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Types of Hearing Aids

What is a hearing aid?

Girl wearing a hearing aid

A hearing aid is a device that fits inside or behind the ear to help with hearing.

A hearing aid is an electronic device that fits inside or behind the ear. It makes some sounds louder so your child can hear and understand speech better. 

Hearing aids can help with many kinds of hearing loss. They come in different sizes and colors for children.  

An audiologist can help you choose the right hearing aid for your child.  

An audiologist is a trained health professional who helps with hearing, listening, and balance.  

Note: Cochlear implants are not hearing aids. Learn more about cochlear implants. 

How hearing aids work (parts and features)

Hearing aids have parts that work together to amplify (increase) sound. 

A hearing aid has 3 basic parts: 

  • Microphone: Picks up sound 
  • Amplifier: Makes sound louder 
  • Receiver (speaker): Sends sound into the ear  

Hearing aid batteries 

Most hearing aids have rechargeable batteries. You charge them like you charge a phone. Some hearing aids use disposable batteries. You can buy new batteries at a pharmacy, retail store, online, or through your audiologist.  

Certain batteries should not go in the trash or recycling bins. For safe disposal, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website. 

Keep hearing aids and batteries (especially small button batteries) out of reach of children. If a hearing aid battery is swallowed, go to the emergency room right away. In the United States, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Outside the U.S., call your local poison control center.  

Other hearing aid features 

Some hearing aids have extra features, including: 

  • Volume control: Makes sounds louder or softer 
  • Feedback control: Reduces whistling, squealing, and buzzing 
  • Programs/settings: Adjusts sounds for different environments, such as quiet rooms or noisy areas 
  • App or remote: Lets you change settings more easily and sometimes connect to phones, TVs, or other devices 
  • Bluetooth or telecoil (T-coil) technology: Allows hearing aids to connect with some phones and public listening systems (like those in theaters), so sound goes directly to the hearing aid   

Benefits of hearing aids

Hearing aids may help your child hear speech and sounds around them. This can make it easier to use visual cues, such as lip-reading and facial expressions.  

Hearing aid benefits include: 

  • Better hearing in noisy situations, such as classrooms, restaurants, or groups 
  • Clearer speech when talking to others 
  • Support for learning and school performance 
  • More confidence  

Less listening fatigue because the brain does not have to work as hard trying to hear and understand sounds 

Limitations of hearing aids

Hearing aids can allow your child to hear others better. But they may not return hearing to normal. This depends on the degree and type of hearing loss your child has. Hearing aids may not make speech clear for people with severe hearing loss.  

Hearing aid limitations may include: 

  • Hearing aids may not work well in some settings 
  • Background noise may sound louder   
  • Needs time and practice to get used to  
  • May not work well to hear sounds far away 
  • Can be lost, broken, or damaged 
  • Need regular care and maintenance 
  • Some children may feel self-conscious wearing hearing aids 

Types of hearing aids

There are 4 main types of hearing aids:

  • Behind-the-ear (BTE)
  • In-the-ear (ITE)
  • In-the-canal (ITC)
  • Completely-in-the-canal (CITC)

  1. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

    BTE aids use a small plastic case that sits behind the ear. A clear tube connects the case to an earmold that fits in the ear and delivers sound. 

    BTE aids are most common for infants and younger kids. These aids are easy to maintain and can be adjusted as the ear grows. They are also used by people with severe-to-profound hearing loss. 

    Pros

    • Work for all ages 
    • Help with mild to profound hearing loss 
    • Can adjust as hearing changes  
    • Come in many colors 
    • Can include features such as volume control, Bluetooth, apps, feedback control, and T-coils 

    Cons 

    • Earmold may need to be replaced as the ear grows 
    • Improper fitting may cause whistling (feedback) 

  2. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

    ITE aids fit in the outer part of the ear. These are used by teens and adults. They are not recommended for children because their ears are still growing 

    Pros 

    • Small and easier to manage than smaller canal aids 
    • Can include features such as Bluetooth, volume control, and feedback control 

    Cons 

    • Increased chance of feedback (whistling) 
    • Small volume control and battery door may be hard to use 
    • Easily damaged by earwax, ear drainage, and moisture 
    • Does not fit all hearing losses or small ears  
    • Not safe for young children 

  3. In-the-canal (ITC) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids

    ITC and CIC aids are the smallest hearing aids. ITC aids fit partly in the ear canal. CIC aids fit completely in the ear. You can hardly see them. They are not recommended for children because their ears are still growing. 

