Hearing-aid Styles

Behind The Ear (BTE)

Hearing aids are worn behind the ear and are connected to a plastic ear mold that fits inside the outer ear. The components are held in a case behind the ear. Sound travels from the aid through the ear mold into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss. Poorly fitting BTE ear molds may cause feedback, a whistle sound caused by the fit of the hearing aid or by buildup of earwax or fluid.

For mild to profound hearing loss
Larger two-piece hearing aid
A hard-molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom-fit ear mold extends into the ear
May be barely visible depending on case color and ear mold color

Reciver In The Canal(RIC)

Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids are similar to the BTE hearing aid with one crucial difference: the speaker (receiver) of the hearing aid is placed inside the user’s ear canal and thin electrical wires are used instead of the plastic tube of the BTE aid. These hearing aids are appropriate for severe to moderate hearing loss users.

There are several advantages of using an RIC aid over a traditional BTE hearing aid:

The sound is smoother and free of distortion as the amplified signal is emitted by the receiver to the ear rather than through a plastic tube from behind the ear to the ear;
The aid is made with only a very small part behind-the-ear and the wire connecting the hearing aid to the speaker – this is extremely inconspicuous and for the majority of people, the most cosmetically acceptable hearing aid device;
The ‘open fit’ technology does not plug up the ear like BTE ear molds, offering relief from occlusion.

RIC hearing aids are not appropriate for all users, and an audiologist should be consulted before making any purchasing decisions.

In The Ear(ITE)

Hearing aids fit completely in the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic. ITE aids can accommodate added technical mechanisms such as a telecoil, a small magnetic coil contained in the hearing aid that improves sound transmission during telephone calls. ITE aids can be damaged by earwax and ear drainage, and their small size can cause adjustment problems and feedback. They are not usually worn by children because the casings need to be replaced as the ear grows.

For mild to severe hearing loss
Larger one-piece hearing aid
All components contained in a custom-fit, hard- molded plastic shell
Fills the entire bowl of the ear
Visible in the ear

In-The-Canal (ITC)

ITC aids are customized to fit the size and shape of the ear canal and are used for mild or moderately severe hearing loss.

For mild to moderately/severe hearing loss
Small one-piece hearing aid
All components contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell
Fits outside the ear canal
Slightly visible in the ear

Completely-In-The-Canal(CIC)

Hearing aids are largely concealed in the ear canal and are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss. Because of their small size, canal aids may be difficult for the user to adjust and remove, and may not be able to hold additional devices, such as a telecoil. Canal aids can also be damaged by earwax and ear drainage. They are not typically recommended for children.

There are now several power CIC’s in the market catering for people with severe hearing losses who require cosmetic appearance.

For mild to moderately/severe hearing loss
Very small one-piece hearing aid
All components contained in a custom-fit, hard-molded plastic shell
Fits inside the ear canal
Barely visible or not visible at all in the ear canal

Invisible In The Canal (IIC)

The smallest of In The Ear hearing aids. It is placed deeper in the ear canal than regular CIC’s making it virtually invisible. There are many powerful IIC’s in the market for people with hearing losses who require cosmetic appearance. For easy everyday removal, the IIC has a small extension cord attached to the outside.