Hearing Aid Styles

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid Style for Your Lifestyle

Today, there are more hearing aid styles available than ever before. This wide range of options falls into two types of styles: Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-the-ear (ITE). In the end, the best hearing aid for you will address your unique hearing ability, lifestyle, and budget.

BTE hearing aids sit behind or on top of the outer ear with a tube that connects to an ear tip or mold inside of the ear canal. BTEs offer the widest range of features, colors, sizes, battery types, and degrees of power. Today, they’re offered in small, discreet designs that are often unnoticeable when worn.

Various BTE Styles Available

Mini BTE

Mini BTEs are the smallest of the BTEs and are equipped with a soft tip that comes in various sizes and is attached to the end of the tubing to enable airflow and sound to enter the ear canal along with the amplified sounds, creating a more natural experience.

RITE / RIC

Receiver-in-the-ear RITE or Receiver-in-canal RIC RITE hearing aids are designed with the speaker built into the ear tip instead of the main body of the hearing aid. They are often similar in size to the Mini BTEs and are also relatively unnoticeable when worn. Mini RITE’s are also available.

BTE With Earmold

BTEs with earmolds are designed with a custom earmold at the tip of the discrete tubing directing sound into the ear canal. These have a longer shape that follows the contour of the outer ear and enables them to house more features and power.

ITE / IIC

ITE hearing aids are worn in the ear instead of resting behind it and are custom-fit based on an impression of the ear. There are a variety of ITE styles available, including invisible in the canal (IIC), and they come in rechargeable options. IIC instruments are the smallest custom hearing aids available. They sit deep within the canal and are nearly invisible to the naked eye.

CIC

Completely in-the-canal CIC instruments fit into the ear canal, but not as deeply as the IIC models. Slightly larger than the IIC, they are still relatively hard to see.

ITC or Half Shell

In-the-canal ITC instruments sit in the lower portion of the outer ear bowl. Since they are slightly larger than the CIC, they are able to hold additional features, including a larger battery, directional microphones, and volume controls.

ITE or Full Shell

ITE instruments fill the entire outer ear bowl. Their larger size allows for more features and functions, including a larger battery, directional microphones, volume controls, and larger receivers for more severe hearing losses.

Choose Us to Find the Best Fit

Finding the right hearing aid is essential for comfort, performance, and improved hearing. At Clear Choice Hearing Solutions, we take the time to understand your lifestyle, hearing needs, and preferences to recommend the perfect device. Whether you need a discreet in-the-ear model or a powerful behind-the-ear option, our specialists provide expert guidance to ensure the best fit. With our personalized approach and commitment to quality care, you can trust us to help you find a hearing aid that enhances your daily life.