Styles

There are five basic styles of hearing aids. The styles differ by size, their placement on or inside the ear, and the degree to which they amplify sound.

Styles of hearing aids include:

Completely-in-the-canal style hearing aids (CIC): these are the smallest and most cosmetically discreet. The CIC instruments fit completely in the canal and are custom-made. There is a clear nylon string to help with insertion and removal. They are powered with a #10 hearing aid battery.

In-the-Canal style hearing aids (ITC): these are larger than the CIC devices. They fit within the ear canal and are custom-made. They are powered with a #312 or #10 hearing aid battery.

In-the-Ear style hearing aids (ITE): these are larger than the ITC style. They fit in the ear, filling the entire "bowl" of the ear. They are custom made. The customization along with the lightweight and compact size makes these instruments comfortable and easy to manage. They are powered by a #13 or #312 battery.

Behind-the-Ear style hearing aids (BTE): the processing components are housed in a case that fits behind the ear. Sounds enter the instrument, are amplified, and travel through a tube that is contoured over the top of the listener's ear and into a custom earmold inside the ear. BTEs are durable, easy to handle and maintain, and can be easily adapted for use with the wide variety of assistive listening devices. They are powered with a #675 or #13 battery.

Open-Fit and Receiver In the Canal Behind the Ear Style: These are similar to the conventional BTE but are much smaller, making them more discreet. A very small tube leads to the ear canal making this option much more cosmetically appealing while offering superior sound quality. Open-fit hearing aids may be a good choice for people who experience a buildup of earwax, since this type of aid is less likely to be damaged by such substances. In addition, some people may prefer the open-fit hearing aid because their perception of their voice does not sound "plugged up."