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Types of hearing aids

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Different styles of hearing aids worn behind and inside the ear.
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A variety of hearing aid types and styles at HearingLife

Finding the right type of hearing aid

Ready to improve your hearing but not sure what type of hearing aid is best for you? You’ve come to the right place. On this page you will get an overview of:


Additionally, you are always welcome to visit one of our hearing centers, where we will be happy to show you some of the most popular hearing aid models available.

Find a hearing center nearby

In-the-ear hearing aid worn discreetly by an individual with close-up detail of the device.

Hearing aid type: In-the-ear

There are five types of in-the-ear hearing aids, ranging from the invisible-in-the-canal to the full shell in-the-ear hearing aid:

  • Suited for mild to severe hearing loss
  • The smallest style is virtually invisible inside the ear
  • The full shell style fits inside the outer bowl of the ear
  • All types are custom-made to suit the shape of your ear, ensuring optimal comfort and sound quality
  • Some models offer Bluetooth® technology so that you can stream sound from your phone, computer or TV
Risk-free hearing aid trialIn-the-ear hearing aids

4 facts about in-the-ear hearing aids

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1. Discreet and less noticeable than other hearing aid types
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2. May be susceptible to earwax and moisture build-up
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3. Rarely available with rechargeable batteries
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4. Can include Bluetooth® streaming and telecoil features

Browse through in-the-ear hearing aid types

Completely-in-canal (CIC)

  • Very small and discreet hearing aid
  • Practically invisible to other people
  • Custom-designed to fit discreetly in your ear canal
  • Option to manually control settings in different environments
  • Can be vulnerable to earwax and moisture build-up
Try CIC hearing aids risk-free

In-the-canal (ITC)

  • Small and custom-made to fit in your ear canal
  • Discreet
  • Longer battery life than smaller models
  • Directional microphone enhances important sounds (like speech) and reduces background noise
  • Easy to insert and remove
Try ITC hearing aids risk-free

Half shell in-the-ear

  • Custom-made to fit half of your external ear
  • Relatively discreet
  • Longer battery life than smaller models
  • Suitable for more severe hearing loss than smaller models
  • Easy to handle
  • Additional, high-tech features make it more versatile
Try ITE hearing aids risk-free

Full shell in-the-ear

  • Custom-made to fit the entire area of your outer ear
  • Provides high-quality sound amplification
  • Longer battery life than smaller models
  • More suitable for severe hearing loss (when compared to smaller models)
  • Easy to handle
  • Additional, high-tech features make it more versatile
Try ITE hearing aids risk-free

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC)

  • Adapt automatically to the sound environment
  • Have a discreet style
  • Can be vulnerable to earwax and moisture build-up
  • Are better for minimizing wind noise (due to their placement)
  • Do not have a directional microphone
  • Can be difficult to adjust for those with dexterity issues
Try IIC hearing aids risk-free

Tips from a hearing care professional 

Find a hearing center with in-house hearing care professionals or specialists who provide counseling based on your specific needs. A specialized hearing center will have several hearing aid types and brands, allowing you to find the most optimal solution for you.

Book a complimentary hearing assessment*

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Hearing aid positioned behind the ear of a man, showcasing the Oticon hearing device design.

Hearing aid type: Behind-the-ear

These types are the most popular hearing aids for people with hearing loss.

  • Suited for mild to profound hearing loss
  • All components are housed behind the ear with a clear tube leading to an earpiece that fits inside your ear
  • Modern hearing aids are sleeker and slimmer than older versions and are great for people with dexterity challenges or visual impairment.
  • Feature powerful Bluetooth™  technology and typically have more options than in-the-ear hearing aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids

4 facts about behind-the-ear hearing aids

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1. More powerful and versatile than in-the-ear hearing aids
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2. Rechargeable battery options available
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3. Some users find the behind-the-ear placement more comfortable
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4. Can often connect to and stream wirelessly from smartphones, TVs and tablets

