Hearing aid styles: Which is right for you?
MDHearing offers two primary hearing aid styles: in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. While both are designed to be small and discreet, their differences in design and technology can make one style a better fit for your individual needs—explore fit, comfort, visibility, and sound quality.
Fit and comfort
BTE vs ITE hearing aids: What's the difference?
BTE hearing aids rest behind your ear and deliver sound though a thin, clear tube and tip. The tip is ergonomically shaped to fit most ear canals comfortably. With multiple tubing lengths and tip styles available, BTEs offer a more versatile, customizable fit.
ITE hearing aids sit entirely inside your ear, with nothing resting behind your ear. All of our ITE models come with multiple sizes of domes so you can find the best fit for your ear canal.
Size and visibility
Which hearing aid style is more discreet?
When comparing the different types of hearing aids, many people assume ITEs are more discreet, but that isn’t always the case. BTE hearing aids can be less noticeable since they hide behind the ear, especially for those with longer hair.
MDHearing's ITE hearing aids are designed to sit completely inside the ear canal, but their visibility depends on the size and shape of your ear canal. With smaller ear canals, an ITE may stick out and appear more visible.
Sound and technology
Which hearing aid style offers the best sound quality?
BTE hearing aids have more room for enhanced technology, delivering improved sound quality and less feedback. Advanced features like dual directional microphones help you better understand speech in noisy environments, such as restaurants, conferences, or family gatherings.
BTE hearing aids also have a more open fit, resulting in less echo or “barrel” effect compared to ITE hearing aids.
Compare our behind-the-ear hearing aids
| Features | MOST AFFORDABLE | MOST POPULAR | MOST POWERFUL |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIR 3 | VOLT 4 | VOLT MAX 2 | |
 |  |  | |
| FDA Registered | |||
| FDA Registered |  | | |
| Noise Reduction | |||
| Noise Reduction | | ADVANCED Noise Reduction | INTELLIGENT Noise Reduction |
| Customizable | |||
| Customizable | | | |
| Sound Environment Settings | |||
| Sound Environment Settings | 4 Environment Settings | 4 Environment Settings | 4 Environment Settings |
| Feedback Cancellation | |||
| Feedback Cancellation | | ADVANCED Feedback Cancellation | INTELLIGENT Feedback Cancellation |
| Dual Directional Microphones | |||
| Dual Directional Microphones | | | |
| Rechargeable | |||
| Rechargeable | | | |
| Smartphone Compatible | |||
| Smartphone Compatible | | ||
| Personalized Hearing | |||
| Personalized Hearing | | ||
| Specifications | |||
| Volume Control | |||
| Volume Control | Volume Button | Volume Button | Smartphone App Or Push Button |
| Approximate Battery Life | |||
| Approximate Battery Life | 16 hours / 60+ hours with charging case | 20 hours / 80+ hours with charging case | 15 hours / 60+ hours with charging case |
| Dimensions | |||
| Dimensions | 1.125” x 0.25” x 0.5” | 1.17” x 0.25” x 0.32" | 1" x 0.3" x 0.5" |
| Pricing | |||
| Comparable Clinic Price Per Pair | |||
| Comparable Clinic Price Per Pair | $3,600 | $4,800 | $6,500 |
| Our Price Per Pair | |||
| Our Price Per Pair | $297 | $338 | $597 |
RISK-FREE TRIAL
Experience better hearing in your everyday routine with a 60-day risk-free trial
FDA-REGISTERED
Real medical devices registered with the FDA to assist mild to moderate hearing loss
BASED IN THE USA
Our licensed audiologists and hearing specialists are proudly based in the USA
Compare our in-the-ear hearing aids
| Features | SIMPLEST | MOST ADVANCED |
|---|---|---|
| NEO XS | NEO XS PRO | |
 |  | |
| FDA Registered | ||
| FDA Registered | | |
| Noise Reduction | ||
| Noise Reduction | IMPROVED Noise Reduction | IMPROVED Noise Reduction |
| Customizable | ||
| Customizable | | |
| Sound Environment Settings | ||
| Sound Environment Settings | 4 Environment Settings | 4 Environment Settings |
| Feedback Cancellation | ||
| Feedback Cancellation | IMPROVED Feedback Cancellation | IMPROVED Feedback Cancellation |
| Rechargeable | ||
| Rechargeable | | |
| Smartphone Compatible | ||
| Smartphone Compatible | | |
| Personalized Hearing | ||
| Personalized Hearing | | |
| Specifications | ||
| Volume Control | ||
| Volume Control | Volume Button | Smartphone App Or Push Button |
| Approximate Battery Life | ||
| Approximate Battery Life | 18 hours / 100+ hours with charging case | 18 hours / 70+ hours with charging case |
| Dimensions | ||
| Dimensions | Diameter 0.43” x Length 0.6” | Diameter 0.43” x Length 0.6” |
| Pricing | ||
| Comparable Clinic Price Per Pair | ||
| Comparable Clinic Price Per Pair | $4,200 | $6,500 |
| Our Price Per Pair | ||
| Our Price Per Pair | $253 | $597 |
How to choose a hearing aid style
When deciding between in-the-ear hearing aids and behind-the-ear hearing aids, consider how each style fits your lifestyle and listening needs:
- Prioritize sound quality and advanced hearing aid features, such as directional microphones.
- Frequently listen in restaurants, family gatherings, or other noisy environments.
- Prefer a more open fit.
- Prefer a more flexible fit with different tubing length and tip options.
- Want a compact hearing aid that sits completely inside the ear.
- Prefer not to have anything resting behind your ear.
- Are comfortable using a smaller button on the hearing aid to adjust sound.
