There are Four types of Behind the Ear Hearing Aids
1. Is an Open Fit Behind the Ear
Open Fit Hearing Aids are a new type of Behind the Ear Hearing Aid. It is also called the mini Behind the Ear aid. It fits behind the ear, but is smaller. A very thin, almost invisible tube is used to connect the aid to the ear canal. Open Fit Hearing Aids have less of a occlusion or "plugged up" sensations in the ear canal, allow for increased comfort, reduce feedback and address cosmetic concerns for many users. Open Fit Hearing Aids are designed to hide behind the outer ear, and have ultra-thin tubing to discreetly route sound into the ear. The tubing connects to a soft tip that sits in the ear canal but doesn’t occlude it. The result is a natural, open feeling as airflow and sound enter the ear naturally around the tip, while amplified sound enters through the tip. This is known as “open fitting” and is recommended for mild to moderate high frequency losses.
2. Is a tradition Hearing Aid Behind the Ear
This is a larger unit. Its designed for people with severe to profound hearing loss. These Behind the Ear Hearing Aids are longer in shape, sit behind or on top of the outer ear (following the contour behind the outer ear) and have a tubing that routes sounds down into the ear to an ear tip or earmold in the ear canal. These Behind the Ear Hearing Aids can be used with an earmold and come in different colors and style. Most parts are contained in a small plastic case that rests behind the ear; the case is connected to an earmold or an earpiece by a piece of clear tubing. They can generally can house more features, controls, and power than custom models. Also, the Behind the Ear Hearing aids are easy to be cleaned and handled, and are relatively sturdy.
3. Receiver in the Canal (RICs) or Receiver in the Ear (RITE) Behind the Ears

The receiver-in-canal model is a newer development in hearing aids and is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. Compared to a classic behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, the receiver of the RIC (the loudspeaker) is placed in the ear-tip instead of in the housing, thereby reducing its size. The RIC model is a very discreet, yet powerful hearing aid.
4. Microphone and Receiver in the Canal Behind the Ears


The Microphone and Receiver-In-the-Canal model is the newest development in hearing aids and is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. When the microphone and receiver are both in the ear, your ears natural directivity means you’ll know where sound is coming from and be able to focus on what you want to hear.