Generally, similar components are used by hearing aids to receive, amplify and send sounds into your ear from your surroundings. Majority of hearing aids are digital and make use of hearing aid batteries to function. 

As the tiny microphones receive sounds from the environment, it is converted into digital code, using a computer chip with an amplifier. The chip assesses the incoming sounds and adjusts it to meet your needs. Then, the amplified signals are transformed into sound waves, while the speaker sends them to your ear.

 Hearing aid styles

 There is a variety of hearing aids based on their cost, size, and functions. 

Below are the different types of hearing aids, in order of size, that is, from the smallest to the biggest. As the demand for smaller hearing aids increases, hearing aids designers produce more of the type. However, smaller hearing aids may not function as much as the bigger ones.

CIC

Completely in the canal (CIC) or mini CIC

The Completely-in-canal hearing aid is designed to fit perfectly into your ear canal, and in adults, it enhances regular hearing loss.

Features

•    It is very tiny

•    Small batteries power it with a short lifespan

•    It has very inflexible, simple features

•    It is not very sensitive to sounds

•    Its speaker easily get clogged up by earwax

ITC

In the canal

The in-the-canal (ITC) is a tailored designed hearing aid which goes partially into the Auditory Canal. This design helps to correct in adults modest hearing loss.

Features

•    It is relatively small

•    It may not entirely fit into the canal

•    It may be cumbersome to operate because of its smallness

•    Its speaker easily gets clogged up by earwax

ITE

The in-the-ear (ITE) comes in two personalized forms, in which one covers the majority of your curved outer ear, and another only covers your lower ear. However, the two types are helpful in terms of correcting normal or critical hearing damage.

Features

•    It is relatively easy to operate

•    It includes unique characteristics such as volume regulator

•    It uses a bigger, durable battery

•    It is quite sensitive to sound

•    It is tangible

•    Its speaker is prone to clogging by earwax

BTE

The BTE is attached firmly behind your outer ear. The earpiece (earmold) inside your canal is joined with the hearing aid, using a tube. Generally, the BTE is suitable for patients of all ages and with varying hearing damages.

Features

•    It relatively sensitive

•    It has a better amplifying power

•    It is very tangible although there are smaller models available.