INDEPENDENT · AUDIOLOGIST-LED · METRO VANCOUVER

Custom Hearing Aid Styles

A discreet hearing aid should also be comfortable to handle and suitable for your hearing. Compare how different styles fit, what they can do and the compromises involved before choosing by appearance alone.

Discuss Your Hearing Aid Options Choose your clinic

What does custom hearing aid mean?

A custom in-the-ear hearing aid has a shell shaped for the individual ear. Custom can also describe an earmould connected to a behind-the-ear device; that is a different arrangement. Ask which part is being made for your ear and which hearing-aid style is being recommended.

The available space in your ear, hearing requirements and handling preferences affect suitability. An Audiological Assessment and a discussion of your daily needs help narrow the options.

Compare the main in-the-ear styles

ITE and ITC

In-the-ear and in-the-canal styles use a custom shell in the outer ear or partly in the canal. A larger shell may allow easier handling or space for features, depending on the model.

CIC

Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids sit mostly within the canal. Compare insertion, removal, available controls and the power and connectivity required for your needs.

IIC

Invisible-in-the-canal styles sit deeper in the canal when suitable. The name does not guarantee invisibility in every ear. Anatomy and hearing requirements can limit suitability.

How do RIC and BTE styles compare?

Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids have a small body behind the ear and a receiver in the canal. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids deliver sound through tubing to an earpiece or earmould. Both are worth comparing with custom devices when discussing power, comfort, handling and features.

There is no universally best style. A smaller hearing aid may limit room for controls or other components, while a behind-the-ear device introduces different handling and fit considerations. Your Audiologist can explain the suitable options without requiring a commitment to a particular appearance first.

Five practical questions to ask

  1. Can I manage it comfortably? Practise insertion, removal and any controls. Consider vision, finger dexterity and your usual routine.
  2. Which features are included? Check rechargeable power, phone calls and streaming for the exact model. Small does not automatically mean wireless, rechargeable or app-enabled.
  3. How does it sound in my ear? Discuss comfort, your own voice and the physical fit as part of the fitting and follow-up process.
  4. What care will it need? Ask how to clean and store the devices, replace user-serviceable parts and arrange maintenance or repair.
  5. What are the written terms? Compare the devices, included care, warranty, trial or return conditions and total cost in your written recommendation and quote.

Custom technology across manufacturers

Puretone is an independent, Audiologist-led clinic. We compare suitable options from Oticon, Phonak and Starkey rather than treating one manufacturer or one shell size as the default answer.

Visit our hearing-aid brand guide to discuss current Canadian options. Some compact devices use a different fitting design from a made-to-measure shell, so ask whether a discreet model is custom-made or uses a standard earpiece. Model names and photographs do not establish how a device will fit your own ear.

If conversations in background noise are your priority, include those situations in the style comparison. If you already own hearing aids, bring them for an upgrade review or second opinion.

Questions about custom hearing aids

Are custom hearing aids always invisible?

No. Visibility depends on the style, shell and individual ear. Discuss the likely appearance and suitability rather than relying on a product photograph.

Does a smaller hearing aid work better?

Size alone does not predict benefit. Your hearing needs, acoustic fit, handling, settings and follow-up matter. Compare the features available in each suitable style.

Can I change styles when upgrading?

Possibly. Explain what you like and dislike about your current devices. Your Audiologist can review suitable styles alongside your current hearing, communication priorities and budget.

Talk with an Audiologist near you

Choose a Puretone clinic in Surrey, White Rock / South Surrey or Vancouver. Request a Hearing Aids Consultation; the team will confirm the appropriate visit and appointment time.

Request a Hearing Aid Consultation

Continue exploring your options

Further reading: NIDCD: hearing-aid styles and selection