As the kind and degree of hearing loss varies from person to person and even sometimes from ear to ear, there are different hearing instrument styles which are tailored to specific hearing losses and which take into account personal needs.
Completely-In-the-Canal (CIC)
Fits inside the ear canal
All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
Slightly visible in the ear
For mild to moderate hearing loss
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Fits outside the ear canal
All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
Barely visible or not visible at all in the ear canal
For mild to moderate hearing loss
In-the-Ear (ITE)
All components contained in a custom - fit, hard - molded plastic shell
Fills the entire bowl of the ear
Visible in the ear
For mild to moderately severe hearing loss
micro-Behind-the-Ear Open (microBTE)
All components contained in a micro-case that is worn behind the ear
A hard-molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a clear, thin tube extends into the ear canal
Barely or not at all visible
For mild to moderate hearing loss
micro-Behind-the-Ear (microBTE)
All components contained in a micro-case that is worn behind the ear
A hard - molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom - fit earmold extends into the ear
Barely visible behind-the-ear
For mild to moderate hearing loss
Open-Ear (OE)
All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear
A hard-molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a clear, thin tube extends into the ear canal.
Barely or not at all visible
For mild to moderate hearing loss
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
All components contained in a case that is worn behind the ear
A hard - molded plastic case is worn behind the ear, and a custom - fit earmold extends into the ear
May be barely visible depending on case color.
For mild to profound hearing loss
