Types of hearing aids: find the right one

With a wide range of hearing aids to choose from, finding the right one for you can be challenging. We're here to simplify the process by explaining the differences and helping you make an informed decision.

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With so many options available, it can be tricky to choose the correct hearing aid for you. But don't worry, we're here to help simplify things for you. We'll go through what to consider, and the pros and cons of each style. Many of today's hearing aids are more discreet and powerful compared to older models. There are two main styles to choose from:

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids and Invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss:

Both CIC and IIC hearing aids offer a discreet option. CIC aids fit deeper in your ear canal, while IIC aids sit entirely within the ear canal. These choices are perfect if you want to keep your hearing aids low-key.

Pros:

• A discreet option for a less noticeable look in the ear.

• You can use headsets and phones without taking them out

• They provide excellent sound quality and a more natural feel

Cons:

• They're small and can be tricky to adjust, especially for those with dexterity issues

• They have limited processing capacity. Not the best choice for severe hearing loss

• Battery performance is often reduced

• IIC aids might not fit if you have narrow ear canals

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid

Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) and Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids

Best for: All levels of hearing loss

RIC and RITE hearing aids are designed with behind-the-ear components connected to a receiver within the ear or ear canal, using a small wire to transmit sound.

Pros:

• Often equipped with rechargeable batteries, making them environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

• The ear canal remains partially open, offering a more natural feel.

• Adjustable receiver levels accommodate changing hearing needs.

Cons:

• Requires more frequent cleaning and is susceptible to dirt and skin debris.

• Less discreet as they are partially visible behind the ear.

• Headsets and telephones may be less convenient as they need to be held over the microphone.

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids and invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Slightly larger than IIC and CIC hearing aids, ITC aids offer a comfortable fit within the ear canal, custom-molded for precise sizing in the lower third of the external ear canal.

Pros:

• A discreet option for a less noticeable look in the ear.

• Works well with headsets and phones, fits directly in the ear.

• Excellent sound quality and a less bulky, natural feel in the ear.

Cons:

• Small size can be hard to remove or adjust, especially for those with dexterity issues

• Not ideal for severe hearing loss due to limited processing capacity

• Battery performance may be reduced

• People with narrow ear canals may not be able to wear them

Invisible in the canal (IIC) hearing aids

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Smaller and more discreet than CIC hearing aids, IIC aids offer complete invisibility within your ear canal. Custom-made to fit your ear's unique shape, they provide optimal comfort and seamless integration into your external ear canal.

Pros:

• Our most discreet option, that appears almost invisible in the ear canal.

• Comfortable custom fit

• Natural sound capture

Cons:

• Limited space for extra features

• Smaller battery, may need more changes

• Best for mild to moderate hearing loss

Low-profile hearing aids

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Slightly bigger than IIC hearing aids, low profile models still offer a discreet look. They sit just inside, or at the edge of your ear canal, and are custom-made for a comfortable fit.

Pros:

• Easier to handle and adjust due to their size

• Accommodate larger batteries for longer use

• Can have more features like volume control and wireless connectivity.

Cons:

• More visible compared to IIC models

• Some users may experience occasional whistling sounds.

• Slightly more vulnerable to earwax and moisture due to their placement.

Receiver in the ear (RITE)

Best for: Mild to moderate hearing loss

Different from IIC and CIC models, RITE aids have a component behind the ear connected to a receiver in the ear canal by a thin wire. They combine functionality and a discreet appearance, for a sleek design that ensures natural sound quality.

Pros:

• RITE aids provide clearer and more natural sound because the receiver is inside the ear canal, reducing sound distortion.

• Their sleek and modern design makes them less noticeable.

• Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to moderate.

Cons:

• Some users who wear glasses may find that RITE aids occasionally interfere with the glasses' arms, requiring adjustments or causing discomfort over time.

Behind-the-ear with earmould

Mild to severe hearing loss

BTE hearing aids are quite different from IIC and CIC models. They have a main component that sits comfortably behind your ear, connected to a custom-moulded earmold inside your ear canal. These earmolds are shaped to fit your ear precisely, ensuring great sound and comfort. BTE aids are designed to handle a wide range of hearing losses and provide a robust, versatile solution.

Pros:

• BTE aids offer powerful amplification suitable for various hearing losses, from mild to severe.

• Because most of their electronic parts are outside the ear, BTE aids are less prone to earwax and moisture damage.

• They often have external controls like volume wheels or buttons for quick adjustments in different listening environments.

Cons:

• BTE hearing aids are more visible because of the component behind the ear, unlike in-the-canal models.

• People who wear glasses might find that the arms of their glasses interfere with the BTE component.

• Their placement behind the ear can make them more sensitive to wind noise, affecting the outdoor listening experience.

Rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable devices have built-in power units that do not require regular removal.

Telecoil technology

Is useful during phone calls – it transfers the speech signals from your phone directly to your ear.

Bluetooth compatibility

Bluetooth has greatly enhanced the overall user experience and enabled hearing aids to function as highly personalised devices.

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Types of hearing aids: find the right one

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

Pros:

Cons:

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid

Pros:

Cons:

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

Pros:

Cons:

Invisible in the canal (IIC) hearing aids

Pros:

Cons:

Low-profile hearing aids

Pros:

Cons:

Receiver in the ear (RITE)

Pros:

Cons:

Behind-the-ear with earmould

Pros:

Cons:

Rechargeable batteries

Telecoil technology

Bluetooth compatibility

Top product features

Rechargeable

Invisible

Bluetooth

Frequently asked questions

What is a hearing aid?

When are hearing aids needed?

How do hearing aids work?

What types of hearing aids are available?

What features do you need to look out for?

What's the difference between open and closed fittings?

How much do hearing aids cost?

What other hearing designs are out there?

What is a hearing amplifier?

Can I use a hearing amplifier instead of a hearing aid?

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