    Pros 

    • Small and hard to see 
    • Can include features such as Bluetooth, volume control, and feedback control 

    Cons 

    • Increased chance of feedback (whistling) 
    • Small volume control and battery door may be hard to use 
    • Easily damaged by earwax, ear drainage, and moisture 
    • Higher repair rate than BTE or ITE aids 
    • Does not fit all hearing losses or small ear canals 
    • Not safe for young children 

How to choose a hearing aid

Your audiologist will help you choose a hearing aid based on: 

  • Type of hearing loss 
  • Communication needs 
  • Lifestyle  

They will ask about your child’s hearing activities at home, at work, at school, and during social and leisure time. They will help you choose the type and style of hearing aid and features that are best for your child. 

People with hearing loss in both ears may need 2 hearing aids.  

Your audiologist will teach you how to use and care for hearing aids. Be sure to follow all instructions. Schedule hearing care appointments as recommended. 

Common questions about children's hearing aids

  1. At what age can a child use hearing aids?

    Children as young as 4 weeks old can wear hearing aids.  

  2. How are hearing aids adjusted?

    Hearing aids are adjusted as children grow and change. An audiologist uses hearing tests and computer programming to fine‑tune hearing aids to match your child’s hearing needs.  

    It is good to have hearing aids that are easy to adjust for:  

    • Frequency response  
    • How loud sounds are   
    • The loudest sounds allowed, so sounds are not too loud or uncomfortable  

    As your child gets older, they can take part in more complex tests to adjust their hearing aid. Your child will also need ear mold changes as their ears grow.  

  3. What is early intervention?

    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law in the United States that ensures free early intervention programs for children who have hearing loss. The goals are to:  

    • Help children develop language skills and reach developmental milestones  
    • Help families understand and meet their child’s needs    
    • Track a child’s progress   
    • Connect the family with resources and services  

  4. What hearing services or classroom accommodations must schools provide?

    If your child is eligible for services under IDEA, then a school must:  

    • Offer classroom accommodations, such as seating near the teacher, note‑taking help, or extra time for tests 
    • Ensure that hearing aids worn at school work properly  
    • Provide assistive technology for hearing support. Examples include:  
      • FM/DM systems: The teacher wears a microphone, and the student hears their voice directly through their hearing aid or headphones  
      • Captioning or speech-to-text apps: Turn spoken words into written text so students can read what is being said  

Questions to ask your care team

  • Which type of hearing aid (BTE, ITE, ITC, or CIC) is best for my child’s age, ear size, and type of hearing loss? 
  • Will my child need an ear mold, and how often will it need to be replaced as they grow? 
  • Which features would help most at school and in noisy places (for example, feedback control, different programs, or an FM system)? 
  • Should I talk to my child's school and teachers about my child's hearing loss? 
  • Should my child receive classroom accommodations based on their hearing loss, and if so, what kind?  
  • What follow-up visits will my child need for adjustments, and what changes should we watch for that mean the hearing aids need reprogramming? 
  • How much do hearing aids cost? Will insurance cover hearing aids? 

Key points about hearing aids

  • Hearing aids can help most types of hearing loss. 
  • Main parts of a hearing aid include a microphone, an amplifier to make the sound louder, a receiver, and a power source. 
  • Types of hearing aids include behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-the-canal (CIC). 
  • An audiologist helps you select the best hearing aid to meet your needs based on the type of hearing loss, communication needs, and lifestyle. 
  • Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are the most common type of hearing aid used in infants and children.   
  • An audiologist will do tests and help you know what device is best for your child’s needs.   
  • Children’s hearing aids are adjusted as they grow and develop. 

Find more information

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The Together by St. Jude™ online resource does not endorse any branded product or organization.

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Reviewed: June 2026

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