Browse through behind-the-ear hearing aid types

miniRITE

  • Suitable for most types of hearing loss
  • Smaller and less noticeable than traditional BTE hearing aids
  • Rechargeable battery options available
  • Able to connect to smart devices via Bluetooth®
  • Often connected to a small dome for ventilation
Try miniRITE hearing aids risk-free

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

  • Placed behind the ear, a thin, clear tube connects to an earmold that fits inside the outer ear
  • Suitable for all hearing loss levels and ear sizes
  • Most powerful and versatile type of hearing aid
  • Slightly larger size accommodates more features
  • Connects to smartphone and TV via Bluetooth
  • Also available with rechargeable batteries
Try BTE hearing aids risk-free

Open-fit hearing aid

  • Sits behind the ear and is connected by a tube that directs the amplified sound down into the ear canal
  • Keeps the ear canal open so that sound can enter more naturally
  • Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss
  • Can adapt to different listening situations
  • Connects to smartphone and TV via Bluetooth
  • Available with rechargeable batteries
Try open-fit hearing aids risk-free

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Invisible hearing aids

Modern hearing aids are more discreet than ever before. In fact, many hearing aids are practically invisible. Designed to be especially discreet, the smallest variants of in-the-ear hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal. Examples of these include:

  • Invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids
  • Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids

These types are considered to be the most nearly invisible hearing aids available. Since they sit completely inside your ear canal, people are unlikely to notice them.

Several types of behind-the-ear hearing aids are also very discreet and will not be particularly noticeable when worn. Behind-the-ear hearing aids allow for more features and advantages, making them the preferred type of hearing aids for many wearers.

More about invisible hearing aids

 

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Rechargeable hearing aids

Some hearing aids offer the convenience of rechargeable batteries. An easy overnight charge allows for hassle-free maintenance by eliminating the need to regularly replace batteries. Having rechargeable hearing aids removes the inconvenience of having to change batteries, which is a benefit to all, especially for those with dexterity challenges.

Learn more about rechargeable hearing aids

 

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Bluetooth® hearing aids

If you choose a hearing aid with Bluetooth® technology, you can connect it to your TV so that you can hear the audio directly in your hearing aid, making it easier to hear your favorite TV show.

It is also possible to connect a hearing aid to other Bluetooth® devices, such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets. If you have an iPhone®, then your Bluetooth® hearing aids can double as a wireless headset, allowing you to listen to music or make hands-free phone calls.

Find out more about Bluetooth® hearing aids

 

CROS and BICROS hearing aids - family laughing and happy

CROS and BICROS Hearing Aids

CROS and BICROS hearing aids are specially designed hearing devices for people with single-sided hearing loss or deafness. They are unique because one of the devices in the set transmits sound from that side of the user’s head to their “good” ear, rather than into the ear the device is worn on.

Learn more about CROS and BICROS hearing aids

 

OTC Hearing Aids
Over-the-counter hearing aids are now available in the U.S. for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. While HearingLife supports this effort to make hearing aids more available, we strongly believe that people who think they may need hearing aids start their journey with a professional hearing assessment.*

We offer free hearing tests at HearingLife locations nationwide – find one near you here.

Learn more about OTC hearing aids here.

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What to consider when researching hearing aid types

Guide to choosing hearing aids

There are several factors that can determine which hearing aid is the right model for you. This 3-step guide will help you understand how to find the best hearing aid for you.

Download guide Guide to hearing aids

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Leslie Soiles, Chief Audiologist at [Company Name]
Dr. Leslie Soiles

Au.D., Doctor of Audiology
Lic. #364, Chief Audiologist, HearingLife
Dr. Leslie Soiles founded HearingLife's Shrewsbury office (formerly New England Hearing Instruments) in 1996. As a Doctor of Audiology, she has worked with Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians for the first 20 years of her career.

Dr. Soiles serves as Chief Audiologist for HearingLife. Click here to read her complete bio and learn more about her education and background.

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