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Types of hearing aids

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Various types of hearing aids worn behind and in the ear.
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Finding the right type of hearing aid

Various styles and types of hearing aids arranged in a row, including in-the-ear and behind-the-ear models.

Ready to improve your hearing but you are not sure what type of hearing aid is best for you? You’ve come to the right place. On this page you will get an overview of:

  • All the basic types of hearing aids
  • Facts and features to consider when choosing the right type for you

We would encourage everyone who is concerned about hearing loss to take a complimentary hearing test at a Hidden Hearing clinic near you. Our comprehensive hearing test enables you to get the right advice for your level of hearing loss from our team of expert audiologists. They will be happy to show you some of the most popular hearing aid models available. 

Find a hearing clinic nearby

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Hearing aid type: In-the-ear

There are five types of in-the-ear hearing aids, ranging from the invisible-in-the-canal to the full shell in-the-ear hearing aid:

  • Suited for mild to severe hearing loss.
  • The smallest style is virtually invisible inside the ear.
  • The full shell style fits inside the outer bowl of the ear.
  • All types are custom-made to suit the shape of your ear, ensuring optimal comfort and sound quality.
  • Some models offer Bluetooth® technology so that you can stream sound from your phone, computer or TV.
Book a FREE hearing test In-the-ear hearing aids

4 facts about in-the-ear hearing aids

Illustrated ear with a hearing aid outlined in blue and green.
1. Discreet and less noticeable than other hearing aid types
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2. May be susceptible to ear wax and moisture build-up
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3. Rarely available with rechargeable batteries
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4. Can include Bluetooth® streaming and telecoil features

Browse through in-the-ear hearing aid types

Completely-in-canal (CIC)

  • Very small and discreet hearing aid.
  • Practically invisible to other people.
  • Custom-designed to fit discreetly in your ear canal.
  • Option to manually control settings in different environments.
  • Can be vulnerable to earwax and moisture build-up.
Try CIC hearing aids in your local clinic

In-the-canal (ITC)

  • Small and custom-made to fit in your ear canal.
  • Discreet.
  • Longer battery life than smaller models.
  • Directional microphone enhances important sounds (like speech) and reduces background noise.
  • Easy to insert and remove.
Try ITC hearing aids in your local clinic

Half shell in-the-ear

  • Custom-made to fit half of your external ear.
  • Relatively discreet.
  • Longer battery life than smaller models.
  • Suitable for more severe hearing loss than smaller models.
  • Easy to handle.
  • Additional high-tech features make it more versatile.
Try ITE hearing aids in your local clinic

Full shell in-the-ear

  • Custom-made to fit the entire area of your outer ear.
  • Provides high-quality sound amplification.
  • Longer battery life than smaller models.
  • More suitable for severe hearing loss (when compared to smaller models).
  • Easy to handle.
  • Additional, high-tech features make it more versatile.
Try ITE hearing aids in your local clinic

Invisible -in-the-canal (IIC)

  • Adapt automatically to the sound environment.
  • Have a discreet style.
  • Can be vulnerable to earwax and moisture build-up.
  • Are better for minimizing wind noise (due to their placement).
  • Do not have a directional microphone.
  • Can be difficult to adjust for those with dexterity issues.
Try IIC hearing aids in your local clinic
Hearing aid positioned discreetly behind the ear with a close-up view of the device design.

Hearing aid type: Behind-the-ear

These types are the most popular hearing aids for people with hearing loss.

  • Suited for mild to profound hearing loss.
  • All components are housed behind the ear with a clear tube leading to an earpiece that fits inside your ear.
  • Modern hearing aids are sleeker and slimmer than older versions and are great for people with dexterity challenges or visual impairment.
  • While modern behind-the-ear models are very discreet, they are not as invisible as in-the-ear hearing aids.
  • Feature powerful technology and typically have more feature options than in-the-ear hearing aids.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids

4 facts about behind-the-ear hearing aids

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1. More powerful and versatile than in-the-ear hearing aids.
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2. Rechargeable battery options available.
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3. Some users find the behind-the-ear placement more comfortable.
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4. Can often connect to and stream wirelessly from smartphones, TVs and tablets.

Browse through behind-the-ear hearing aid types

miniRITE

  • Suitable for most types of hearing loss.
  • Smaller and less noticeable than traditional BTE hearing aids.
  • Rechargeable battery options available.
  • Able to connect to smart devices via Bluetooth.
  • Often connected to a small dome for ventilation.
Try miniRITE hearing aids in your local clinic

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

  • Placed behind the ear, a thin, clear tube connects to an ear mould that fits inside the outer ear.
  • Suitable for all hearing loss levels and ear sizes.
  • Most powerful and versatile type of hearing aid.
  • Slightly larger size accommodates more features.
  • Connects to smartphone and TV via Bluetooth.
  • Also available with rechargeable batteries.
Try BTE hearing aids in your local clinic

Open-fit hearing aid

  • Sits behind the ear and is connected by a tube that directs the amplified sound down into the ear canal.
  • Keeps the ear canal open so that sound can enter more naturally.
  • Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
  • Can adapt to different listening situations.
  • Connects to smartphone and TV via Bluetooth.
  • Available with rechargeable batteries.
Try open-fit hearing aids in your local clinic

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Invisible hearing aids

Modern hearing aids are more discreet than ever before. In fact, many hearing aids are practically invisible. Designed to be especially discreet, the smallest variants of in-the-ear hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal. 

Several types of behind-the-ear hearing aids are also very discreet and will not be particularly noticeable when worn. Behind-the-ear hearing aids allow for more features and advantages, making them the preferred type of hearing aid for many wearers.

Invisible hearing aids

 

Rechargeable hearing aids in a sleek charging case placed on a book, with a battery recharge icon displayed nearby.
Rechargeable hearing aids

Some hearing aids offer the convenience of rechargeable batteries. An easy overnight charge allows for hassle-free maintenance, by eliminating the need to regularly replace batteries, which is a benefit to all especially for those with dexterity challenges.

Rechargeable hearing aids

 

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Bluetooth® hearing aids

If you choose a hearing aid with Bluetooth® technology, you can connect it to your TV so that you can hear the TV audio directly in your hearing aid, making it easier to hear your favourite TV shows.

It is also possible to connect a hearing aid to other Bluetooth® devices, such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets. If you have an iPhone, then your Bluetooth® hearing aids can double as a wireless headset, allowing you to listen to music or make hands-free phone calls.

Bluetooth® hearing aids

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What to consider when researching hearing aid types

Guide to choosing hearing aids

There are several factors that can determine which hearing aid is the right model for you. This 3-step guide will help you understand how to find the best hearing aid for you.

Guide to hearing aids

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