Body Aids: These aids consist of a receiver attached to an earmold with a cord connecting the receiver to the hearing aid (about the size of a deck of cards).  This type of hearing aids is used only in rare cases with people who have a profound hearing loss for whom a cochlear implant is not a good choice.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE): These hearing aids fit behind the ear and sound is directed into the ear with an earmold.  This is the style most often recommended for young children.  Just as children outgrow clothing, they also outgrow earmolds.  Infant earmolds may need to be replaced every 1-3 months.  Older children may need new earmolds every 6-12 months.  When an earmold is seated properly but still allows a hearing aid to produce a high-pitched squealing sound, known as acoustic feedback, it may be time to replace the earmold.  Some manufacturers have hearing aids in bright colors kids love.

In-the-Ear (ITE): These hearing aids fit entirely in the ear.  The casing which contains the hearing aid components must fit snug enough to prevent acoustic feedback.  Because the hearing aid must be sent back in to the manufacturer for re-casing each time a child’s ear grows, ITE aids are not used often with young children.  This style may be an option for teens with mild to moderate-severe hearing loss.

In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): These hearing aids fit into the ear canal.  The CIC fits deep into the ear canal.  The ITC fits more shallow in the ear canal and is more easily visible.  Like ITE hearing aids, the aid must be sent back to the manufacturer with a new earmold impression each time the child’s ear grows so ITC and CIC hearing aids are rarely recommended for young children.