What are the Different Types of Hearing Aids in India [2025]
- Akriti Kumar
- Jun 19
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 23
Finding the right hearing aid can sometimes be tedious and overwhelming, especially with so many models and brands available in India today. We’re here to help you make sense of it all. At Synva, we believe choosing a hearing aid isn’t just about fixing a hearing problem — it’s about finding something that fits your lifestyle and budget while giving you comfort and confidence.
This blog walks you through all the major types of hearing aids based on how they look, how they function, and what kind of lifestyle or hearing need they’re best for. Think of this as a guidance to selecting your perfect fit — just like we’d do if you came into our experience center.
Why does choosing the right Hearing Aid matter?
Many people think all hearing aids are the same until they try that one perfect fit tailored to their unique hearing needs. A proper fit enhances sound quality and personalizes the listening experience, keeping you in sync with life's important moments and conversations.
Selecting the right size, type, and features is crucial to ensure the sounds feel as close to natural as possible.
So how do you find that 'one perfect fit'?
Try Try Try! - A Hearing Aid Trial
Because some individuals prefer wearing something inside the ear, like an earphone, while others might opt for something on the ear for a better fit. Some would want a rechargeable device for convenience, while others might desire an integrated Bluetooth feature in their aid. Additionally, some people simply need a powerful and durable hearing aid, regardless of its appearance.
Thus, knowing the different types of aids and their features is the first step towards, selecting the right hearing aid for oneself. It also helps you avoid spending money, time and effort on something that isn't the apt one for you.
Here’s how we can generally group the hearing aids:
Hearing Aids by Style
What's your style? Let's figure out. This section talks about all the different types of hearing aids available which differ from each other in terms of size, appearance and capacity.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing aids
If you're seeking the most reliable, stable, and durable hearing aids available, this is the perfect choice. It effectively addresses any level of hearing loss, suits any age, and performs exceptionally well. At Synva, we refer to it as the Big Boss BTE because it truly delivers!
It looks exactly like the device you imagine when someone says - hearing aids. Although its performance is unmatched, its appearance is something that makes it an 8/10. But like the saying goes - beauty lies in the performance of the BTE.
Model | Behind-the-Ear BTE |
|---|---|
Model Specifications | Microphone, Speaker & Processor is Behind the Ear |
Mechanism | BTE hearing aids have a shell that sits behind the ear, which houses the microphone and speaker. An ear hook is attached to the coupling set, through which the processed sound is delivered into the ear. |
Capacity | Caters for hearing loss up to 120 dB of loss. |
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
What is it that you wanted? - crystal clear hearing, light weight, comfortable fit and barely visible?
Oh, then have no doubt and just go for the RIC hearing aids. It is best suited for mild to severe degree of hearing loss and would happily sit on your ear, while you go about your day and won't ever make you feel its presence. We call it our Little Master RIC for the same reason. It is sleek, durable and gives you absolutely beautiful hearing. Only its slim design sometimes might not be the right fit for people who are too young or too old, as it needs to be handled a bit with care, thus making it an overall 9.5/10. But like one says - One is never too old, for some good hearing.
Model | Receiver-in-the Canal - RIC |
Model Specification | Microphone & Processor is Behind the ear Speaker goes inside the ear |
Mechanism | In RIC hearing aids, the shell has the microphone that picks up sounds from the surroundings and processes them within the housing. The processed sound then travels through a thin cable and is delivered into the ear via the receiver tip. |
Capacity | It is a slim hearing aid which is barely visible and caters for around 80-90 dB of hearing loss. |
Invisible Hearing Aids
So many names, sounds confusing right? Let us help you. These invisible hearing aids derive their names from their placement. They either fit inside the ear or slightly outside, which is why they are called ITE, ITC, CIC, or IIC. If you're familiar with regular earphones, then you already have an idea of what these hearing aids resemble. They are discreet yet powerful enough to address moderately severe hearing loss.
We refer to them as Tiny Titans, because they provide an exceptional hearing experience and the most natural sound quality. They are robust, aesthetically pleasing, and assist you while remaining invisible to others. Doesn't that make it a 10/10? Because this beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Invisible in the Canal (or) Completely in Canal
Both of yes names are almost the same cosmetically
Inside the canal (ITC)
These hearing aids are slightly bigger than CIC or IIC
Inside the Ear (ITE)
Inside the Ear hearing aids are bigger than ITC
Model | ITE - In-the-Ear, ITC - In-the-Canal, IIC - In-the-Canal (or) CIC - Completely-in-the-Canal |
Size | ITE > ITE > CIC (or) IIC |
Model Specification | Speaker, Processor & Microphone everything is inside the ear |
Mechanism | All invisible hearing aids have a compact shell that houses the processing unit. The processed sound is then delivered directly into the ear through an integrated speaker |
Capacity | Caters for hearing loss upto 90dB of loss. |
Now that you know the different models, it would be good to know some features that you can specifically look for with the various styles.
