Q: Do I have a choice for the style of hearing aid I wear?
A: The two styles of hearing aids are behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. With behind-the-ear devices, there are more stylistic options, more power options, and more technical features. The trade-off is that the smallest in-the-ear aids can fit invisibly deep inside the ear canal, with fewer features and weaker power than behind-the-ear aids.
In-the-ear models typically fill the entire circumference of the canal, making them feel much more noticeable. Most new hearing aid users find small behind-the-ear devices feel less noticeable when they are worn with tiny in the ear speakers.
When the programming and power level of a behind-the-ear device is high enough, a custom ear mold may be necessary, filling the canal much like an in-the-ear aid. In many of these cases, the patient still opts for a behind-the-ear aid due to better acoustics, less feedback, and more visible appeal.
