The right fit is important for many things, but it’s especially crucial when it comes to hearing aids. Because hearing aids are typically worn all day, they mustn’t cause pain or fall out easily. Some people may struggle to find hearing aids that fit correctly, especially if they have small ear canals. Keep reading to learn more about small ear canals and what types of hearing aids may be the best fit.
The ear canals play an important role in hearing. They connect the outer ear to the eardrum. And everyone’s ear canals are unique in size and shape. Some people wonder, “Why are my ear canals so small?” Small ear canals can be caused by several factors, some of which are temporary. Infection or swelling may cause the ear canals to shrink. Other times, small ear canals may be due to growths or blockages from things like cysts or earwax. Age can also be a factor. Infants and young children have smaller ear canals than older children and adults.
However, some people have naturally small ear canals. Sometimes, this is just a normal part of a person’s ear anatomy, but other times, narrow ear canals are caused by a condition called ear canal stenosis. A person may be born with ear canal stenosis, and it doesn’t always cause problems. However, in some cases, it may cause hearing loss. Ear canal stenosis may also develop after repeated infections or injuries. Aural atresia is a more severe condition that some people are born with, which can cause a narrow ear canal or a complete absence of the ear canal. It’s estimated that aural atresia occurs in 1 out of every 10,000 to 20,000 births.1
People with narrow ear canals may experience hearing aid problems. This is because small ear canals can make it difficult for hearing aids to fit comfortably and stay in place. This can lead to increased feedback (loud whistling) and over-amplification of sound.2 It can also affect the overall quality of the sound. Some people have trouble hearing certain sounds, and it may not be as clear and natural as it should be.
Another common problem that people with narrow ear canals experience is difficulty inserting and removing hearing aids. People with dexterity issues may find this especially challenging. If hearing aids aren’t inserted correctly, they don’t amplify sound correctly and are more prone to falling out, getting damaged, or lost.
What is the best hearing aid for small ear canals? This depends on the size of your ear canals and your hearing needs. Generally, behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid styles work well for those with narrow ear canals. This is because part of the device sits behind the ear, rather than all of the components fitting inside your ear canal. The ear pieces of many small behind-the-ear hearing aids can also be custom-fit to the shape of your ear canal, helping them fit more precisely and comfortably. Miracle-EarSPARKTM RIC R is another good option for small ear canals. These hearing aids feature our strongest Bluetooth range as well as AI technology and hands-free calling capabilities.
However, not all hearing aids for narrow ear canals are BTE styles. Some in-the-canal (ITC) styles work well for people who have small ear canals, offering some of the smallest in-ear hearing aid options. The best in-the-canal hearing aid is one that allows for a custom ear mold to fit your specific ear canal. This can make them easier to insert and remove. It also helps them stay in place.
Is there a difference between small hearing aids for men and small hearing aids for women? While some studies show that men are more likely to use hearing aids than women,3 there is really no such thing as hearing aids specifically for men or women. Because many hearing aids are able to be customized for fit and sound needs, they can work for anyone.
Most people who wear hearing devices want small, invisible hearing aids that don’t draw attention to themselves. Miracle-Ear’s miniature hearing aids allow wearers to experience the powerful benefits of the latest hearing aid technology, but in a smaller device. These mini hearing aids come in a variety of styles, from in-the-ear (ITE) to RIC styles. Many of these are custom-fit, making them ideal for those with smaller ear canals.
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Learning how to put in a hearing aid when you have small ear canals can take some practice. Remember to be patient with yourself. First, it’s important to determine which hearing aid is for the right ear and which is for the left. It’s helpful to stand in front of the mirror, especially when learning how to insert your hearing aids. This helps you see where they should be placed. It’s also important to be sure your hearing aid devices are clean before inserting them. And don’t worry if it takes some practice to get your new hearing aids placed just right!
There are many small hearing aid devices on the market today. The smallest hearing aid styles available are completely-in-the-canal (CIC) styles or invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) styles. Both of these sit fully inside the ear canal. This makes them nearly impossible to see because of how deep they sit inside the ear. These styles have tiny cords attached to them, which helps make them easier to insert and remove.
In recent years, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids have gained popularity, making it easier for people experiencing hearing loss to access them. Many people with narrow ear canals are curious to find the best OTC hearing aids for small ear canals. However, OTC hearing aids specifically for narrow ear canals are difficult to come by. This is because OTC hearing aids are not custom-molded to a person’s unique ear shape like prescription hearing aids are. They are more of a one-size-fits-all option to fit a wider range of ear sizes and hearing needs. While they are a good option for some people, those who have small ear canals will likely want to see a hearing specialist to find the best custom-fit device for them.
1 Winters R, Shermetaro C. “External Ear Aural Atresia.” [Updated 2025 Nov 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563257/
2 Colucci, Dennis. (2018). “Fitting Complications of Small and Distorted Ear Canals.” The Hearing Journal. 71. 44. 10.1097/01.HJ.0000544494.00708.a1. Accessed from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326749383_Fitting_Complications_of_Small_and_Distorted_Ear_Canals
3 “QuickStats: Percentage of Adults Aged ≥45 Years Who Use a Hearing Aid, by Sex and Age Group — National Health Interview Survey.” United States, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023;72:163. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7206a5
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