What Are the Different Parts of a Hearing Aid?

Every senior has different levels of hearing loss, and to provide proper amplification that accurately filters background noise, modern hearing aids use a variety of components. While similar across the board, these parts also vary by hearing aid style, brand, and personal preference.

Below, we’ve outlined the most common parts of different hearing aid types so seniors can get the hearing care they need and maintain their devices over the long term.

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Hearing Aid Components by Type of Hearing Aid

Every hearing aid has a processor (which analyzes incoming sound signals), a receiver (which converts processed electrical signals back into physical sound waves), a power system, an earpiece, and tubing to connect everything. However, the exact location and nature of these parts vary by the style and specific hearing aid company. Here’s what to expect:

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

In BTE hearing aids, both the processor and receiver sit in a casing worn behind the ear. These devices pick up sound waves via microphones on the casing, then convert them into amplified sounds that get delivered through a wired connection (tubing) to the custom earmold. They can be powered by disposable batteries or charging contacts.

• Microphones: Detect nearby natural sounds that can then be fed to the internal processor. This component is delicate and should be brushed daily to prevent the buildup of harmful debris.
• Main casing: Houses the processor and receiver and sits behind the ear. These parts are vital for analyzing and shaping incoming sounds.
• Tone hook: the plastic hook that connects the main casing to the tubing.
• Tubing: Wires that carry processed sound from the tone hook down to the earmold. May need replacements every six months or so.
• Earpiece: Contains a vent for airflow and a sound bore where sound is delivered. BTE hearing aids can have custom earmolds or standard-sized domes, both of which sit inside the ear canal.
• Battery door/charging contacts: Power the device, either via a replaceable battery that can be changed out through a small door or a fully rechargeable system.
• Push button: Offers volume control or a way to navigate between programs. Not every BTE device has a button.

Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

RIC hearing aids, also commonly called RITE (receiver-in-the-ear) hearing aids, also house the processor behind the ear but move the receiver directly into the ear canal. The two components are connected with a thin wire, meaning that when sound is picked up, it’s first processed in the casing before being delivered close to your eardrum.

• Microphones: Pick up sound at the main casing behind the ear. Should be brushed daily to keep it clear of debris.
• Main casing: Located behind the ear and houses the processor that analyzes incoming sound signals. After processing, the signals are sent down to the receiver via tubing.
• Receiver: The speaker component positioned inside the ear canal to deliver sound close to the eardrum.
• Earpiece: A soft tip (either a custom earmold or generic dome) that holds the receiver comfortably in the ear canal.
• Retention tail: a small plastic piece that helps anchor the hearing aid securely in the ear.
• Wax guard: A small filter that protects the receiver from earwax. May need to be replaced when the sound becomes weak or muffled.
• Battery door/charging contacts: Power the device, either through a chamber housing replaceable batteries or a rechargeable system.
• Push button: A small button that provides navigation between different settings and programs.

In-the-Ear (ITE) or In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

ITE, ITC, and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are all designed to house important parts, including the processor and receiver, directly inside the ear canal or outer ear. Because everything sits at the ear itself, there is no external casing or tubing; sound is picked up, processed, and delivered all within a single shell.

• Microphones: Pick up sound directly at the ear. Should be brushed daily, with occasional visits to the audiologist for microphone filter replacements.
• Processor: Built into the shell of the device and analyzes incoming sound signals before passing them to the receiver.
• Receiver: Also housed within the shell, this part converts sound waves and delivers them directly to the ear canal.
• Vent: A small channel running through the shell provides airflow and lets low frequencies pass naturally, reducing the plugged-up sensation.
• Wax guard: Protects the receiver from earwax buildup. Needs replacing when the sound becomes weak or stops entirely.
• Battery door: Most ITE and ITC styles use small replaceable batteries housed in a compartment with a door, though some newer models offer rechargeable options.
• Push button: Sometimes have a small button for adjusting volume and other settings.

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Hearing Aid Earmolds vs. Domes

The two most common types of earpieces for hearing aids are either standard-sized domes or custom-fitted earmolds. The former are purchased over the counter (OTC) at your local pharmacy, while the latter need to be designed after a fitting appointment with your audiologist.

• Domes: Soft, bell-shaped tips attached to the end of the hearing aid receiver. They’re most common in receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, usually being made of silicone and sitting inside the ear canal. Depending on your level of hearing loss, your audiologist may recommend open, closed, power, or double domes.
• Earmolds: Unlike domes, earmolds are custom-made using an impression of your ear canal. Depending on your exact hearing care needs, they can be crafted from silicone, acrylic, or vinyl. There are several types of earmolds for different hearing issues, including full-shell earmolds for profound hearing loss or half-shell, canal, and skeleton earmolds for more moderate hearing loss. They can be fitted to almost any hearing aid style.

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Hearing Aid Power Sources

Most modern hearing aids also give you the option between disposable and rechargeable power sources. Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) are the main exceptions, as their small size relies heavily on tiny disposable batteries.

