ITE hearing aids fit inside your ear. They are made just for your ear shape, so they feel comfortable.
All the small parts — like the microphone and speaker — are placed inside a tiny shell that fits in your outer ear.
ITE hearing aids are good for mild to severe hearing loss and may include special features like telecoils (which help you hear better in noisy places) and directional microphones (which focus on sounds coming from in front of you).
Common types of ITE hearing aids include:
- Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
- In-the-Canal (ITC)
- Low-profile models
Now, let’s understand each one simply
1. Invisible-in-Canal (IIC):
IIC hearing aids are the smallest type and fit deep inside the ear canal, making them almost invisible. They are very comfortable and make sounds feel natural, but they need careful cleaning and are best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and wide ear canals.
2. Completely-in-Canal (CIC):
CIC hearing aids are slightly bigger than IICs and sit a little higher in the ear canal. They are still mostly hidden, easier to handle, and better at reducing wind noise, making them suitable for people who want a small but durable device.
3. In-the-Canal (ITC):
ITC hearing aids sit partly in the ear canal and partly in the outer ear. They are larger, so they can have extra features like longer battery life and directional microphones. They are easier to use than smaller types but might sometimes feel like the ear is slightly plugged.
4. Low-Profile Models:
Low-profile hearing aids are the largest ITE type, filling half or the entire outer ear. They can include many extra features and are very comfortable to wear. The only downside is that they are more visible, but they are easy to handle and adjust, making them ideal for people with moderate to severe hearing loss.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids sit behind your ear. A small plastic tube connects the device to an ear mold that fits inside your ear.
They are the most common type and can help with all levels of hearing loss — from mild to severe.
Good things about BTEs:
- Strong and easy to handle.
- Long battery life and more features.
- Great for both children and adults.
Fact: BTE hearing aids are used by nearly 70% of hearing aid users worldwide because they are reliable and fit most people comfortably.
Types of Hearing Aids – Complete Comparison Guide
| Hearing Aid Type | Main Category | Size & Visibility | Placement Location | Best For (Hearing Loss Level) | Key Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Battery Life | Ideal User Profile | Ease of Handling | Special Requirements |
| Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) | In-the-Ear (ITE) | Smallest – Almost completely invisible | Deep inside ear canal | Mild to moderate hearing loss | Custom-fitted shell, natural sound quality, discreet design | Nearly invisible, very comfortable, natural sound feel, cosmetically appealing | Requires careful cleaning, needs wide ear canals, limited features, can be difficult to handle | Short (small batteries) | People wanting maximum discretion with mild hearing loss and wide ear canals | Difficult – small size makes insertion/removal challenging | Wide ear canals required, regular professional cleaning needed |
| Completely-in-Canal (CIC) | In-the-Ear (ITE) | Very small – Mostly hidden | Sits higher in ear canal than IIC | Mild to moderate hearing loss | Custom-molded, better wind noise reduction, slightly larger than IIC | Mostly hidden, easier to handle than IIC, good wind noise reduction, durable | Still small and requires care, limited battery capacity, fewer features than larger models | Short to moderate | Active individuals who want discreet devices but need easier handling than IIC | Moderate – slightly easier than IIC but still requires dexterity | Manual dexterity needed, regular cleaning required |
| In-the-Canal (ITC) | In-the-Ear (ITE) | Medium – Partly visible | Partly in ear canal, partly in outer ear | Mild to moderate hearing loss | Directional microphones, longer battery life, more features than smaller ITEs | Easier to use and handle, better features, longer battery, good balance of size and function | Partially visible, may cause plugged ear sensation | Moderate | People who want balance between discretion and functionality | Easy – larger size aids handling | None specific, suitable for most users |
| Low-Profile (Full Shell/Half Shell) | In-the-Ear (ITE) | Largest ITE – Most visible | Fills half or entire outer ear bowl | Moderate to severe hearing loss | Maximum features (telecoils, volume controls, Bluetooth), very comfortable, powerful amplification | Many advanced features, very comfortable, easy to handle and adjust, powerful sound | Most visible ITE type, larger physical presence | Long (larger batteries) | People with moderate to severe hearing loss who prioritize features and ease of use over discretion | Very easy – large enough for easy manipulation | None – most accessible ITE option |
| Behind-the-Ear (BTE) | Behind-the-Ear (BTE) | Visible – Sits behind ear | Behind ear with tube connecting to ear mold inside ear | Mild to severe hearing loss (all levels) | Robust construction, maximum features, long battery life, directional microphones, telecoils, Bluetooth | Strong and durable, easy to handle, longest battery life, most features available, suitable for children and adults, fits most ear shapes | Visible design, tube may be noticeable, can interfere with glasses | Very long (largest batteries) | Anyone with any level of hearing loss, especially children, elderly, or those needing maximum features and durability | Very easy – largest size makes all adjustments simple | Ear mold fitting required, may need adjustments with glasses |
Global Impact: Over 430 million people worldwide live with hearing loss (WHO). Nearly 70% of hearing aid users choose BTE models due to reliability and comfort.
Professional Recommendation: Consult hearing care professionals for hearing tests and personalized fitting to ensure optimal comfort and performance for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Why the Right Fit Matters
When choosing a hearing aid, it’s not just about how bad your hearing is. You also need to think about your lifestyle. For example, do you play sports or spend most of your time indoors? Do you want your hearing aid to be hidden, or is it okay if people can see it?
Knowing the good and bad points of each type of hearing aid can help you pick the one that works best for you. A hearing expert can guide you, but it’s helpful to know all the options before making a choice.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are using a hearing aid for the first time or replacing an old one, knowing about different types helps you choose wisely.
If you’re still unsure, visit SoundX Hearing Solutions. Their professionals can test your hearing and help you pick a hearing aid that fits your ear perfectly and makes your daily life easier.
FAQ
1. What is a hearing aid?
A hearing aid is a small device that makes sounds louder so people with hearing loss can hear better. It helps you understand conversations and enjoy everyday sounds.
2. What are the main types of hearing aids?
The two main types are In-the-Ear (ITE) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE). Each type comes in different sizes and styles to fit different ears and lifestyles.
3. Who can use ITE hearing aids?
ITE hearing aids fit inside the ear and are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They are comfortable, custom-made, and mostly hidden from view.
4. What is the smallest hearing aid?
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aids are the tiniest and almost invisible. They fit deep in the ear canal and feel natural, but need careful cleaning.
5. Why are BTE hearing aids so popular?
BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear and are easy to handle. They work for all levels of hearing loss and have long battery life with many features.
6. Can children use hearing aids?
Yes, children can use both ITE and BTE hearing aids. Professionals adjust them to fit tiny ears safely and comfortably.
7. How do I know which hearing aid is right for me?
It depends on your hearing loss, ear shape, and lifestyle. A hearing expert can test your ears and help you choose the best one.
8. Do I need to clean my hearing aids?
Yes, cleaning your hearing aids regularly keeps them working well. Proper care also prevents damage from earwax or moisture.
