Hearing Aid Styles

From invisible to powerful, there’s a hearing aid style that’s just right for you.

Choosing the right hearing aid isn’t just about hearing better—it’s about finding the perfect fit for your comfort, lifestyle, and confidence. At Johnson Audiology, we proudly serve patients at our convenient locations in Chattanooga, Hixson, Franklin, Murfreesboro, TN, and Cartersville, GA, offering a full range of hearing aid styles tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re looking for a nearly invisible device that blends seamlessly into your daily life or a powerful option designed for more advanced hearing loss, our expert audiologists are here to help. Below, we break down the different hearing aid styles so you can better understand your options and take the next step toward better hearing.

Lyric by Phonak

What it is: Lyric is a unique, extended-wear hearing aid that’s placed deep in the ear canal by a hearing professional and worn 24/7 for months at a time—even while sleeping or showering. It requires no daily handling or battery changes. Click here to learn more about Lyric.

Why people love them: Lyric offers a truly “set it and forget it” experience. Because it stays out of sight and out of mind, users enjoy the freedom of clear hearing without the daily maintenance of traditional hearing aids. It’s completely invisible and designed to be worn around the clock for natural sound quality and convenience.

Best for: Mild to moderately severe hearing loss
Visibility: 100% invisible
Features: Extended wear, no daily removal, natural sound quality, effortless use.
Rechargeable options: None (Lyric is replaced every few months by your audiologist)

Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)

What it is: IIC hearing aids are the smallest, most discreet option available. Custom-molded to sit deep inside the ear canal, they’re nearly invisible and offer a comfortable, snug fit.

Why people love them: They’re perfect for style-conscious wearers who want a solution that stays out of sight. Despite their size, many models still offer excellent sound quality and noise reduction.

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss
Visibility: Virtually invisible
Features: Cosmetic appeal, custom-fit, limited manual controls
Rechargeable options: Limited (but expanding with some brands)

Completely-in-Canal (CIC)

What it is: Slightly larger than IICs, CIC hearing aids also sit in the ear canal but have a small handle visible at the entrance of the ear. They’re custom-fit and still very discreet.

Why people love them: They’re easy to insert and remove, offer solid sound performance, and come in skin-tone colors for low visibility.

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss
Visibility: Mostly invisible
Features: Basic manual control options, custom-molded
Rechargeable options: Limited

In-the-Canal (ITC)

What it is: ITC devices fit partially in the ear canal and are larger than CICs, allowing for more features like Bluetooth or directional microphones.

Why people love them: They strike a balance between discreet appearance and functionality. Ideal for users who want more control and power than smaller models can provide.

Best for: Mild to moderately severe hearing loss
Visibility: Partially visible
Features: Optional manual controls, Bluetooth in some models
Rechargeable options: Some models available

In-the-Ear (ITE)

What it is: ITE hearing aids fill the outer portion of the ear. Their larger design allows for advanced features and easier handling.

Why people love them: They’re easy to manage and maintain, especially for those with dexterity issues, and can support powerful amplification.

Best for: Mild to severe hearing loss
Visibility: More visible than in-canal styles
Features: Directional mics, volume controls, telecoils
Rechargeable options: Available from select manufacturers

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

What it is: ITC devices fit partially in the ear canal and are larger than CICs, allowing for more features like Bluetooth or directional microphones.

Why people love them: They strike a balance between discreet appearance and functionality. Ideal for users who want more control and power than smaller models can provide.

Best for: Mild to moderately severe hearing loss
Visibility: Partially visible
Features: Optional manual controls, Bluetooth in some models
Rechargeable options: Some models available

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

What it is: BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear and connect to an earmold that fits inside the ear. This classic style is known for power and durability.

Why people love them: BTEs are ideal for those with more severe hearing loss or anyone who wants a robust, easy-to-handle device. Today’s BTEs are slimmer, quieter, and more comfortable than ever.

Best for: Moderate to profound hearing loss
Visibility: Visible behind the ear
Features: High amplification, telecoil, Bluetooth, rechargeable
Rechargeable options: Widely available