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Types of Hearing Aids & Who They Suit Best

Here are the most common types of hearing aids available in Malaysia, with their pros, limitations, and suitable hearing loss levels.
Type Visibility Hearing Loss Range Battery Type Handling Maintenance Connectivity / Features
BTE (Behind-the-Ear) Medium (discreet with slim tubes) Mild to profound Rechargeable or disposable Very easy Low Full Bluetooth and mobile app control
RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) Low Mild to severe Rechargeable or disposable Moderate Moderate Best for wireless streaming and Bluetooth connectivity
ITE (In-the-Ear) Medium Mild to severe Mostly disposable Easy Moderate Some models support Bluetooth
ITC (In-the-Canal) Low Mild to moderate Disposable Moderate Moderate Limited Bluetooth (only in premium models)
CIC (Completely-in-Canal) Nearly invisible Mild to moderate Disposable Difficult High No wireless connectivity
IIC (Invisible-in-Canal) Fully invisible Mild to moderate Disposable Very difficult High No wireless connectivity
BTE (1)

Behind-The-Ear (BTE)

Best for: Moderate hearing loss

Mild Hearing Loss

Advantages

  • Powerful amplification
  • Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss
  • Easy to adjust and maintain
  • Often includes advanced features (Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, directional microphones)

Considerations

  • Slightly more visible than other styles
  • May require periodic tube/wire replacement
RIC (1)

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

Best for: Severe hearing loss

Severe Hearing Loss

Advantages

  • Powerful amplification
  • Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss
  • Easy to adjust and maintain
  • Often includes advanced features (Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, directional microphones)

Considerations

  • Slightly more visible than other styles
  • May require periodic tube/wire replacement
ITE (1)

In-The-Ear (ITE)

Best for: Mild hearing loss

Mild Hearing Loss

Advantages

  • Discreet design, fits inside the ear
  • Natural sound pickup using ear’s shape
  • Comfortable for daily use

Considerations

  • Limited power compared to BTE models
  • Smaller batteries → shorter battery life
  • Can be affected by earwax buildup
ITC (1)

In-The-Canal (ITC)

Best for: Moderate hearing loss

Moderate

Advantages

  • Discreet design, fits inside the ear
  • Natural sound pickup using ear’s shape
  • Comfortable for daily use

Considerations

  • Limited power compared to BTE models
  • Smaller batteries → shorter battery life
  • Can be affected by earwax buildup
CIC (1)

Completely-In-Canal (CIC)

Best for: Moderate hearing loss

Moderate

Advantages

  • Discreet design, fits inside the ear
  • Natural sound pickup using ear’s shape
  • Comfortable for daily use

Considerations

  • Limited power compared to BTE models
  • Smaller batteries → shorter battery life
  • Can be affected by earwax buildup
IIC (1)

Invisible-In-Canal (IIC)

Best for: Cosmetic-conscious users with mild loss

Mild Hearing Loss

Advantages

  • Nearly invisible, fits deep in the ear canal
  • Natural listening experience

Considerations

  • Not suitable for severe loss
  • More delicate, requires good ear hygiene
Rechargeable

Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Best for: Active users who dislike changing batteries

Moderate to Severe

Advantages

  • Easy charging, eco-friendly
  • Reliable daily performance
  • Many come with advanced connectivity (apps, Bluetooth)

Considerations

  • Higher initial price
  • Daily charging required
cros bros

CROS & BiCROS Systems

Best for: People with hearing loss in one ear only (single-sided deafness)

Moderate to Severe

Advantages

  • Picks up sound from the weaker ear and transmits to the stronger ear
  • Improves awareness and communication in noisy settings

Considerations

  • Not suitable for everyone → requires audiologist recommendation

Which Hearing Aid is Best for You?

There’s no “one size fits all.” The right device depends on:

  • Your hearing test results (audiogram)
  • Comfort and lifestyle needs (office work, social life, outdoors, etc.)
  • Budget and payment options
  • Personal preference (visibility, size, rechargeable vs battery)

At Global Hearing Care Centre (GHCC), our certified audiologists will guide you through every step from hearing test, device trial, fitting, to aftercare.

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