Located in the ear canal, these devices consist of a microphone, amplifier and receiver that reproduce sounds at different frequencies to improve hearing. ITE hearing aids do not feature a component looped behind the ear, says Dr. Soiles. Instead, everything is self-contained within a custom-made shell that is inserted into the ear canal.

According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, canal hearing aids come in two styles: those that are customized to fit the size and shape of the ear canal (ITC)—and those that sit completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and are nearly hidden.

For individuals with narrow ear canals, the best option is a Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid with a small dome on it and a retention lock. The RIC hearing aid is a type of hearing aid that features a small speaker (receiver) that sits inside the ear canal, connected to a device that sits behind the ear.

Sounds are funneled down towards your ear canal. The CIC hearing aid processes and amplifies them to be sent down your ear canal to your eardrum. CICs are a little different from Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) hearing aids which rest in the second bend of the ear canal and can barely be seen at all, even if you’re looking right into the ear.