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Hearing Aid Sizes and Styles:  Is Smaller Better?

We thought it would be interesting to look at the development of hearing aid styles over the past 50 years or so.

Before the 1940's, there was no such thing as a truly portable hearing aid. This was considered a major breakthrough. Today, the body hearing aid is considered too bulky and is used by less than 1% of hearing aid users–usually as a last resort.

In the 1950's, the invention of the transistor led to the behind-the-ear hearing aid. This style eliminated the need for cords and large batteries. This hearing aid still has many advantages, but some people now consider it too noticeable. About 16% of hearing aids are this style.

The 1970's saw the introduction of in-the-ear and canal hearing aids. These styles put the hearing aid components within the ear. These styles are still popular and make up about 60% of hearing aids dispensed.

In the past few years, many people began using the ultra-miniature completely-in-the-canal aid. These hearing aids are so small that a tiny "pull string" is attached so the hearing aid can be removed from the ear canal. This model makes up about 21% of hearing aids used.

Is Smaller Better?

There is no single "correct" style that is best for everyone–it all depends on the nature of your hearing loss, the size and shape of your ear canals, manual dexterity and other factors. But looking back over the past 50 years, there is an interesting and consistent trend; the hearing aid style that was considered a major improvement when first introduced is considered "too large" or "too noticeable" when newer, smaller choices come along–but perhaps that's just human nature.

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