Hearing loss can make everyday life feel harder, more isolating, and exhausting, whether you’re missing key parts of conversations and constantly asking people to repeat themselves or turning up the volume on the TV to a point where it’s uncomfortable for everyone else in the room.

Fortunately, we make it easier and more affordable than ever to take that clarity back with our selection of hearing aids for sale. Audien Hearing has the best OTC hearing aids with models starting at $98. No prescriptions or doctor's visits necessary!

But which style is right for you between our in-the-ear vs behind-the-ear hearing aids? This is something we get asked all the time, so we decided to create this resource to help you choose between behind-the-ear vs in-the-ear hearing aids.

Our Atom Series (in-the-ear) hearing aids are nearly invisible, lightweight, and perfect for users who want a subtle, no-fuss fit. On the other hand, the Ion Series (behind-the-ear) offers app control and directional sound for those who want more control in dynamic environments.

So, it just comes down to what matters most to you in choosing a hearing aid - comfort and discretion or powerful sound enhancement and sophistication. Either way, we’ve got you covered with the best affordable hearing aids online.

Get in touch with our customer service team for one-on-one support navigating this decision. Or, learn more about in-the-ear vs behind-ear hearing aids below!

Benefits of In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

So many people continue to suffer from hearing loss, not because of the cost-prohibitive nature or complicated process of getting a hearing aid. It’s the stigma that holds them back. 

They don’t want everyone to know they’re struggling with hearing loss, and those bulky behind-the-ear designs can blow your cover. This is the appeal of in-the-ear hearing aids.

These stylish hearing aids are a popular choice for those who value discretion, comfort, and simplicity. They sit right inside the ear canal or just inside the outer ear, similar to earbuds you’d listen to music or podcasts on.

But they’re not just great for those who feel self-conscious about traditional styles. They’re super comfortable for all-day wearability. They’re really lightweight and stay in place without needing hooks or external support. They won’t interfere with glasses, hats, or masks, either. in-the-ear hearing aids are easy to insert and remove as well.

They can perform really well, too, since they’re positioned close to the eardrum, delivering sound more directly and with minimal delay. This design naturally reduces wind noise and supports better sound localization in quiet environments.

It’s not hard to see why people are drawn towards in-the-ear hearing aids, and our entire Audien Atom lineup falls under this category. But, behind-the-ear hearing aids do have their place as well - so let’s look at the other half of our in-the-ear vs behind-ear hearing aids comparison.

Benefits of Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aids

There’s a reason we sell so many behind-the-ear hearing aids through our Ion series at Audien, even with in-the-ear designs available. These give you more control, flexibility, and power. The device sits behind the ear and routes sound into the ear canal through a thin tube or receiver.

The biggest benefit of behind-the-ear hearing aids is that they support more sophisticated technology. There’s more physical space in the housing so they can accommodate directional microphones, multiple hearing modes, noise reduction algorithms, and even Bluetooth streaming with app control (as found in the Ion Pro).

You also gain access to superior adjustability or amplification, and their external positioning makes them easier to handle if you have issues with dexterity. Sure, they’re more visible - but if that doesn’t bother you, you’ll enjoy greater airflow to reduce moisture buildup and irritation.

What you compromise in discretion, you more than make up for with sound clarity and advanced features. In this sense, choosing between in-the-ear vs behind-the-ear hearing aids is just a matter of weighing your priorities!

In-the-Ear vs Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids: Which Style is Right For You?

You might already be leaning towards one style or the other - in-the-ear for discretion, behind-the-ear for performance. But let’s take a closer look at behind-the-ear vs in-the-ear hearing aids below to help you narrow it down and make the decision with complete confidence. 

Comfort and Daily Wearability

Comfort often comes down to personal preference, so it’s hard to say one is inherently better than the other between in-the-ear vs behind-ear hearing aids. That said, most customers prefer the low-profile, lightweight nature of our in-the-ear designs.

The Atom Series rests inside the ear canal, fitting like a glove. They’re minimally intrusive, and they stay put without interfering with glasses or face coverings. Before you know it, you’ll have completely forgotten you have a hearing aid in!

That’s not to say that behind-the-ear hearing aids are always uncomfortable. We’ve done a pretty great job designing the Ion Series with comfort in mind as well.

In fact, these can feel more stable for some wearers, especially during movement. They sit behind the ear and route sound through a tube or wire, which many find more secure. 

But, we’ve seen customers say the external design can sometimes interfere with hats, glasses, or masks. Usually, it just takes some getting used to.

