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Hearing Aid Styles

When it comes to hearing aids, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different hearing aid styles are designed to support different levels of hearing loss, comfort needs, and lifestyle preferences.

Below is an overview of the most common hearing aid styles to help you understand your options.

Receiver-in-Ear (RITE) or Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

A small casing worn behind the ear that houses the electronic components, with the receiver placed inside the ear canal.

Suitable for:

  • People of all ages with mild to severe hearing loss (Stages 1–4).
  • This is one of the most commonly used hearing aid styles. Its external placement allows for a discreet fit while delivering sound directly into the ear canal. Can be paired with powered earmolds for higher hearing loss levels.

Power: Zinc-air or rechargeable battery

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

A durable plastic case worn behind the ear and connected to an earmold inside the outer ear.

Suitable for:

  • People of all ages with mild to profound hearing loss (Stages 1–5).
  • Open-fit BTE hearing aids keep the ear canal open for more natural sound and are often recommended for children or individuals with frequent earwax buildup.

Power: Zinc-air or rechargeable battery

Custom 1 (ITE & ITC)

Custom-made devices that fit partially or fully inside the outer ear.

Suitable for:

  • Mild to profound hearing loss (Stages 1–5).

  • Some models include telecoils for improved phone use and compatibility with loop systems in public spaces.

Power: Zinc-air battery; select models may be rechargeable

Custom 2 (CIC & IIC)

Custom hearing aids that sit deeper inside the ear canal with minimal visibility.

Suitable for:

  • Mild to moderate hearing loss (Stages 1–4).

  • Smaller size limits advanced features and may require more dexterity to insert and remove.

Power: Zinc-air battery

Invisible hearing aids (Lyric)

An extended-wear analog hearing aid placed deep inside the ear canal by a certified professional.

Suitable for:

  • Mild to moderate hearing loss (Stages 1–3).

  • Designed to remain invisible during daily activities. Candidacy depends on ear anatomy and lifestyle.

Each hearing aid style offers different benefits depending on hearing loss level, comfort, appearance, and daily listening needs. The right option is determined by how you hear, how you live, and what feels most comfortable for long-term use.

A Note on Custom Hearing Aids and Custom Earmolds

Custom hearing aids and earmolds are created using an ear impression taken during a short in-office appointment. The process typically takes 10–15 minutes and allows devices to be shaped precisely to your ear for comfort and accurate sound delivery.

A soft dam is placed in the ear canal to protect the eardrum, followed by a safe impression material that hardens within a few minutes. Some temporary oil residue afterward is normal and helps prevent the material from sticking to the skin.

Please inform your audiologist of any known allergies before the impression is taken to ensure a comfortable experience.

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