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Different types of hearing aids are available to suit varying needs and preferences. Share on Pinterestmikroman6/Getty ImagesThis article discusses the hearing aid types available, how they differ, and their features. It also looks at choosing hearing aids and where to get them. What is a hearing aid Hearing loss can occur due to damage to or loss of the small sensory cells in the inner ear, also known as hair cells. Causes of this include aging, congenital irregularities, and physical trauma. The loss of these hearing cells makes it harder for people to hear and distinguish sounds. Learn more about hearing loss here. A hearing aid is a small electronic device that sits either behind or inside the ear. It amplifies sounds so that the hair cells are triggered more effectively, making hearing easier. A hearing aid consists of three parts:a microphonean amplifiera speaker The hearing aid receives the sound through the microphone, transfers it to the amplifier to increase the volume, and sends it through the ear canal using the speaker. Hearing aid types There are five main types of hearing aids. They differ depending on how much of the hearing aid sits within the ear or ear canal and how much is external. There are also digital and analog models, which can apply to all five types of hearing aids. Digital vs analog Digital hearing aids convert sound waves into digital signals and produce an exact duplication of the sound. They use a computer chip to analyze the environment for speech and other sounds. Digital hearing aids allow people to hear more complex sounds with background noise easier. Most hearing aids are now digital. Analog hearing aids simply make a sound wave louder. They amplify all sounds to the same extent, which can make differentiation difficult. Analog hearing aids sometimes have different settings for quiet or loud environments. Analog hearing aids are becoming less common as digital technology advances. Behind-the-earMay suit: people of all ages with mild to profound hearing lossPro: comfortable to wearCon: may feel too bulky for some people With behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, the hard plastic case that contains the electronics sits behind the ear, with a small wire connecting it to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The microphone and speaker sit in the earmold. Sound travels from the microphone to the electronics and back to the speaker in the earmold and into the ear. BTE hearing aids are suitable for people of all ages with mild or profound hearing loss. However, they might feel too bulky for some people. Mini BTEMay suit: people who experience earwax buildupPro: does not muffle the sound of the wearer’s voiceCon: may be easier to misplace than larger models Mini BTE hearing aids are useful if a person still wants the device to sit behind the ear but does not want their entire ear plugged by a mold. A small narrow tube requires insertion into the ear canal to transmit the sound, but the canal remains partially open. This type of hearing aid is suitable for people who experience earwax buildup or who do not like the sound of their voice being muffled. This can happen with the earmolds. In-the-earMay suit: people with mild to severe hearing lossPro: one of the most discreet options availableCon: not suitable for children and adolescents as they are still growing In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids sit completely inside the outer ear, without anything sitting behind the ear. All the electronics are in a small case inside the external part of the ear. ITE hearing aids are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss. However, they are unsuitable for young children because the molds need replacing as the ear grows. Most people wait until they stop growing before getting an ITE device. Some ITE hearing aids include a telecoil feature that can connect to a telephone or sound system to help users hear those devices more clearly. Middle ear implantsMay suit: people with profound hearing lossPro: people with MEIs may hear less feedback than those with other hearing aidsCon: requires surgery and may not be as discreet as other options Middle ear implants (MEIs) require surgery to place the aid on one of the small bones in the middle of the ear. Instead of amplifying the sound traveling to the eardrum, MEIs move the bones to strengthen the sound vibrations, making it easier to trigger the hair cells and detect sounds. In-the-canal and completely-in-the-canal aids May suit: people with mild to moderate hearing lossPro: this type of hearing aid is very discreetCon: often has a shorter battery life These hearing aids are small enough to fit partially or completely inside the ear canal. They are not very visible. People tend to like them for their discreet cosmetic appearance, but their small size can sometimes make them difficult to adjust. Comparison chart Below is a comparison of the different types of hearing aids.Type of hearing lossProsConsBTEmild to profoundeasy and comfortable to wearmay be too bulkyMini BTEmild to severedoes not muffle the wearer’s voicemay be easier to misplace than larger hearing aidsITEmild to severediscreetnot suitable for childrenMEIprofoundless feedback than with hearing aidsrequires surgeryITC and CICmild to moderatediscreetshorter battery life How to choose Choosing a hearing aid will depend on the severity of a person’s hearing loss, but most aids will suit most types of hearing loss. An audiologist can advise someone on where to get the right hearing aid for their needs. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders recommends considering the following questions when choosing a hearing aid:Which features will I need most?Do I care about the appearance of the device? What is the total cost of the hearing aid? Will the benefits of newer technology outweigh the higher costs?Is there a trial period to test the hearing aids?How long is the warranty, and what does it cover? Where to buy hearing aids There are many brands offering hearing aids for purchase online, including:Hearing AssistMDHearingAidEargo Other companies and brands are also available. People can compare online reviews to choose the best hearing aid provider for their needs. A doctor can also offer recommendations or advice. Anyone unsure about which type of hearing aid would suit them or where to get one should speak with a doctor for guidance. The doctor may also refer the person to an audiologist. Frequently asked questions Below are some frequently asked questions about hearing aids. How long does it take to get used to a hearing aid The rate at which people become used to a hearing aid varies. Some people may take several weeks to feel comfortable wearing a hearing device. A person’s audiologist can provide help and advice to make the transition smoother. Can hearing aids damage hearing further An audiologist should decide which hearing aid best suits a person’s situation and set up the hearing device for them. A person may find their hearing is more muffled if they have not set up the hearing device correctly. If they notice a change in their hearing, the person should contact an audiologist as soon as possible. Will a hearing aid restore hearing A hearing aid cannot restore hearing but can make it easier for a person to hear everyday sounds and understand and communicate more easily with others. Summary There are many types of hearing aids available in digital or analog models. The main variations depend on where the hearing aid sits in relation to the ear. The best fit depends on many factors, including the severity of a person’s hearing loss, their cosmetic preference, and budget. People can speak with a doctor for recommendations and advice on the best type of hearing aid for their needs. Last medically reviewed on January 2, 2021Uncategorized 3 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Hearing aids. (2017). https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aidsTypes of hearing aids. (2018). https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/types-hearing-aidsTypes of hearing aids. (n.d.). https://www.ohsu.edu/ent/types-hearing-aidsFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Jesse Klein — Updated on May 11, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageThrough my eyes: My first 48 hours with hearing aids I'm not even 30 years old, and I need hearing aids. The discovery was a shock, but just 48 hours in and an exciting new world of sound is unfolding. READ MOREDoes Medicare pay for hearing aids?Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M.D., CAQ, FAAFP Hearing aids can be vital for navigating the world with hearing loss. However, what coverage does Medicare provide for hearing technology? 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