Project Description

Types of hearing aids

There are two main styles of hearing aids

What are the available options based on your hearing loss? Our audiologists will guide you to choose the most suitable hearing aid according to your hearing level, lifestyle, personal preference, budget etc.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

  • Can be worn behind the ear with a tube to a custom earmold placed in the outer ear
  • For people with mild to profound hearing loss
  • Durable; larger size easier to handle and maintain; separate earmold can be easily replaced; easy to use with assistive listening devices
  • Can be used by all ages including infants or children

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC)

  • Ultra-small, lightweight, behind-the-ear (BTE) style that sits snugly behind the ear and connects to the ear with a nearly invisible thin tube
  • More natural sound; less occlusion than a traditional BTE

In the ear ITE hearing aid

In-the-Ear (ITE) Full Shell

  • Fits completely in the outer ear (custom made)
  • Small size, can be used with add-on accessories, custom fit
  • For people with mild to severe hearing loss, not usually for children

In-the-Canal (ITC) Half Shell

  • Fits in ear canal (custom made)
  • Small size (barely visible)
  • For people with mild to moderate hearing loss

Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)

  • Fits in ear canal (custom made, mostly concealed)
  • Smallest size (least visible)
  • For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, not usually for children