Behind-the-Ear vs In-the-Canal Hearing Aids: Which Is Right for You?

One of the first things people ask us is, "Can I get the kind nobody can see?" Sometimes the answer is yes. Sometimes a behind-the-ear model will serve you much better. Here is how the two main styles compare, so you can walk into your appointment knowing what to ask.

The two families of hearing aid styles

Behind-the-ear styles sit on top of and behind your ear. A thin wire or tube runs into the ear canal. Today the most common version is receiver-in-canal (RIC), where the speaker sits in your ear on the end of a fine wire. Traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) models use a tube and often a custom earmold.

In-the-canal styles are custom-made shells that fit inside your ear. In-the-canal (ITC) aids sit in the outer part of the canal. Completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC) aids sit deeper and are very hard to see. They are made from a mold or scan of your ear.

How they compare

• How visible they are. In-the-canal wins. A deep-fit CIC or IIC is close to invisible. That said, a modern receiver-in-canal aid with a thin wire is hard to spot too, especially behind hair or glasses.
• Power. Behind-the-ear wins. There is more room for a bigger speaker and battery, so these styles fit everything from mild to severe hearing loss. The smallest in-canal aids usually suit mild to moderate loss.
• Features. Behind-the-ear usually wins. Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries and two-microphone noise focus are standard on most behind-the-ear models. Some very small in-canal models leave out one or more of these to save space.
• Your own voice. Open-fit behind-the-ear aids leave the canal partly open, so your own voice sounds more natural. A canal aid can make your voice sound boomy at first, though venting helps.
• Wind. In-the-canal often wins. A microphone tucked in the ear picks up less wind noise.
• Wax and moisture. Behind-the-ear wins. Canal aids sit right in the path of earwax and sweat, so they need more cleaning and can need more repairs.
• Handling. It depends on you. Tiny in-canal aids and their batteries can be hard to handle if your fingers are stiff or your eyesight is not sharp.

Who usually does best with each

In-the-canal styles often suit people with mild to moderate hearing loss who care most about discretion, who do not need phone streaming, and who have ear canals large enough for the parts. They are also handy if you wear a mask, glasses or a hat a lot, since nothing sits behind the ear.

Behind-the-ear styles usually suit people with moderate to severe loss, people who want streaming from their phone and TV, people who want rechargeable batteries, and anyone with a lot of earwax.

Your ear shape also has a say. Some ear canals are too small or too curved for a deep in-canal fit. We can tell by looking during your visit.

How we help you choose

The right style starts with a hearing test. Your audiogram tells us how much power you need, and that rules some styles in or out. Then we talk through your daily life and what matters to you. If an invisible fit is possible for your hearing, we will tell you. If it is not, we will explain why and show you the most discreet option that will work. Read more in our guide to choosing hearing aids, or see the brands we carry on our hearing aids page.

Your first hearing evaluation at Wichita Falls Hearing is free. Book online or call 940-264-4327.