HEARING AID STYLES AND SIZES Hearing aids are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. While the smallest sizes are the least visible in the ear, the smaller sizes have less power than the larger sizes. As such, the most severe hearing losses cannot be fitted with the smallest In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids. Generally, for a particular product or technology type, the In-the-Ear and Behind-the-Ear styles are the least expensive and the smallest Completely-in-the-Canal hearing aids are more expensive. Completely-in-the-Canal or CIC (sometimes referred to as Micro CICs) CIC hearing aids are small and discreet hearing aids that are nearly invisible when worn deep inside the ear canal. While CIC hearing aids are popular for their small, nearly invisible size, they tend to be more prone to feedback and moisture problems due to their small size and position deep in the ear canal. Due to their miniature size, CIC hearing aids have less power than their larger counterparts and are not appropriate for the most severe hearing losses. Behind-the-Ear or BTE. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids set behind the ear and are connected to a clear tube and custom earmold that is situated inside the ear. Because BTE hearing aids do not go directly in the ear, they are not as prone to collect moisture, humidity and oils from your ear and are usually subject to fewer maintenance problems. Mini BTE with Open Ear Technology With the introduction of the new Open Ear BTE’s, most of the manufacturers have introduced mini-BTE sizes that connect to a slim tube and a patented open ear bud. Their miniature size, barely visible slim tube and patented ear bud that fits deep in the ear canal make these hearing aids nearly invisible and very cosmetically appealing. Click here for more information about Open Ear Mini BTE hearing aids. Pictures of Various Sizes and Styles * MC = Mini-Canal BACK TO ABOUT HEARING AIDS