Types of hearing aids – basic properties

Today we present the basic typology of hearing aids and describe their main features. Perhaps we will help you choose the right model this way.


In-the-canal hearing aids CIC – completely in canal – or mini CIC

In-the-canal hearing aids are shaped to fit perfectly in the ear canal. They can provide improvement for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Their main advantage is, of course, their small size, making them less visible. They are also less sensitive to interference caused by wind noise. However, they use small batteries with relatively lower performance. Volume cannot be adjusted, and they make it difficult to keep the ear canal clean.

In-the-canal hearing aids ITC – in the canal

They are slightly larger than CIC (filling the ear canal more). Their advantage is the ability to use a better quality microphone and additional features not available for CIC aids, such as a function button for muting.

In-the-ear hearing aids ITE – in the ear

Available in two basic versions: completely filling the outer ear (full shell – FS) and filling the lower part of the outer ear (half shell). Recommended for cases of mild to severe hearing loss.

Such aids have volume control and directional microphones. They also use larger batteries (than those used in CIC and ITC), which can result in longer usage time (this also depends on the nature of use). They may be susceptible to wind noise interference. They are more visible than CIC and ITC aids.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids BTE – behind the ear

Hooked onto the upper part of the outer ear and resting behind the ear. Sound, through the microphone, reaches the main unit and then, via a tube, to the individually fitted ear mold.

The most technologically advanced type of hearing aid. Recommended for everyone, regardless of hearing impairment or age. They amplify sounds better than their smaller counterparts, but they are also susceptible to wind noise. A large battery allows for relatively long usage. This is also the cheapest type of hearing aids.

Behind-the-ear hearing aid RIC – receiver in canal or RITE – receiver in the ear

Structurally similar to BTE aids, but in their case, the receiver is placed not in the ear mold but in the ear canal. For this reason, they are less visible than BTE aids. These are the latest generation of hearing aids. They combine the advantages of ITC/ITE and BTE aids.