Either way, you won’t have to worry about getting stuck with something that does fit you right when you shop affordable hearing aids at Auiden. Whether you go with in-the-ear vs behind-the-ear hearing aids, they’re backed by a 45-day risk-free trial!

Discretion and Appearance

This is perhaps the biggest difference between behind-the-ear vs in-the-ear hearing aids - how they look. In-the-ear designs have a clear advantage for those who want to minimize visibility and stay discreet. 

Their design is small, sits flush inside the ear, and is barely noticeable unless someone is looking closely. This is why they're often preferred by first-time users who may be hesitant to wear hearing aids at all.

On the other hand, behind-the-ear models are more visible - but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bulky or ugly. We’ve kept our Ion Series as low-profile as possible, and they come in neutral tones to blend with skin or hair. Still, they could never match the discretion of in-the-ear designs. When viewed from the front, our behind-the-ear style is barely visible.

Sound Quality and Noise Handling

Be clear, both our in-the-ear vs behind-the-ear hearing aids work exceptionally well, backed by more than a million happy customers and counting and thousands of five-star reviews. But, our behind-the-ear hearing aids outperform their in-the-ear counterparts when it comes to sound processing power.

Devices like the Ion Pro have space for directional microphones, advanced noise reduction, and app-based control, which can make a difference in crowded or variable environments. 

This style is especially helpful for users who need to hear clearly in restaurants, meetings, or outdoor settings with background noise. That’s not to say in-the-ear hearing aids don’t work well - they still offer solid performance for daily listening.

In fact, they have some advantages in the sense that their placement inside the ear naturally helps keep sound close to the eardrum for improved speech clarity. You’re just not going to get as many features as you would in our Atom Series as you would the Ion Series.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

One of the many reasons customers come to Audien Hearing is how straightforward we make the process of getting hearing aids. All our designs are simple. 

But, starting out with in-the-ear designs tends to be more seamless since there are no external tubing or parts to manage - just a small device you place in your ear and recharge at night. Expect little to no learning curve. And if you do need some help, our support team is ready to speak with you one-on-one and answer any questions you may have. 

Behind-the-ear hearing aids may require more attention at first, especially when it comes to adjusting fit or using app controls. However, you get far more control and features once they’re set up.

Both styles are rechargeable, so you won’t have to worry about constant battery changes. Maintenance really just comes down to personal habits: keeping earpieces clean, storing devices properly, and recharging consistently.

Trust Audien for Affordable, Sophisticated Hearing Aids in Both In-the-Ear and Behind-the-Ear Designs!

We hope this in-the-ear vs behind-the-ear hearing aids comparison has left you with total clarity on the pros and cons of each, and which best suits your preferences and needs. 

Remember, Audien Hearing has you covered with BOTH styles so you can get affordable, simplified hearing aids without any compromise whatsoever!

Our Atom Series in-the-ear hearing aids are likely just what you need for subtlety, simplicity, and a comfortable fit. They’re a low-profile device that’s easy to use and built for all-day wear. You’ll find the best hearing aid under $100 and the best hearing aid under $200 in this series.

But, the Ion Series behind-the-ear lineup brings you more advanced features like app control, directional microphones, and customizable hearing modes. They’re still really comfortable, and as discreet as a behind-the-ear style gets.

All our devices are FDA-registered, over-the-counter hearing aids that are affordable, rechargeable, and ready to use out of the box. No prescriptions, no waiting rooms, and no inflated prices.

We’ve helped over a million people hear clearly again on their terms, and we want to do the same for you. So if you’re still unsure whether behind-the-ear vs in-the-ear hearing aids are best for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our customer service team will help you find the perfect fit and help you understand your devices.

But with a 45-day risk-free trial, this really isn’t something you need to stress about. You can try out one of our styles and make sure it works for you. If not, just send it back and we’ll help you find a better solution! Because everyone’s hearing loss, lifestyle, daily listening environments, and ear anatomy are unique, different hearing aid styles exist to ensure the right fit for each individual—let’s work together to find the best solution for your hearing journey.

Final Words on Behind-the-Ear vs In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

In-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids both offer clear benefits to different users. Choosing between in-the-ear vs behind-the-ear hearing aids comes down to weighing what matters most to you: comfort, control, discretion. 

There’s a style for you at Audien Hearing, whether you value subtle design or advanced features. Don’t just take our word for it, though. See for yourself how we stack up to the alternatives below:

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Take the next step today to start hearing more clearly so you can stop missing what matters. Get hearing support that’s actually designed around you now!