Understanding Hearing Aids: Styles & Types, How They Work & Who They’re Right For
- Akriti Kumar
- Jul 20
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 29
Understanding Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are advanced medical devices designed to help people with hearing loss reconnect with the sounds of life. They consist of three core components: a microphone, a processor, and a speaker. The microphone collects sounds from the environment, the processor analyses and converts the sound and the speaker transmits the processed sounds to the ear.
But unlike basic amplifiers that simply make all sounds louder, hearing aids are smart. They tailor sound amplification to match your unique hearing profile, ensuring clarity and comfort in everyday listening.
Once we understand the various parts of the hearing aid, it becomes easy to define them based on the placement of each of these parts. Let's deep dive and have a look -
Behind the ear hearing aid (BTE)
The BTE’s houses all the essential components like the microphone, processor, and speaker, in a durable shell that sits comfortably behind the ear. And hence the name of the aid.
This larger size allows for bigger batteries, stronger output, and advanced features, making it a true powerhouse among hearing aids. That’s why we call it the Big Boss BTE — built for performance and reliability. A BTE can support up to profound level (90-110dB)* of hearing loss, while giving full day's seamless hearing
Key Parts and their Function
Microphone: Captures environmental sounds and sends them to the internal processor.
Processor & Amplifier: Digital processor converts the sound to electrical signals, amplifies them, and customizes them to the user’s hearing levels.
Receiver (Speaker): Sends the processed sound into the ear canal through the ear mold or tubing.
Ear Hook & Tubing: Connects the casing to the earmold. The tube directs the sound from the device into the ear.
Earmold: Custom-fitted to the user’s ear; ensures proper sound delivery and reduces feedback.
Battery Compartment or Rechargeable Port: Most BTEs run on traditional hearing aid batteries (size 13 or 675) or have built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Program Button & Volume Control: Allows the user to switch between listening programs or adjust volume manually.
Who is a BTE Hearing Aid Suitable For?
BTE hearing aids are incredibly versatile and suitable for:
Mild to Profound Hearing Loss: Their powerful output makes them ideal for people with more significant hearing loss.
Children: Because of easy handling, durability, and ability to accommodate growing ear shapes via replaceable earmolds.
Elderly Users: The larger size is easier to handle and less likely to be lost or damaged.
People with Excessive Earwax, Moisture or frequent ear infections: Since the electronic components are outside the ear, there’s less risk of internal damage due to moisture, infection or wax.
Users with Dexterity Issues: Larger size means easier controls and easier maintenance.
Conclusion
BTEs are an ideal choice for users who need power, durability, and ease of use — from children to seniors, and everyone in between. With advances in technology, today’s BTEs are sleeker, smarter, and more comfortable than ever before.
Receiver in the Canal Hearing Aid (RIC)
As the name suggests, the receiver (speaker) in an RIC hearing aid sits inside your ear canal, while the main body of the device rests discreetly behind your ear. The two parts are connected by a thin wire, making RICs lightweight, comfortable, and barely noticeable.
The separation of components allows RICs to offer clearer sound, reduced distortion, and more natural listening, especially in noisy environments. These are the features that qualify the hearing aid to be referred to as Little Master at our store. Along with their discrete shape and size, they also cater for up to 70- 90dB* of hearing loss seamlessly.
Key Parts and their Function
Similar to the BTEs, the RIC hearing aids only have a slight difference in the placement of the components. The overall functioning, though, remains the same.
Microphone: Captures environmental sounds and sends them to the internal processor.
Processor & Amplifier: Digital processor converts the sound to electrical signals, amplifies them, and customizes them to the user’s hearing levels.
Receiver (Speaker): Sends the processed sound into the ear canal.
Battery Compartment or Rechargeable Port: RICs run on batteries (size 10 or 13) or have built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Program Button & Volume Control: Allows the user to switch between listening programs or adjust volume manually.
Who Is an RIC Hearing Aid Suitable For?
RIC hearing aids are a popular choice for:
Mild to Severe Hearing Loss: Ideal for a wide range of hearing needs—except profound loss.
First-Time Users: RICs are comfortable, discreet, and easy to adjust to.
Style-Conscious Users: The slim design blends in with hair and skin tone.
People with Active Lifestyles: Sweat-resistant and light—great for those always on the move.
Tech Enthusiasts: Most RICs offer Bluetooth, rechargeability, and app-based controls.
Conclusion
Receiver-in-Canal hearing aids are a perfect blend of performance and discretion. They’re designed to fit naturally into your life—quietly working in the background while you focus on what matters most.
Invisible Hearing Aids
When it comes to hearing aids, many people want a device that works well but stays out of sight. That’s exactly where Invisible Hearing Aids come in. These tiny devices sit inside your ear, blending with your ear shape and skin tone, making them virtually unnoticeable. These Tiny Titans are indeed small in size and big on hearing power.
