There are 4 major styles of hearing aids. The amount of hearing impairment, listening environment, size of the ear, manual dexterity issues and cost will all be factors used to select the best hearing system for each individual. All sizes are available with either analog or digital circuitry.
CIC: Completely-In-the-Canal hearing instruments are the smallest units available. They fit far into the ear canal and are virtually invisible. A clear removal string is used to remove it from the ear. CIC's are appropriate for mild to moderate hearing losses. Because of their small size, there usually are no manual controls and limited options. Telephone usage is convenient with this style. There is little or no wind noise due to the recessed microphone, making it an excellent choice for golfers. Good dexterity is needed to change the small #10 battery every week. This hearing aid is not recommended for patients with excessive wax build –up, or ongoing medical conditions of the ear.
ITC: In-The-Canal hearing instruments fit in the opening of the ear canal. They are partially visible when the ear is viewed from the side. The larger #312 battery is changed every 10 to 14 days. The ITC design has more room than the CIC and is able to accommodate a memory button and/or a volume control wheel. This style is used for mild and moderate hearing losses.
ITE: In-The-Ear units are the largest custom made style and allows for larger amplifiers and more options. This size tends to be the easiest to operate. The #13 battery is very easy to handle. ITE's can be used with a wide range of hearing losses and allow for the use of telecoils and directional microphones.
BTE: Behind-The-Ear hearing aids have the electronics and battery in a case behind the ear. The sound is funneled into the ear through a tube that connects to a custom fit earmold. BTE hearing aids have more options and power than any other style. Many times this style is more comfortable and less noticeable to wear than an ITE. Because the hearing instrument is behind the ear, it is not subject to breakdown from excessive wax. BTE's come in many sizes and colors to match hair and skin tone.
moderate hearing losses. Because of their small size, there usually are no manual controls and limited options. Telephone usage is convenient with this style. There is little or no wind noise due to the recessed microphone, making it an excellent choice for golfers. Good dexterity is needed to change the small #10 battery every week. This hearing aid is not recommended for patients with excessive wax build –up, or ongoing medical conditions of the ear. 
viewed from the side. The larger #312 battery is changed every 10 to 14 days. The ITC design has more room than the CIC and is able to accommodate a memory button and/or a volume control wheel. This style is used for mild and moderate hearing losses. 
to be the easiest to operate. The #13 battery is very easy to handle. ITE's can be used with a wide range of hearing losses and allow for the use of telecoils and directional microphones. 
the ear through a tube that connects to a custom fit earmold. BTE hearing aids have more options and power than any other style. Many times this style is more comfortable and less noticeable to wear than an ITE. Because the hearing instrument is behind the ear, it is not subject to breakdown from excessive wax. BTE's come in many sizes and colors to match hair and skin tone.