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Hearing Aid Styles & Types
Finding the Right Hearing Aid for You
Today's hearing aids are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and designs to fit different types of hearing loss, lifestyles, and personal preferences. From nearly invisible custom devices to powerful behind-the-ear models, there's no single hearing aid that's right for everyone.
The best hearing aid style depends on many factors, including your hearing loss, ear anatomy, dexterity, lifestyle, cosmetic preferences, and the features that are most important to you. Some styles offer advanced Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries, while others prioritize discretion or provide additional power for more significant hearing loss.
During your hearing evaluation*, we'll take the time to understand your hearing needs and explain the advantages and considerations of each style. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision by recommending hearing solutions that best fit your hearing, lifestyle, and communication goals.
Explore the hearing aid styles below to learn how each option works and discover which styles may be right for you.
*Hearing evaluations are performed for the purpose of hearing aid selection, fitting, programming, and dispensing services.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Best for: Mild to profound hearing loss
A Behind-the-Ear hearing aid sits comfortably behind your ear and connects to a custom earmold or small ear tip.
Benefits
✔ Easy to handle and clean
✔ Powerful amplification
✔ Rechargeable options available
✔ Excellent battery life
✔ Great for all ages
Good for people who:
- Have moderate to severe hearing loss
- Prefer larger controls
- Want a durable hearing aid
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss
One of today's most popular styles. The hearing aid sits behind the ear while a tiny speaker rests inside the ear canal.
Benefits
✔ Small and lightweight
✔ Natural sound quality
✔ Comfortable fit
✔ Nearly invisible from the front
✔ Rechargeable options available
Good for people who:
- Want a discreet hearing aid
- Live an active lifestyle
- Want excellent speech clarity
⭐ Most popular hearing aid style
In-the-Ear (ITE)
Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss
This custom hearing aid fits inside the outer ear and is made specifically for your ear.
Benefits
✔ Custom fit
✔ Easy to insert and remove
✔ Larger controls
✔ Less likely to lose
Good for people who:
- Have difficulty handling small devices
- Prefer a custom-made hearing aid
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss
A custom hearing aid that fits partly inside the ear canal, making it smaller and less noticeable.
Benefits
✔ Smaller than ITE
✔ Comfortable fit
✔ More discreet appearance
Good for people who:
- Want a balance between visibility and performance
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss
A very small custom hearing aid that sits deep inside the ear canal.
Benefits
✔ Very discreet
✔ Less visible
✔ Natural use of the outer ear
Keep in mind:
Because of its small size, it may be more difficult to handle and has fewer advanced features.
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss
The smallest hearing aid available. It fits deep inside the ear canal and is nearly invisible.
Benefits
✔ Virtually invisible
✔ Comfortable
✔ Natural listening experience
Good for people who:
- Want the most discreet hearing aid possible
Rechargeable vs. Disposable Batteries
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Simply place your hearing aids in the charger overnight.
Benefits
✔ No tiny batteries to change
✔ Easy to use
✔ Environmentally friendly
✔ Convenient for everyday use
Recommended for most patients.
Disposable Battery Hearing Aids
These hearing aids use small batteries that are replaced every few days or weeks, depending on use.
Benefits
✔ Easy to replace
✔ Great for travel
✔ No charging required
Which Hearing Aid Style Is Right for You?
There isn't one hearing aid style that's right for everyone. The most appropriate choice depends on several factors, and what works well for one person may not be the best option for someone else.
When recommending a hearing aid style, we consider:
- Your hearing loss and hearing evaluation results
- Your lifestyle and daily listening environments
- Your communication needs at home, work, and social activities
- Your dexterity and ability to handle small devices
- Your cosmetic preferences
- Your technology preferences, such as rechargeable batteries or Bluetooth connectivity
- Your budget and available hearing care options
By taking all of these factors into account, we can recommend hearing aid styles that best support your hearing, lifestyle, and long-term communication goals.
Hearing Aid Manufacturers We Offer
No single hearing aid manufacturer is the best choice for every person. Each offers unique technology, features, styles, and accessories designed to meet different hearing needs and lifestyles.
At Empathy Hearing Aid Center, we work with many of today's leading hearing aid manufacturers, allowing us to recommend hearing solutions based on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and communication goals—not just a single brand.
We proudly work with:
- Signia
- Oticon
- Phonak
- Widex
- Starkey
- ReSound
- Unitron
- Rexton
- Truhearing
- Relate
Want to learn more? Visit our Brands We Service page to explore the features and technology offered by each manufacturer.
Not Sure Which Hearing Aid Is Right for You?
That's okay—we're here to help.
During your hearing evaluation, we'll explain your options in simple terms, answer your questions, and recommend the hearing aid style that best fits your hearing, lifestyle, and budget. Our goal is to help you hear your best with confidence and comfort.