Types of Hearing Aids: BTE, RIC, ITE, ITC, CIC, Extended Wear, Bone-Conduction, and Cochlear Implants

August 1, 2024

Hearing aids come in several types, each designed to suit different levels of hearing loss and preferences. Here are the main types:

1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
The most common type, these are worn behind the ear and connected to an ear mold or dome inside the ear. They are suitable for all ages and most types of hearing loss.

2. Receiver-in-Canal
Similar to BTE, but smaller, with the receiver placed in the ear canal. These are less visible and offer good sound quality.

3. In-the-Ear (ITE)
Custom-made to fit in the outer ear. Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, they are larger and more visible than in-canal devices.

4. In-the-Canal (ITC)
Custom-made to fit partly in the ear canal. They are less visible than ITE aids and suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.

5. Completely-in-Canal
These are the smallest and least visible hearing aids, fitting completely inside the ear canal. They are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss but have shorter battery life and fewer features.

6. Extended Wear Hearing Aids
Placed deep in the ear canal by a professional and worn continuously for months. They are invisible and designed for mild to moderate hearing loss.

7. Bone-Conduction Hearing Aids
Used for people with conductive hearing loss, these bypass the outer and middle ear, sending sound directly to the inner ear through bone conduction.

8. Cochlear Implants
For severe to profound hearing loss, these devices bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. They require surgery and are typically used when other hearing aids are ineffective.