Choosing the right hearing aid isn’t just about how much amplification you need—it’s also about appearance, lifestyle, and how natural the sound feels.
Modern hearing aids come in a variety of styles, and each has its own strengths.
Modern hearing aids come in a variety of styles, and each has its own strengths.
In this first part, we’ll look at behind-the-ear hearing aids—the most widely used and versatile style on the market.
Behind-the-Ear Styles
Behind-the-ear hearing aids sit comfortably behind the ear, with sound delivered through either a tube or a wire into an earmold or earpiece.
They are known for comfort, durability, and a wide fitting range, making them suitable for most users.
They are known for comfort, durability, and a wide fitting range, making them suitable for most users.
There are two main types: Traditional BTE and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC).
1. BTE (Traditional Behind-the-Ear)
Best for: Moderate to profound hearing loss
Design: The main body sits behind the ear, connected to a custom earmold via a sound tube.
Advantages:
Provides the most power and amplification.
Durable and easy to handle.
Considerations:
More visible than other styles.
2. RIC (Receiver-in-Canal)
Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss
Design: A thin receiver wire extends from the main body of the hearing aid into the ear canal.
Advantages:
Sleeker and lighter than traditional BTEs.
The small earpiece can provide a more open fit, often perceived as more natural sounding and comfortable.
Reduces the occlusion effect—that “plugged-up” sensation when your own voice sounds too loud inside your head.
Market Insight
By 2020, BTE-style hearing aids made up 87% of the U.S. market, with RICs alone accounting for 79% of all sales and traditional BTEs about 8%. At Yeasound, we focus on RIC hearing aids because they combine comfort, discreet design, and natural sound quality, offering solutions that cover most degrees of hearing loss.
💬 Next in this series: We’ll explore In-the-Ear style hearing aids—the styles that sit entirely inside the ear, offering a discreet and personalized experience.
