The latest hearing aid types and styles for you

600+

locations nationwide

A variety of hearing aid types and styles at HearingLife

Finding the right type of hearing aid

Ready to improve your hearing but not sure what type of hearing aid is best for you? You’ve come to the right place. On this page you will get an overview of:

All the basic types of hearing aids
Facts and features to consider when choosing the right type of hearing aid for you

Additionally, you are always welcome to visit one of our hearing centers, where we will be happy to show you some of the most popular hearing aid models available.

Find a hearing center nearby

Image shows hearing aid placed in-the-ear

Hearing aid type: In-the-ear

There are five types of in-the-ear hearing aids, ranging from the invisible-in-the-canal to the full shell in-the-ear hearing aid:

Suited for mild to severe hearing loss
The smallest style is virtually invisible inside the ear
The full shell style fits inside the outer bowl of the ear
All types are custom-made to suit the shape of your ear, ensuring optimal comfort and sound quality
Some models offer Bluetooth® technology so that you can stream sound from your phone, computer or TV

Risk-free hearing aid trial In-the-ear hearing aids

4 facts about in-the-ear hearing aids

1. Discreet and less noticeable than other hearing aid types

2. May be susceptible to earwax and moisture build-up

3. Rarely available with rechargeable batteries

4. Can include Bluetooth® streaming and telecoil features

Browse through in-the-ear hearing aid types

Completely -in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid

Completely-in-canal (CIC)

Very small and discreet hearing aid
Practically invisible to other people
Custom-designed to fit discreetly in your ear canal
Option to manually control settings in different environments
Can be vulnerable to earwax and moisture build-up

Try CIC hearing aids risk-free

In-the-canal (ITC)

Small and custom-made to fit in your ear canal
Discreet
Longer battery life than smaller models
Directional microphone enhances important sounds (like speech) and reduces background noise
Easy to insert and remove

Try ITC hearing aids risk-free

Half shell in-the-ear

Custom-made to fit half of your external ear
Relatively discreet
Longer battery life than smaller models
Suitable for more severe hearing loss than smaller models
Easy to handle
Additional, high-tech features make it more versatile

Try ITE hearing aids risk-free

Full shell in-the-ear

Custom-made to fit the entire area of your outer ear
Provides high-quality sound amplification
Longer battery life than smaller models
More suitable for severe hearing loss (when compared to smaller models)
Easy to handle
Additional, high-tech features make it more versatile

Try ITE hearing aids risk-free

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC)

Adapt automatically to the sound environment
Have a discreet style
Can be vulnerable to earwax and moisture build-up
Are better for minimizing wind noise (due to their placement)
Do not have a directional microphone
Can be difficult to adjust for those with dexterity issues

Try IIC hearing aids risk-free

Tips from a hearing care professional

Find a hearing center with in-house hearing care professionals or specialists who provide counseling based on your specific needs. A specialized hearing center will have several hearing aid types and brands, allowing you to find the most optimal solution for you.

Book a complimentary hearing assessment*

Hearing aid type: Behind-the-ear

These types are the most popular hearing aids for people with hearing loss.

Suited for mild to profound hearing loss
All components are housed behind the ear with a clear tube leading to an earpiece that fits inside your ear
Modern hearing aids are sleeker and slimmer than older versions and are great for people with dexterity challenges or visual impairment.
Feature powerful Bluetooth™ technology and typically have more options than in-the-ear hearing aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aids

4 facts about behind-the-ear hearing aids

1. More powerful and versatile than in-the-ear hearing aids

2. Rechargeable battery options available

3. Some users find the behind-the-ear placement more comfortable

4. Can often connect to and stream wirelessly from smartphones, TVs and tablets

Browse through behind-the-ear hearing aid types

miniRITE

Suitable for most types of hearing loss
Smaller and less noticeable than traditional BTE hearing aids
Rechargeable battery options available
Able to connect to smart devices via Bluetooth®
Often connected to a small dome for ventilation

Try miniRITE hearing aids risk-free

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Placed behind the ear, a thin, clear tube connects to an earmold that fits inside the outer ear
Suitable for all hearing loss levels and ear sizes
Most powerful and versatile type of hearing aid
Slightly larger size accommodates more features
Connects to smartphone and TV via Bluetooth
Also available with rechargeable batteries

Try BTE hearing aids risk-free

Open-fit hearing aid

Sits behind the ear and is connected by a tube that directs the amplified sound down into the ear canal
Keeps the ear canal open so that sound can enter more naturally
Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss
Can adapt to different listening situations
Connects to smartphone and TV via Bluetooth
Available with rechargeable batteries

Try open-fit hearing aids risk-free

Invisible hearing aids

Modern hearing aids are more discreet than ever before. In fact, many hearing aids are practically invisible. Designed to be especially discreet, the smallest variants of in-the-ear hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal. Examples of these include:

Invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids
Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids

These types are considered to be the most nearly invisible hearing aids available. Since they sit completely inside your ear canal, people are unlikely to notice them.

Several types of behind-the-ear hearing aids are also very discreet and will not be particularly noticeable when worn. Behind-the-ear hearing aids allow for more features and advantages, making them the preferred type of hearing aids for many wearers.

More about invisible hearing aids

Rechargeable hearing aids

Some hearing aids offer the convenience of rechargeable batteries. An easy overnight charge allows for hassle-free maintenance by eliminating the need to regularly replace batteries. Having rechargeable hearing aids removes the inconvenience of having to change batteries, which is a benefit to all, especially for those with dexterity challenges.

Learn more about rechargeable hearing aids

Bluetooth® hearing aids

If you choose a hearing aid with Bluetooth® technology, you can connect it to your TV so that you can hear the audio directly in your hearing aid, making it easier to hear your favorite TV show.

It is also possible to connect a hearing aid to other Bluetooth® devices, such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets. If you have an iPhone®, then your Bluetooth® hearing aids can double as a wireless headset, allowing you to listen to music or make hands-free phone calls.

Find out more about Bluetooth® hearing aids

OTC Hearing Aids
Over-the-counter hearing aids are now available in the U.S. for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. While HearingLife supports this effort to make hearing aids more available, we strongly believe that people who think they may need hearing aids start their journey with a professional hearing assessment.* We offer complimentary hearing assessments at HearingLife locations nationwide – find one near you here.

Learn more about OTC hearing aids here.

Book a RISK-FREE, 30-day hearing aid trial

Complimentary hearing assessments – Risk-free consultation with a hearing care expert – Try your preferred hearing aid type at home, risk-free for 30 days

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Do you currently wear hearing aids?

What to consider when researching hearing aid types

Guide to choosing hearing aids

There are several factors that can determine which hearing aid is the right model for you. This 3-step guide will help you understand how to find the best hearing aid for you.

Download guide Guide to hearing aids

Dr. Leslie Soiles

Au.D., Doctor of Audiology
Lic. #364, Chief Audiologist, HearingLife
Dr. Leslie Soiles founded HearingLife's Shrewsbury's office (formerly New England Hearing Instruments) in 1996. As a Doctor of Audiology, she has worked with Ear, Nose and Throat Physicians for the first 20 years of her career.

Dr. Soiles serves as Chief Audiologist for HearingLife. Click here to read her complete bio and learn more about her education and background.