Hearing Aids by Technology
When choosing a smartphone today, the most basic features you typically look for are battery life, camera quality, storage capacity, and performance. Why? Because we spend an astonishing 16 hours a day using our phones. Are we right, or ARE WE RIGHT?
Now, if you're considering wearing hearing aids for nearly the same amount of time, why not seek out similar features? These technology can help integrate hearing aids into your daily routine seamlessly.
Here are some highly sought-after features available in the market today
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Yes, you read that right! Today's technology has made using hearing aids less cumbersome and much easier to manage. Rechargeable hearing aids, in particular, are extremely user-friendly and a must-have feature in today's world.
With a charging backup ranging from 28 to 88 hours, these devices keep you in sync with life, making them convenient and hassle-free. Simply place the device on charge while you sleep, ensuring a seamless hearing experience throughout the day without worrying about battery depletion. Don’t you think this would help you feel more confident, less anxious, and allow you to enjoy life to the fullest?
Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Have you ever wanted to watch something on your phone but hesitated because it might disturb those around you? Or perhaps you're in a public place and want to enjoy that reel your friend sent, but feel self-conscious about the noise? Fikar Not! We have the perfect solution for you. Opt for Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids and stream sounds directly to your ears without disturbing others.
The Bluetooth feature allows you to take private calls, watch videos in public, listen to music while walking, and enjoy podcasts during workouts. Essentially, you can experience all sounds streamed exclusively to your ears, helping you stay connected to the world just like anyone else with normal hearing.
In short, Bluetooth technology enhances your auditory experience, ensuring you remain engaged and informed regardless of your surroundings. Because few good things are better left private.
Water Resistant Hearing Aid
Okay, so you got yourself a rechargeable hearing aid with a battery backup of up to 88 hours. However, you find yourself needing to remove it every time you wash your face, worried about touching it with wet hands, or concerned that excessive sweating might damage it. And what happens if you go out and it starts drizzling? You have to remove it again! What's the point of the battery life if you have to take it out in all these situations?
That's where water-resistant hearing aids come in. They are like your guardian angel in disguise. Water-resistant hearing aids are designed to resist moisture, sweat, and dust. Often rated IP68, they provide extra durability for active users or those in humid environments.
Ho hawa, ho paani, you can just carry on jaani! :P
AI Powered Hearing Aid
You think only you are smart? Well, your hearing aids can be, too!
Today's hearing aids use artificial intelligence to analyze your environment in real-time and adapt your hearing aid settings. From reducing background noise to adjusting automatically in restaurants or crowds — these are the smartest hearing aids around.
The device aids you to hear clearly in calm environments and in noisy situations. You just have to wear them and let them work the magic!
Trust us when we say that all these features are as affordable as they are user-friendly. When it comes to pricing, be rest assured to satisfy your need and greed at Synva! :P
Hearing Aids by Needs
Each person is unique, as are their needs. This is why a single solution cannot accommodate everyone when it comes to hearing aids. Additionally, in certain situations, beyond addressing hearing requirements, you might expect more from your hearing aid.
Hearing Aid for Tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition in which a person hears a ringing sound in their ear. Although there could be many reasons for the sound, a few remedies are medicines, tinnitus therapy and hearing aids. A few hearing aids have an in-built feature to provide specific sound therapy curated to your need. Take a trial and understand which one will work the best for you, by talking to the Audiologist.
Hearing Aid for Children
Children can have the same range of styles to choose from, provided we know their hearing levels accurately. The best suited ones are BTE models and the Invisible ones that give outstanding hearing while also being damage resistant.
Hearing Aids for Adults and Senior Citizens
As we age, our needs from hearing aids evolve. To meet these needs, we provide a comprehensive range of hearing aids in diverse styles and technologies, crafted to deliver the optimal hearing experience. These styles and technologies are perfectly suited for adults and senior citizens. Choose wisely for a safe, secure, and comfortable hearing experience.
Hearing Aids for Single Sided Deafness (CROS/BiCROS Hearing Aids)
If you have hearing loss in one ear, using a hearing aid is crucial. It helps you keep balanced and stress-free hearing in various situations. Although it might take some time to get used to, especially when comparing it to your ear with normal hearing, giving yourself this adjustment period will offer considerable advantages. Choosing a hearing aid with many channels is strongly advised, as it allows your audiologist to make precise adjustments for the best fit.
Our final verdict
Here are our final thoughts on each of the models listed above, which can help you find the perfect fit.
Model | Features Rating | Rating by Customer | Rating at Synva |
BTE | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
RIC | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Invisible Hearing Aid | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 10/10 |
At Synva, we believe in keeping things simple. So choose your perfect fit in just three simple steps:
Assess why you need a hearing aid
Figure out what you need in the hearing aid
Then take a trial to understand how the hearing aid is going to benefit you
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