Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)
Small, discreet and quick to fit. Perfect for first-time hearing aid wearers.
Pros
- Typically smaller and more discreet than a BTE
- Can fit “open,” which allows for more natural sound quality of the wearer’s voice
- Bigger size provides more durability and allows for more features – rechargeable available in select styles
To Consider
- Quick to fit (can take home the same day)
- Less discreet than custom styles
- Speaker is more susceptible to earwax and moisture clogging
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
The world’s most common hearing aid style. Available in standard, mini or power.
Pros
- Size is easy to hold and adjust
- Bigger size provides more durability and allows for more features
To Consider
- Quick to fit (can take home the same day)
- Available in standard, mini or power
In-The-Ear (ITE)
Custom hearing aid that fits within the outer portion of the ear.
Pros
- Custom fit to your ear
- Larger battery provides longer battery life – rechargeable is available in select styles
- Can include controls for volume and memory that won’t fit on smaller custom hearing aids
To Consider
- Largest of the custom styles
- Can be made full or half shell
- May pick up more wind noise than smaller custom devices
In-The-Canal (ITC)
Custom hearing aid that fits in the ear canal. Smaller portion shows in outer ear.
Pros
- Custom-fit to your ear
- Less visible than larger custom styles
- Can include controls for volume and memory that won’t fit on smaller custom hearing aids
To Consider
- Second largest custom style
- Small size may be challenging to wearers with dexterity issues
- Small batteries require more frequent changing – rechargeable is available in select styles
Completely-In-Canal (CIC)
Only the tiny removal handle of the hearing aid shows outside of the ear canal.
Pros
- Custom fit to your ear
- Our second smallest custom hearing aid style
- Less visible than larger custom styles
To Consider
- Small size may be challenging to wearers with dexterity issues
- Small batteries require more frequent changing
- Small size cannot accommodate manual volume or memory controls
Invisible (IIC)
Rest in the second bend of the ear canal where no one can see them.
Pros
- Custom-fit to your ear
- The smallest, most discreet hearing aid made
- Rests deep in the second bend of your ear canal
To Consider
- Small size may be challenging to wearers with dexterity issues
- Small batteries require more frequent changing
- Small size cannot accommodate manual volume or memory controls