These hearing aids come in several styles based on how deep they sit in the ear canal
Invisible in Canal Hearing Aids (IIC)
The IIC sits beautifully inside the ear, while being the smallest in the Invisible category. They usually support Mild (26–40dB) to Moderate (~55dB) level of hearing loss*.
Completely in Canal Hearing Aids (CIC)
A CIC device looks almost like a earphone. Sits inside the ear, while barely being visible. CIC hearing aids generally cater to hearing loss up to about 65-70 dB HL.*
Inside the Canal Hearing Aids (ITC)
An ITC custom device is positioned partly in the ear canal and partly in the outer ear. Its slightly larger than CIC thus is able to accommodate more features. It supports up to 60-70 dB* of hearing loss.
Inside the Ear Hearing Aid (ITE)
A custom-fit device occupying all or part of the outer ear, easier to handle and can house advanced features, due to its bigger size. It supports up to 70-90dB* of hearing loss.
Key Parts and their Function
Just like other hearing aids, these devices include:
Microphone: Captures sound from your environment.
Processor: Digitally customizes the sound based on your hearing loss.
Receiver (Speaker): Delivers the sound directly into your ear.
Battery or Rechargeable Cell: Powers the device (most invisible aids use small size 10 or 312 batteries).
Optional Controls: Some models may have push buttons for volume or program changes, though space is limited.
Since they sit inside the ear canal, the outer ear helps naturally funnel and localize sound, which enhances sound directionality and reduces wind noise.
Who Are Invisible Hearing Aids Suitable For?
Invisible hearing aids are ideal for:
People with Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss: They’re great if your hearing loss isn’t too severe.
First-Time Users: Their small size and simple design make them easy to wear and adjust to.
Aesthetically Conscious Individuals: Perfect for those who want a device that doesn't show.
Professionals and Socially Active Users: Discreet design makes them ideal for meetings, events, and daily conversations.
Not Ideal For:
Profound hearing loss
Users with very small or curved ear canals
Users with active ear infections
Those with frequent earwax buildup or moisture issues
Conclusion
Invisible hearing aids offer a great solution for those who want to hear better without compromising appearance. With personalized fitting and modern digital technology, these small devices deliver big results.
Care and Maintenance of the Hearing Aid
Hearing Aids are durable devices, but they need a certain level of maintenance to ensure longevity. Taking proper care of your hearing aid optimizes its performance and prolongs its lifespan.
Here’s a simple guide you can follow at home:
Daily Care
Wipe it Down
Use a clean, dry, soft cloth to wipe your hearing aid every evening.
Avoid using water or alcohol wipes — moisture can damage the electronics.
Check for Moisture in the Tube/Ear tip
If you see water droplets inside the thin tube, detach it from the hearing aid and blow through it using an air blower (or ask your hearing care provider to do it).
Turn it Off at Night
If your device uses batteries, open the battery door before sleeping to let moisture escape and save battery life.
If it's rechargeable, place it in the charger overnight.
Weekly Care
Inspect the Tubing/Ear tip
Look for yellowing, hardening, or cracks in the tube. If it's stiff or blocked, it may need replacement.
If the ear tip is blocked, it might need to be cleaned or replaced.
Check Sound Quality
If sounds are muffled or unclear, wax or dirt might be blocking the earmold or tubing. Clean it gently or ask your audiologist.
Use the de-humidifier
Humidity and sweat can shorten the life of your hearing aid. This step is essential, especially in India’s humid climate. Using a dehumidifier box (dry kit) at night can:
Remove moisture
Prevent corrosion
Reduce repair needs
Monthly Care
Tube Replacement
Tubes may need replacement every 2–3 months or sooner if they get hard or discolored.
Battery Check
If you’re using traditional batteries, replace them as soon as the sound output is reduced or if there is no output. Always keep spares in hand.
For rechargeable hearing aids, just leave them on charge every night, and sleep tension free.
Things to Avoid
Don’t expose your hearing aid to water (remove before showering or swimming).
Don’t drop it - as it may damage internal components.
Don’t store it in the bathroom – the moisture can harm it.
Don’t try to repair it yourself if it stops working.
When to Visit Your Hearing Clinic
If your device stops working suddenly
If there's constant whistling (feedback)
If you hear buzzing or static
If the tubing looks cracked or blocked
For deep cleaning or a tune-up every 3–6 months
At Synva, we guide you through the process: from choosing the right model to fitting, servicing, and lifetime care. Whether you're just starting your hearing journey or upgrading from an older device, we are here to help.
Note: *Actual fitting ranges may vary somewhat by manufacturer and technology.
Watch the video below to choose the right hearing aid: