Are invisible hearing aids right for everyone?

Not always. Some hearing losses need more power or features, and very small devices can be harder to handle if dexterity or vision is limited.

Can I get rechargeable custom or invisible hearing aids?

Rechargeable options exist for some small custom devices, but availability depends on manufacturer, ear anatomy, and the power your prescription requires.

Why do so many patients choose RIC devices?

RICs match the most common hearing loss pattern, are comfortable and discreet, and support features like Bluetooth streaming and AI-assisted noise reduction.

Choosing the Right Hearing Aid Style: A Clear, Patient-Friendly Guide

Dr. Allen Craig
Sep 17
2 min read

Finding the perfect hearing aid starts with choosing the style that fits your hearing needs, comfort, and lifestyle. In this short video, Dr. Allen Craig explains the most common hearing aid styles — from invisible CIC and IIC models to custom in-the-ear options (ITC, half shell, full shell) and modern receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices.

What Do We Mean by “Hearing Aid Style”?

“Style” refers to the physical design — how a hearing aid looks, where it sits on or in the ear, and how it feels to wear. The best style for you depends on your hearing test results, dexterity, vision, ear anatomy, and lifestyle preferences.

The Main Hearing Aid Styles

Invisible Options: CIC and IIC

CIC (Completely-in-Canal): Tiny and discreet; a long-time favorite for patients who can handle very small devices.
IIC (Invisible-in-Canal): Even smaller and sits deeper in the ear canal for maximum discretion.Good to know: Not ideal for every hearing loss or for patients with limited dexterity or vision. Rechargeable CICs are now available in some models.

Custom In-the-Ear (ITE): ITC, Half Shell, Full Shell

ITC (In-the-Canal): Slightly larger than CIC, often allowing more features and easier handling.
Half Shell: Fills about half the visible bowl (concha) of the ear; offers more space for controls and features.
Full Shell: Fills the entire bowl of the ear. While used less often today, they still work well for those who need more amplification or easier handling.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

BTE: A classic, durable style with the main components behind the ear — still used for some severe-to-profound hearing losses.
RIC (Receiver-in-Canal): The most common style today. A small device sits behind the ear with a thin wire to a tiny speaker in the ear canal.

Why RIC Is So Popular

RIC devices are designed for the most common type of hearing loss — better low-pitch hearing with reduced high-pitch hearing. They have space for today’s most popular features like rechargeability, Bluetooth streaming, and even AI technology to help you hear better in background noise.

How We Recommend the Right Style

After your hearing evaluation, we consider your audiogram, ear anatomy, handling preferences, and daily listening needs. Then we recommend one or more styles that balance performance, comfort, and convenience — so you can hear your best in the real world.

Need Help Choosing the Right Hearing Aid style?

If you or someone you love has a hearing problem, we’d love to help.