Hearing Aids Behind-The-Ear (BTE) These instruments have a plastic casing that rests behind the ear and houses the device’s technology. A clear plastic tube then directs amplified sound into an earmold inside the ear canal. Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) The receiver-in-the-canal device is small, discreet and incredibly quick to fit; perfect for many first-time wearers. In-The-Ear (ITE) In-the-ear instruments house their technology components in a custom-formed plastic casing that fits within the outer portion of the ear. In-The-Canal (ITC) In-the-canal instruments are smaller, still featuring a plastic casing that fits down into the ear canal and a smaller portion that faces out into the outer ear. Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) These devices fit completely in the canal. Only the head of a tiny plastic line shows above the canal.