Styles of hearing aids - Hear and Clear Care
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Styles of hearing aids

Behind-the-ear otherwise known as BTE

These are certainly the most popular style of hearing aid. These are a style of hearing aid where there is a small component behind the ear, which houses most of the parts of the hearing devices and this is attached to tubing, thin tubing or a wire that connects to the ear canal. BTEs can have Bluetooth or rechargeable capability.

  • Receiver in the canal (RIC)

This is the most popular style of hearing aid that is fitted. It is very discreet due to the small size and almost invisible wire that goes into the ear canal.  They are suitable for many people as they fit a wide range of hearing loss from mild to profound. They will either have a small generic rubber earpiece or custom mould depending on the level of hearing loss and other dexterity considerations. Due to the nature of the receiver wire, the amount of amplification a RIC device can easily be increased if your hearing loss changes reducing the need to have to buy new hearing aids with changes in hearing loss.

  • Slim tube BTE

Slim tube BTEs are smaller than the standard BTEs are therefore cater for a mild to moderate hearing loss. They have a smaller tube than the standard BTE and are therefore more discreet. They may have a custom mould or a small generic rubber earpiece.

  • Standard BTE

Standard BTEs are generally recommended for individuals who have severe to profound hearing loss or for ease of management when RICs are not suitable. They usually use a tube with a custom mould attached that allows for increased levels of amplification, ease of insertion and cleaning.

In-the-ear (ITE)

In-the-ear hearing devices have all hearing aid components in a custom-made shell that fits the ear.

  • Completely in the canal (CIC) and invisible in the canal (IIC)

These are some of the smallest hearing devices available. They are almost invisible. Due to their small size, they are intended for those with mild to moderate hearing losses and usually have little or no controls for the user to alter the sound themselves.

  • In the canal (ITC)

These are larger than a CIC or IIC with the aid being more visible in the ear canal. However, with this larger sizing, this can enable larger, long-lasting batteries, Bluetooth and other push-button controls.

  • Half shell

These are noticeable larger than an ITC hearing aid and also fill the concha bowl of the ear. The increased size allows for suitability for a wider range of hearing loss and options for Bluetooth or telecoil.

  • Full shell

These devices fill the entire concha of the ear. Due to their size, they can accommodate larger speakers and may be suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. They can also fit the capability for Bluetooth or Telecoil. There are many full-shell ITEs that have rechargeable options.

As you can see, there are many different styles of hearing devices available. In each of these styles, there is a range of technology levels. The higher the technology levels, the more customisation and features are available. Any hearing aid style can have any level of technology inside it.

It is important to get a comprehensive hearing test done before deciding on hearing aids because not all hearing aids suit all hearing losses. Hear and Clear Care will conduct a comprehensive hearing assessment and will help you decide on the most suitable option for you.