Hearing Associates of Las Vegas

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Hearing Aid Styles

One of the most effective ways to manage hearing loss is to use hearing aids. Thanks to continual innovation, there are many different kinds of hearing aids. Each style has different benefits to suit various hearing loss and lifestyle needs.

To help you decide which hearing aid style would be best for you, our hearing specialists at the Hearing Associates of Las Vegas will help you determine which will best suit you. Along with your hearing loss needs, we can also work within your budget to find you the right hearing aids.

Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aid Styles

When most people think of hearing aids, they often visualize hearing aids which have the main device behind the ear. The position of the main body of the hearing aid has led them to be dubbed Behind-The-Ear (BTE) styles. There are three variations of this particular hearing aid style.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)


One of the most common styles of hearing aid, the BTE is worn behind the ear and connects to an earmold that rests inside the outer ear. Sounds are conducted from the hearing aid receiver into the earmold.

Although this can be the largest type of hearing aid, it is also the most powerful and often the easiest to adjust. Many hearing aids which utilize Bluetooth to sync with apps are BTE hearing aids. BTE hearing aids are appropriate for the treatment of almost all types of hearing loss.

Pros:

  • Large enough for Bluetooth utilization
  • Can accommodate most levels of hearing loss
  • Good for all ages of users
  • Stronger amplification than other hearing aid styles
  • Custom earmolds easy to clean
  • Uses larger batteries which can be easier to change out
Cons:

  • Most visible style of hearing aid
  • Often sensitive to wind noise
  • Can make wearing glasses uncomfortable
  • Wax buildup and moisture can shorten receiver life
  • Greater occlusion due to earmold, which can make wearers feel plugged up

Mini Behind-The-Ear (Mini BTE)

Similar to the full-sized BTE, the Mini BTE rests behind the ear with a tube extending down to the ear canal. The receiver area can be an earmold or the smaller receiver in the canal, depending on the hearing aid manufacturer. However, most hearing aid makers now design these hearing aids to be Mini RIC rather than Mini BTE.

Pros:

  • Still large enough for Bluetooth utilization
  • Less sensitive to wind
  • Can use earmolds or have the receiver in the canal
  • Mini BTE with canal receivers cause less occlusion
  • Still potentially in the way for glasses wearers
Cons:

  • Still visible style of hearing aid
  • Small size can make it difficult for some users

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) (RITE)

Sometimes also called Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE), the RIC hearing aid fits snugly behind the ear. It includes a narrow tube that is inserted into the ear canal to remove the occlusion present in many other styles of hearing aid, which can cause users to feel plugged up.
Pros:

  • Large enough for Bluetooth utilization
  • Ideal for mild-to-moderate hearing loss
  • Good for all ages of users
  • Easy to use controls
  • Allows for air movement to prevent feeling plugged
Cons:

  • Requires regular cleaning to prevent damage
  • Prone to wax buildup
  • Wax buildup and moisture can shorten receiver life

In-The-Ear Hearing Aid Styles

Popular in part due to their low-profile, there is a greater range of In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid styles. The main body of the device sits in the ear, with some styles having little to no indication that a hearing aid is being worn. Often, these hearing aids are custom-fit to the wearer’s ear, with the hearing specialist taking an impression. This process is to ensure a good fit, so the hearing aid stays in place.

In-The-Ear (ITE)

An ITE hearing aid can be shaped to fill up the entire bowl of the outer ear or only half of the available space, depending on the model chosen. These hearing aids are large enough for easy to use volume controls and directional microphones. Also, unlike smaller hearing aids, the ITE style of hearing aids have a longer battery life and can accommodate many different levels of hearing loss.
Pros:

  • Easy to use controls and handling
  • Fit to user’s ear
  • Works with most kinds of hearing loss
  • Low-profile in the ear
Cons:

  • Still visible to others
  • Creates occlusion, resulting in a plugged feeling

In-The-Canal (ITC)

ITC hearing aids are custom-built for your ear, that way they fit snugly and comfortably. Only the face of the device extends into the outer ear and is visible to others. The main body of the hearing aid extends into your ear canal.

This hearing device has a slightly larger design than the CIC and IIC style hearing aids, while still smaller and more discreet than the ITE style. The larger size offers extra power to wearers, making the ITC a great selection for those with mild to mildly severe hearing loss.

Pros:

  • Longer battery life than CIC or IIC
  • Fairly discreet
  • Possible to add more features like directional microphones
Cons:

  • Susceptible to become damaged by moisture and earwax
  • Creates occlusion, resulting in a plugged feeling
  • Still has a visible portion

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

The CIC is a custom hearing aid model which is molded to fit entirely inside your ear canal. Designed so only the insertion and removal plastic tip extends outside of the ear, these hearing aids are popular with those who do not want visible hearing aids. Its smaller size means this option is better suited to help those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

The smaller size can make the CIC style of hearing aid hard to handle for those with lower dexterity. It also has a shorter battery life than other styles of hearing aids, requiring users to change the battery more often.

Pros:

  • Generally unable to be seen by others
  • High sound fidelity
  • Minimal wind interference
Cons:

  • Susceptible to become damaged by moisture and earwax
  • Shorter battery life
  • Tough to handle with those with dexterity problems

Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC)

Taking the CIC a step further, the IIC is completely invisible as the entire hearing aid sits within the ear canal. It also has a plastic insertion and removal tip so you can handle the hearing aid more easily.

Due to its small size, this hearing aid has a short battery life and can be difficult to handle. This style of hearing aid also needs to be custom-made to ensure a comfortable fit. The IIC was intended for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Pros:

  • Invisible device
  • High sound fidelity
  • No wind interference
Cons:

  • Susceptible to become damaged by moisture and earwax
  • Shorter battery life
  • Tough to handle with those with dexterity problems
  • No extra features like volume control or directional microphone

Lyric Extended-Wear Hearing Aids

Currently the only one of its kind, Lyric is an extended-wear hearing aid which is placed deep in the ear canal. Unlike any other hearing aid, it can be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are no batteries, no daily maintenance, and can be worn while swimming. This style of hearing aids is only manufactured by Phonak.

Pros:

  • Water-proof
  • Discreet
  • Natural sound
Cons:

  • Requires a yearly subscription
  • Not suited for all ear sizes
  • Need to visit provider for any repairs

Hundreds Of Hearing Aids At Hearing Associates Of Las Vegas

Our hearing specialists at Hearing Associates of Las Vegas want to help you find the perfect hearing aids. That is why we carry diverse hearing aid brands and all the available hearing aid styles, which means we can offer hundreds of different hearing aids. We also offer comprehensive hearing aid care so your hearing aids can be kept in peak working order.

To access the best hearing aid care in Las Vegas and the surrounding area, contact us for an appointment.

Call For An Appointment:702-857-8188