Types of hearing aids – what's the difference?
Hearing aids come in several different shapes and technical solutions. The choice depends not only on size or appearance, but also on the type of hearing loss, the anatomy of the ear, and your everyday needs.
Below we review the most commonly used types and explain the differences between them.
The most commonly used types
The most common hearing aids are:
- RIC (Receiver-in-Canal)
- BTE (Behind-The-Ear)
- ITE (In-The-Ear)
- CIC/IIC (small or “invisible” devices)
The choice depends on both functional and practical considerations.
RIC – Receiver-in-Canal
RIC is the most commonly used type today.
The device itself sits behind the ear, while the speaker (receiver) is placed in the ear canal via a thin wire.
Advantages:
- Discreet design - the device is hidden by the outer ear.
- Good sound quality
- Suitable for most degrees of hearing loss
- Often rechargeable solution
- Flexible and technologically advanced
Suitable for:
- Mild to moderate and in many cases also more severe hearing loss.
- RIC combines discretion with high technical performance and is therefore often the first choice.
BTE – Behind-The-Ear
BTE is the classic model, where the device sits behind the ear and is connected to an earmold via a tube.
Advantages:
- Robust construction
- Suitable for more severe hearing loss
- Stable solution
- Good battery capacity
Suitable for: Moderate to severe hearing loss.
ITE – In-The-Ear
ITE is individually manufactured and placed in the ear canal.
Advantages:
- No part behind the ear
- Easy to handle
- Total unit
Limitations:
- Less space for microphones
- May be less suitable for severe hearing loss
Suitable for:
Mild to moderate hearing loss.
CIC and IIC – smaller and “invisible” hearing aids
These devices sit deep in the ear canal and are very discreet.
Advantages:
- Very little visibility
- Cosmetically discreet solution
Limitations:
- Smaller battery
- Often fewer technical features
- Not always suitable for severe hearing loss
- Can be more difficult to handle
Very small devices are not necessarily the best solution. The technical function and speech understanding are often more important than the size.
What if a regular hearing aid is not sufficient?
In most cases, a properly fitted hearing aid can provide good function and speech understanding.
However, in cases of very severe or total hearing loss, ordinary hearing aids may be insufficient.
In these cases, other solutions may be relevant.
Cochlear implant
A cochlear implant is a specialized solution for people with severe or total hearing loss, where the hair cells of the inner ear no longer function adequately.
Instead of amplifying sound – as a hearing aid does – a cochlear implant converts sound into electrical impulses that directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Treatment with a cochlear implant requires specialized evaluation and is carried out in hospitals with special expertise.
If, upon assessment, we find that hearing aids are not sufficient, we will advise on further referral.
Bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA)
A bone anchored hearing aid, often called BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid), is a solution where sound is transmitted via bone conduction instead of through the ear canal and middle ear.
BAHA may be relevant for:
The sound is conducted through the skull bone directly to the inner ear. The treatment requires specialized assessment and is carried out in a hospital setting.
If we suspect that BAHA may be relevant, we will advise and refer you to a specialist department.
CROS and BiCROS for unilateral hearing loss
In the case of unilateral deafness or a significant difference between the ears, a CROS solution may be relevant.
CROS (Contralateral Routing of Signal) works by capturing sound from the deaf ear and sending it wirelessly to the working ear.
BiCROS is used if there is also hearing loss in the better ear.
These solutions can improve direction perception and increase speech understanding in certain situations.
The choice requires individual assessment.
Complementary medical treatment
In some cases, hearing loss is caused by conditions that require medical or surgical treatment rather than hearing aids.
Examples could be:
As part of a private hospital, we have the option of specialist medical assessment and planning of further investigation if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of hearing aid is best?
There is no one type that is best for everyone. The choice depends on the degree and type of hearing loss, the anatomy of the ear canal, needs in noisy environments, and practicalities such as handling and charging.
A professional assessment is crucial to making the right choice.
Is the smallest hearing aid the best?
Not necessarily. Very small devices can be discreet, but often have fewer technical features and less space for microphones.
In many cases, a slightly larger model will provide better speech understanding and more advanced sound processing.
Hvad er forskellen på RIC og ITE?
What is the difference between RIC and ITE?
RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) has the speaker itself located in the ear canal and often provides greater flexibility and technological performance.
ITE (In-The-Ear) sits in the outer ear and may be easier to handle, but has less room for advanced technology.
The choice depends on both function and anatomy.
Can everyone get invisible hearing aids?
No. The size of the ear canal and the degree of hearing loss are important. For more severe hearing loss or the need for advanced noise treatment, very small devices will often not be the optimal solution.
Are rechargeable hearing aids just as powerful?
Yes. Modern rechargeable models have the same technological level as battery-powered devices. The choice is primarily a matter of practical handling.
Can I change the type later?
Yes. If needs or preferences change, you can often switch to a different type or model within the same technology level.
When is a cochlear implant or BAHA relevant?
In cases of very severe or total hearing loss, standard hearing aids may not be sufficient. In such cases, specialized solutions such as a cochlear implant or bone anchored hearing aid (BAHA) may be appropriate.
This requires specialist medical assessment and takes place in a hospital setting.
How do I know which type is right for me?
This is determined by a combination of hearing tests, assessment of the anatomy of the ear, and a review of your everyday needs.
We review the advantages and limitations of each type and advise on the solution that is best suited overall.
