The following are common hearing aid styles, beginning with the smallest, least visible in the ear.
A completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
- Is the smallest and least visible type;
- Is less likely to pick up wind noise;
- Uses very small batteries.
An in-the-canal (ITC)
- Is less visible in the ear than larger styles;
- Includes features that won't fit on completely-in-the-canal aids, but may be difficult to adjust due to its small size.
An in-the-ear (ITE)
- Uses a larger battery for longer battery life;
- May pick up more wind noise than smaller devices;
- Is more visible in the ear than smaller devices.
A behind-the-ear (BTE)
- Traditionally has been the largest type of hearing aid, though some newer mini designs are streamlined and barely visible;
- Is capable of more amplification than are other styles.
A receiver-in-canal (RIC)
or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)
- Has a less visible behind-the-ear portion.
- Is less visible;
- Doesn't plug the ear like the small in-the-canal hearing aids do, making your own voice sound better to you;
- May be more difficult to handle and adjust due to small parts.
Hearing aid designers keep making smaller hearing aids to meet the demand for a hearing aid that is not very noticeable. But the smaller aids may not have the power to give you the improved hearing you may expect.
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