- Prefer simple technology for everyday listening.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
Get high-quality hearing backed by U.S-based licensed hearing professionals and a 60-day, risk-free trial
Dr. Dondra Mbachu is a licensed Audiologist and hearing aid dispenser in the state of Texas. She is certified by the American Board of Audiology and received her Doctorate of Audiology (Au.D.) from Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Mbachu has experience working with patient populations from newborns to geriatrics, in settings ranging from neonatal intensive care units to nursing homes. Her areas of expertise include hearing evaluation, patient counseling, hearing health education, hearing aid dispensing, and the treatment of hearing disorders.
Jeff Feltes is a Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist in the state of Colorado. Licensed since 2008, his career has spanned various settings, from private care to 'big box' locations. During this time, he's gained a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs of individuals with hearing challenges. Jeff has found immense fulfillment in helping individuals regain their hearing, enabling them to reconnect with the world. Beyond this, he has taken on the role of a mentor, guiding and training aspiring hearing aid dispensers in the knowledge and skills necessary for licensure. Jeff's is committed to making a difference, one ear at a time.
Christina Hurt was licensed in 2008 as a Hearing Instrument Specialist in the state of Ohio. She has worked in many facets of the hearing aid industry including family-owned practice, national chains, and a big box setting. This experience sparked Christina’s passion for helping people understand the stress of hearing loss and how it affects the entire family. Christina has made appearances on local TV stations and has been a speaker for the International Hearing Society, bringing awareness to hearing loss and hearing aids. She has also published articles in “The Hearing Professional” and “Soundboard Magazine,” and she’s currently putting the finishing touches on her advocacy book to help consumers better understand hearing loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do OTC hearing aids from MDHearing compare to prescription hearing aids from a clinic?
At MDHearing, we're dedicated to bringing Americans the latest technology at the lowest price and helping as many people as possible hear better. We manufacture our own hearing aids and sell directly to you. That means we can keep costs low and pass the savings onto you by removing the middlemen.
Hearing clinics can charge over $5,000 for similarly featured hearing aids. With MDHearing, you're getting high-quality hearing at an honest price delivered directly to your door.
No appointments, no trips across town, no prescriptions. Just the best hearing at the best price—backed by licensed hearing professionals and a 60-day risk free trial.
We focus on high-quality devices + expert support, without the overhead—so you get effective hearing care at a more accessible price.
Will MDHearing work for me?
Every MDHearing hearing aid has been designed by doctors to assist individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss (over 94% of Americans with hearing loss) right out of the box.
We are confident you will love our hearing aids—and our licensed hearing professionals are here to support you and ensure you are comfortable and confident with your hearing aids. Plus, every MDHearing device comes with a 60-day risk-free trial so you have plenty of time to make sure they’re the right fit.
Which style is better for someone with a very small ear canal?
For people with smaller ear canals, a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid is often the better choice. In-the-ear (ITE) models can protrude more noticeably in smaller ear canals, making them less discreet than expected. BTEs rest behind the ear and deliver sound through a thin tube and small tip, which can offer more fitting flexibility.
How can I get the most out of my new hearing aids?
Getting used to new hearing aids isn’t as instant as putting on a pair of eyeglasses. It can take time, and the right support can make the process easier. Every MDHearing purchase includes lifetime support from our U.S.-based licensed hearing specialists, plus a free telehealth setup appointment to help you get started.
During your appointment, a licensed specialist can help you:
- Find a comfortable, secure fit
- Adjust and optimize your sound
- Learn how to use and care for your hearing aids
- Answer questions and provide guidance as you adjust
We also highly recommend choosing one of our Care Plans for added protection and ongoing care. Think of hearing aid maintenance like changing the oil in your car—you don’t wait until something goes wrong to take care of it. Routine maintenance helps keep your hearing aids performing their best and can help prevent avoidable problems.
Our Care Plans take the guesswork out of hearing aid care. They make staying on top of maintenance easy by providing replacement parts throughout the year, along with added protection and professional support when you need it. Depending on the plan, benefits include:
- Accidental damage and loss coverage
- No deductibles for repairs
- Loss replacements
- Replacement parts delivered 4X per year
- Dehumidifier to help protect your hearing aids from moisture
- Annual check-in with a licensed specialist
- Priority phone support (with Care+ Plan)
Want to learn more? Explore MDHearing Care Plans or call 800-918-3914, Monday–Friday, 7 AM–6 PM CST.
Are these hearing aids or amplifiers?
MDHearing devices are NOT amplifiers. These are real hearing aids that are registered with the FDA and meet all of the FDA guidelines for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. They can be fit without a prescription and treat those 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Is a hearing test or audiologist visit required before purchasing an MDHearing hearing aid?
No appointment or prescription is required. MDHearing devices are FDA-registered over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids designed to be purchased and used without a clinical visit. They are intended for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. However, if you'd like to test your hearing before purchasing, you can take our free online hearing test.
Can I wear glasses or oxygen with hearing aids?
Yes! Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are designed to allow room for eyeglasses, masks, and oxygen. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids sit entirely inside your ear, so there is nothing that will interfere with accessories behind your ear.
When I purchase from MDHearing, what support will I receive?
MDHearing provides FREE lifetime support from our team of licensed U.S.-based audiologists and hearing specialists.
Our commitment to your satisfaction extends far beyond your purchase. When you choose MDHearing, you're not only selecting a hearing aid, but a hearing partner that prioritizes your hearing health and provides clinic-level care from the comfort of your home.
From device fitting to troubleshooting and adjustments, our team is just a phone call, text, web chat, or email away. You also have the option to schedule a telehealth setup appointment with one of our licensed professionals.
For even more comprehensive care, we offer Care Plans that include annual check-in appointments among other hearing aid essentials such as accessory refreshes and protection for accidents and loss.