Disposable Batteries

As the name suggests, these small batteries are replaceable and need to be replaced regularly. They’re common in smaller hearing aids where the receiver and processor are inside the ear canal, but any type of device can have them. Depending on the hearing aid style and usage, disposable batteries can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks before you’ll need to open the battery door and replace them.

Rechargeable Batteries

Modern hearing aids with rechargeable batteries can be charged overnight using a special charging station or portable charger. They offer a convenient, low-maintenance option since there is no need to replace batteries frequently. However, you should always be aware of their battery levels, as most models last around 16 to 30 hours on a full charge. With proper care, rechargeable batteries can last up to five years before needing a replacement.

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Innovative Parts That Improve The Hearing Experience

Today, there are many hearing aid parts and features that didn’t exist 10 years ago. Ask your audiologist whether these extra features are included in your device or whether there are models available to you that include them.

• Bluetooth and LE Audio Radio: Most hearing aids you can buy today have full wireless radio capabilities, including Bluetooth 5.3 and LE Audio connectivity. With this feature, you can take phone calls, listen to podcasts, and adjust your device settings without a wired connection. Simply use the compatible smartphone app to edit connections and settings.
• Motion Sensors and 4D Technology: New 4D technology can simultaneously monitor conversational activity, head and body movements, and the acoustic environment. For example, your device might adapt to focus on the person sitting in front of you in a noisy environment, or to ensure you have greater auditory awareness while walking around.
• Telecoil(T-Coil): This small magnetic sensor picks up audio signals transmitted at accessible public venues, such as theaters, churches, courtrooms, and transit hubs. When activated, it streams audio directly to your hearing aids.

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Choosing The Best Hearing Aid Style & Parts

Depending on your level of hearing loss, lifestyle, and whether you have issues like tinnitus, different hearing aid types/parts might be better than others. Here’s what to consider:

• Seniors with mild to moderate hearing loss can usually opt for smaller, more discreet styles such as RIC, ITC, or CIC hearing aids. Their receivers sit close to the eardrum, requiring less amplification, and unless sizing is an issue, standard domes are often sufficient.
• Seniors with moderate hearing loss might benefit from BTE or ITE styles, as their components can provide greater amplification. Custom earmolds are often recommended over domes at this level, as they create a tighter seal that prevents sound from leaking out. Batteries also tend to be more powerful, so you might want to consider rechargeable options.
• Seniors with profound hearing losswill typically need BTE hearing aids with full-shell custom earmolds, as they offer the greatest amplification and the most secure fit. Power domes are a good alternative to earmolds for some users.

Beyond hearing loss level, seniors should also consider their lifestyles. CIC and IIC models can be difficult to manage for those with arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or other conditions that cause limited hand mobility. Additionally, if you’re still active and like to travel, consider models with telecoils to better enjoy public venues.

Overall, the easiest way to determine the best hearing aid for your needs is to take an official hearing test at an audiologist’s office. That way, they can provide professional recommendations based on your results.

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Do I Have a Broken Part in My Hearing Aid?

Hearing aids have precise, tiny parts, and when you experience a lack of sound or sound quality issues, there are a variety of things that could be going wrong with individual components. Before assuming your device needs a full replacement, consider which part might be malfunctioning so you can do some simple troubleshooting at home.

• Microphone: Debris in and around the microphone port can cause faint, muffled, or distorted sounds at any volume. First, try gently brushing the microphone opening with the small cleaning brush included with your device. If that doesn’t work, visit your audiologist and ask about a microphone filter replacement.
• Receiver: If brushing the microphone doesn’t fix the muffled or completely absent sound, your receiver may be clogged with earwax or worn out. Check and replace the wax guard first, as this is the most common culprit. If sound doesn’t improve, the receiver itself may need to be replaced by your audiologist.
• Tubing: Cracked, discolored, or stiff tubing can muffle sound or cause whistling feedback. You should have it inspected at your audiologist appointments and replaced at least every six months or when you notice visible wear.
• Earpiece: Ear shape and size can change with age, so if your device feels uncomfortable, keeps falling out, or produces feedback, your earmold or dome may no longer fit properly. You can purchase a replacement dome over the counter, but a better-fitting earmold will require a new impression from your audiologist.
• Power supply: If your device won’t turn on or keeps cutting out, check the battery door for corrosion or debris around the contacts. For rechargeable models, make sure the charging contacts are clean and that the charger is working properly. Continued issues will likely require professional repairs.
• Push Button: If your volume control or program button feels stuck, unresponsive, or triggers unintended changes, moisture or debris may be interfering with it. Try drying your device thoroughly with a hearing aid dehumidifier. Persistent button issues should be assessed by your audiologist.

In general, the best course of action when you’re having issues with hearing aid components is to make an appointment with your audiologist. They’ll professionally assess your device so you can get quick fixes without the guesswork.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Different Parts of a Hearing Aid

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