Types of hearing aids - from invisible to behind-the-ear
The style determines how visible the hearing aid is. The technology determines how well you hear.
Hearing aids are available in four main styles: RIC, with the receiver positioned in the ear canal; BTE, which sits behind the ear; ITE, which is custom-made to fit the outer ear; and CIC or IIC, which are placed deep in the ear canal and are almost invisible. The choice depends on the degree and type of hearing loss, the anatomy of the ear canal and your individual needs in everyday life. The style itself does not determine how well the hearing aid performs - this depends on the level of technology.
RIC
Receiver-in-Canal · the most commonly used type
The hearing aid itself sits behind the ear, while the receiver is placed inside the ear canal via a thin wire. The outer ear conceals most of the device, making it more discreet than you might expect.
One advantage of this design is that sound is delivered directly into the ear rather than having to travel through a tube. This provides clearer sound reproduction, particularly at higher frequencies, and there is room for multiple microphones and a rechargeable battery.
Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss — and in many cases for more severe hearing loss as well.
BTE
Behind-The-Ear · the classic model
The hearing aid sits behind the ear and is connected to an earmould by a tube. The design is robust, allows space for a larger battery and can provide more amplification than the other types.
It is also used when the ear canal cannot tolerate having a receiver positioned inside it — for example, in cases of chronic ear discharge. It is larger and more visible, but for that same reason it can be easier to handle if fine motor skills or vision are impaired.
Suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss.
ITE
In-The-Ear · custom-made from an impression of your ear
ITE hearing aids are individually made from an impression of your ear and sit entirely within the outer ear. There is no part behind the ear and no wire, which some people prefer — particularly if they wear glasses or a face mask.
However, there is less space for microphones, which limits how much the hearing aid can do in terms of directional hearing in noisy environments.
Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
CIC and IIC
Invisible hearing aids
These hearing aids are placed deep inside the ear canal and are very difficult to see. These are the models people usually mean when they ask about invisible hearing aids.
Traditionally, the small size has meant fewer features: a smaller battery, less room for microphones and no option to stream audio. Some of these limitations still apply — with more severe hearing loss, a hearing aid positioned inside the ear canal may not be able to provide enough amplification without causing feedback, and a narrow ear canal may simply not have enough room for the device.
Whether this type is suitable is determined during the examination — not in advance.
Invisible and rechargeable
Oticon Zeal nxtCIC
For a long time, people had to choose between a hearing aid that was nearly invisible and one offering a full range of technology. Zeal is among the first hearing aids to sit entirely inside the ear canal while also being rechargeable and capable of streaming audio.
The hearing aid does not have a telecoil and fits approximately two out of three ear canals using standard domes. If it does not fit, a custom-made version based on an ear impression can be produced.
It is available in two technology levels and has its own category in our price overview.
Is the smallest hearing aid the best?
No. In the vast majority of cases, speech understanding is more important than how visible the hearing aid is.
It is worth being clear about the trade-off involved. A slightly larger hearing aid with room for several microphones performs better when many people are speaking at the same time. A very small hearing aid, on the other hand, is almost invisible.
For some people, discretion matters so much that this is the right trade-off. We simply make the differences clear so that you can make an informed choice.
How much do the different types cost?
The price depends on the technology level, not the style. An in-the-ear hearing aid costs the same as a comparable behind-the-ear hearing aid at the same technology level.
This means you can choose the style that best suits your ear and your everyday needs without affecting the price. See our current prices in the hearing aid price overview.
What if a standard hearing aid is not enough?
In most cases, a correctly fitted hearing aid provides good function and speech understanding. In cases of very severe or profound hearing loss, this may not be sufficient, and other options are available.
This is where it matters that the hearing clinic is located within a private hospital with its own ear, nose and throat department. If we identify any of the conditions below, we provide advice and arrange the appropriate referral.
Cochlear implant
A cochlear implant is an option for people with severe or profound hearing loss where the hair cells in the inner ear no longer function sufficiently.
While a hearing aid amplifies sound, a cochlear implant converts sound into electrical impulses that directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Treatment requires assessment and surgery at a department with specialist experience in this field.
Bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA)
With a bone-anchored hearing aid, sound is transmitted through the skull bone directly to the inner ear instead of travelling through the ear canal and middle ear.
It may be relevant in cases of chronic middle-ear problems, an absent or malformed ear canal, conductive or mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness. Treatment takes place in a hospital setting.
CROS and BiCROS for single-sided hearing loss
For single-sided deafness or a significant difference in hearing between the two ears, a CROS solution may be relevant.
CROS stands for Contralateral Routing of Signal and works by picking up sound on the deaf side and transmitting it wirelessly to the hearing ear. BiCROS is used when there is also hearing loss in the better-hearing ear.
The solution can improve speech understanding in certain situations, but it does not restore directional hearing, which requires two functioning ears.
When hearing loss should be treated rather than amplified
Some types of hearing loss are caused by conditions where medical or surgical treatment is more appropriate than a hearing aid. This includes active middle-ear infection, otosclerosis, sudden hearing loss, fluid in the middle ear and, in rare cases, a benign tumour of the auditory nerve.
In these situations, a hearing aid would amplify the sound without addressing the underlying cause. This is why your hearing test is reviewed by a doctor before we fit a hearing aid.
How do you find out which type is right for you?
With a hearing test and an examination of the ear.
We assess how much amplification is required, the shape of your ear canal and what you need in everyday life. We then explain the advantages and limitations of the hearing aid types that are genuinely relevant for you.
If your needs change later, you can usually switch to a different style within the same technology level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of hearing aid is best?
There is no single type of hearing aid that is best for everyone. The right choice depends on the degree and type of hearing loss, the anatomy of your ear canal, your needs in noisy environments, and practical considerations such as handling and charging.
Is the smallest hearing aid the best?
Not necessarily. Very small hearing aids are discreet, but they have less space for microphones and batteries. In many cases, a slightly larger model can provide better speech understanding in noisy environments.
What is the difference between RIC and ITE?
RIC has the speaker placed in the ear canal and the device itself behind the ear, which makes room for more technology. ITE sits together in the outer ear and is easier to handle, but has less space for microphones.
Can everyone get invisible hearing aids?
No. The size of the ear canal and the degree of hearing loss are important. With greater hearing loss, a device inside the ear canal cannot provide enough amplification, and a narrow ear canal cannot accommodate it.
Does an invisible hearing aid cost more?
No. The price depends on the technology level, not the style. An in-the-ear-canal hearing aid costs the same as a comparable behind-the-ear model at the same technology level.
Are rechargeable hearing aids just as powerful?
Yes. Modern rechargeable hearing aids offer the same level of technology as battery-powered models. The choice mainly comes down to practical handling and convenience.
Can I switch to a different type later?
Yes. If your needs or preferences change, you can usually switch to a different style within the same technology level.
Can I use a hearing aid if I have ear discharge?
Often, yes, but the type of hearing aid matters. A device that blocks the ear canal can make the problem worse, so a behind-the-ear hearing aid with an open fitting is often a better option. This should be assessed individually.
When is a cochlear implant or BAHA appropriate?
For severe or profound hearing loss, where conventional hearing aids are not sufficient, or when the ear canal and middle ear cannot conduct sound effectively. Both options require assessment and treatment in a hospital setting.
How do I know which type of hearing aid is right for me?
The right type is determined through a combination of a hearing test, an examination of your ears, and a review of your everyday hearing needs. We will go through the available options with you before you make a decision.
Read also about
- Hearing aids and private hearing clinic in Charlottenlund
- Hearing aid prices
- Subsidies, rules and rights
- Oticon Zeal nxtCIC