Sound choices: types of hearing aids

Considering hearing aids? That's a great first step toward rediscovering the sounds you love.

Hearing aids come in a variety of types and styles, each with their own unique benefits.

Let's explore the two main categories: Behind-The-Ear and In-The-Ear, and help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and hearing needs.

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Introduction

Types of hearing aids

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

CROS Hearing Aids

Introduction

Find the perfect hearing aid for you

There are several types of hearing aids, each designed to help you hear better. When exploring hearing aids, you'll find a diverse selection of sizes, features, colours and processing power.

The right choice for you will depend on the severity of your hearing loss and your personal style.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Let's dive deeper into the specific types of hearing aids and discover which one could be the perfect fit for you.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Main unit with the batteries, processor, and other components placed behind your ear.
In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
Main unit inside your ear.

Types of hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are open-fit hearing aids. They hook over the top of your ear and rests behind your ear connected with an earpiece that fits in your ear canal.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC)

Receiver-in-Canal hearing aids are a superior slimline version of the Behind-the-Ear aids. Also open-fit, with the shell of the hearing aid hugging the outer ear.

In-the-ear (ITE)

In-the-ear hearing aids are precisely cast to snuggle into the shape of your ear. Some ITE wearers find them easier to handle than smaller hearing aids.

Completely-in-canal (CIC)

Nearly invisible, bespoke Completely-In-Canal (CIC) hearing aids completely hidden in your ear canal. They are super small and discreet - only you will know you are wearing them.

Invisible-in-canal (IIC)

The futuristic Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) are your stealth weapon. They are very discreet hiding deep inside the ear. These are nano-aids that you tuck inside the ear canal, with a clear tube that makes it easy to pull out.

Hearing aid comparison

Not sure which hearing aid is for you? Compare our hearing aids and learn about their different features.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

THE MOST POPULAR

Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are among the most common types of hearing aids. They are typically the largest type, although advancements in hearing aid technology have led to smaller BTE models than in the past.

In-The-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE vs BTE hearing aids

In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are the second main group of hearing aid types. They have much more distinct differences compared to all the Behind-The-Ear models. Like the name implies, ITE hearing aids have all the components in the ear itself, not behind it.

CROS Hearing Aids

CONTRALATERAL ROUTING OF SIGNAL

On top of the six main types of hearing aids, there is one other type that has a different functionality. They are called CROS hearing aids, which stands for "Contralateral Routing of Signal". They are meant for people who have severe hearing loss, including deafness, in only one ear, but whose other ear does not have hearing loss.

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