There are several different styles of hearing instruments, not to mention the multiple design and color options. Each hearing aid is designed and fitted to each person's hearing needs.
The place where hearing aids are worn is the simplest way of categorizing the different types. Hearing aids are worn either in the ear, or behind the ear.
• ITE is the abbreviation for hearing instruments worn "In-the-Ear." ITEs are often called "custom" hearing instruments because they need to be "custom" fit.
• BTE is the abbreviation for Behind-the-Ear hearing instrument.