Starkey · Hearing Aids
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Hearing Aid Styles Guide
From discreet in-canal models to powerful behind-the-ear aids, Starkey makes six hearing aid styles. Compare them here, then let our audiologists help you choose.
Six styles at a glance
Hearing loss ranges are from Starkey. Other sources give slightly different ranges, so your audiologist will advise you based on your own hearing.
Receiver-in-canal
RIC
A small body sits behind the ear and the speaker sits inside the ear canal, connected by a thin wire. Sleek, discreet and usually packed with features.
Suits: Mild to moderate hearing loss
Starkey models: Omega AI+, Edge AI, G Series AI
Behind-the-ear
BTE
All parts sit in a case behind the ear, and a clear tube carries sound to an earbud or custom earmold. The most common and usually the largest style.
Suits: Moderate to severe hearing loss
Starkey models: G Series AI
In-the-ear
ITE
The largest custom style, made from a mould of your ear and filling the outer ear. Big enough for volume and memory controls.
Suits: Mild to severe hearing loss
Starkey models: Omega AI+, G Series AI
In-the-canal
ITC
A smaller custom style, with only a small part showing in the outer ear. Can include volume and memory controls.
Suits: Mild to mildly severe hearing loss
Starkey models: Omega AI+, G Series AI
Completely-in-canal
CIC
Sits completely in the ear canal, with only the tip of a small removal handle showing.
Suits: Mild to moderate hearing loss
Starkey models: Omega AI+, G Series AI
Invisible-in-canal
IIC
The smallest, most discreet custom style. It sits deep in the ear canal and is invisible for most ears, although not every ear canal can fit one.
Suits: Mild to moderate hearing loss
Starkey models: Omega AI+
Compare the styles
| Style | Where it sits | Visibility | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIC | Behind the ear, speaker in the canal | Discreet | Rechargeable in select styles. The speaker can be affected by earwax and moisture. |
| BTE | Behind the ear, tube to the ear | Most visible | Easy to handle, larger battery and longer battery life. Often chosen for young children (FDA). |
| ITE | Fills the outer ear | Visible | Room for volume and memory controls. May pick up more wind noise than smaller custom styles. |
| ITC | Lower part of the outer ear | Less visible | Can include controls. Smaller batteries need changing more often. |
| CIC | Completely in the ear canal | Very discreet | Can be hard to handle for people with dexterity issues. May not have room for controls. |
| IIC | Deep in the ear canal | Invisible for most ears | Not every ear canal fits one. No room for manual controls. |
Sources: Starkey, FDA.
How to choose
Starkey lists the factors that guide the choice of style. Your audiologist will look at all of them with you:
- The type and degree of your hearing loss
- Your lifestyle and activities
- Your job
- Your eyesight and how easily you handle small objects
- The size and shape of your outer ear and ear canal
One hearing aid or two?
Starkey says about two-thirds of new users choose two hearing aids, and that as a group they report higher satisfaction than people who buy one.
Features to ask about
- Directional microphones, which help you hear the person in front of you in noise
- Telecoil, for phones and induction loop systems in halls and places of worship
- Bluetooth streaming for calls and music
- Rechargeable batteries: up to 51 hours on Omega AI+ and Edge AI RIC RT (other styles vary)
Sources: FDA, Starkey.
Questions about hearing aid styles
The invisible-in-canal (IIC) style. Starkey calls it the smallest, most discreet hearing aid it makes, although whether it is invisible depends on the shape of your ear.
Starkey describes behind-the-ear (BTE) aids as ideal for moderate to severe hearing loss. Mayo Clinic notes that BTEs hold the largest receiver and can give the most volume.
Yes, in select styles. Starkey lists up to 51 hours of battery life for Omega AI+ and Edge AI in the RIC RT style. Other styles vary.
Not always. Smaller styles use smaller batteries that need changing more often, may not have room for controls and can be harder to handle (Starkey, Mayo Clinic).
The FDA notes that behind-the-ear aids are often chosen for young children, because the earmold can be replaced as the child grows.
Mayo Clinic says hearing aids should last about five years.
Sources: Starkey: Hearing aid styles · Starkey: Compare hearing aids · FDA: Types of hearing aids · Mayo Clinic: Hearing aids
Style images courtesy of Starkey.
Not sure which style is right for you?
Book a hearing test and fitting at Harmony. Our audiologists will match the style to your hearing, your ears and your lifestyle.