Hearing Aid Styles

Your hearing aid should fit your life. We’ll help you find a style that matches your comfort, lifestyle, and hearing needs.

Choosing a hearing aid style is about more than just appearance—it’s about finding what works for your daily life. Do you need something easy to handle? Something others won’t notice? A device that can keep up with an active lifestyle? Selection factors include degree of hearing loss, budget, desired appearance, skin sensitivities, manual dexterity, and lifestyle listening requirements. During your appointment, our San Jose audiologists will discuss your priorities and help you find the right fit.

Available styles

Behind the Ear (BTE)

The most versatile option—durable and easy to handle. The slightly larger profile accommodates volume controls, extended battery life, and the most comprehensive range of features and sound programming options. Best for mild-to-profound hearing loss; preferred style for children.

Best for: Anyone who values ease of use and durability, especially those with dexterity concerns, children, or those with more significant hearing loss

  • Longest battery life of any style
  • Durable and easy to handle
  • Works with all levels of hearing loss (mild to profound)
  • Most comprehensive features and sound programming options
  • Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
  • Customizable fit options

Receiver in Canal (RIC)

Our most popular style. More discreet than BTE models with a lightweight feel and flexible design. The small behind-the-ear piece is barely visible, while the receiver sits inside the ear canal for direct sound delivery. Best for mild to severe hearing loss.

Best for: Most people—offers a great balance of discretion, comfort, and performance

  • Lightweight feel and flexible design
  • More discreet than BTE models
  • Direct ear canal sound delivery
  • Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
  • Works for mild to severe hearing loss

In the Ear (ITE)

Custom-molded to fit your ear perfectly. Everything sits in the outer ear, making it easy to adjust and maintain. Leverages the ear’s natural acoustics, and the larger size facilitates daily upkeep. Best for mild-to-severe hearing loss.

Best for: Those who prefer a custom fit and easy handling, with mild to severe hearing loss

  • Easy to adjust and maintain
  • Custom-molded for comfortable fit
  • Longer battery life for all-day use
  • Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
  • Leverages ear’s natural acoustics

In the Canal (ITC)

Custom-molded design that sits partly in the ear canal for a less noticeable appearance. Offers discretion without sacrificing handling ease or advanced sound-adaptation capabilities. Best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Best for: Those who want something less visible but still easy to handle

  • Less noticeable appearance
  • Custom-molded design
  • Volume control and directional microphones available
  • Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
  • Good balance of size and features

Completely in Canal (CIC)

Fits entirely inside your ear canal for a nearly invisible look. Custom-molded for a secure fit, these devices work with ear anatomy to optimize sound quality. Reduced wind noise, whistling, and feedback. Best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss and active lifestyles.

Best for: Active individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who prioritize discretion

  • Nearly invisible look
  • Custom-molded secure fit
  • Reduced wind noise, whistling and feedback
  • Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
  • Works with ear anatomy for optimal sound

Invisible in Canal (IIC)

The smallest and most inconspicuous style of technology available. Deep canal placement makes them undetectable in appearance. Reduced wind noise, whistling, and feedback. Best for mild-to-moderate hearing loss and those prioritizing discretion above all.

Best for: Those with mild to moderate hearing loss who want completely invisible hearing aids

  • Smallest and most inconspicuous style available
  • Deep canal placement for undetectable appearance
  • Reduced wind noise, whistling and feedback
  • Bluetooth and wireless connectivity
  • Custom-fitted to your ear canal