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Types of hearing aids

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Finding the right type of hearing aid

Do you want to improve your hearing but not sure what type of hearing aid is best for you? You’ve come to the right place. Use this page to find out about:

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

You're always welcome to come and see us. As the UK's largest hearing care specialists, we have 300+ clinics nationwide where we can give you expert advice about some of the most popular hearing aid models available. And remember, all of our hearing aids are personalised to suit you.

Find a hearing clinic near you

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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, sitting inside the ear
  • The full shell style fits inside the outer part of the ear
  • All types are custom-made to suit the shape of your ear for optimal comfort and sound quality
  • Some models offer Bluetooth® technology so that you can stream sound from your phone, computer or TV
Try for 60 risk-free days In-the-ear hearing aids

4 facts about in-the-ear hearing aids

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1. Discreet and less noticeable than other hearing aid types
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2. Can be susceptible to ear wax and moisture build-up
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3. Rarely available with rechargeable batteries
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4. Some styles include Bluetooth® streaming and telecoil features

Browse through in-the-ear hearing aid types

Invisible hearing aid completely in canal Invisible hearing aid completely in canal

Completely-in-canal (CIC)

  • Very small and discreet
  • 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 ear wax and moisture build-up
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Invisible hearing aids in the canal Invisible hearing aids in the canal

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
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Invisible hearing aids half shell Invisible hearing aids half shell

Half shell in-the-ear

  • Custom-made to fit your whole outer 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 risk free
Invisible hearing aids full shell Invisible hearing aids full shell

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 risk free
Invisible hearing aids invisible in canal Invisible hearing aids invisible in canal

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC)

  • Adapts automatically to the sound environment
  • Discreet
  • Can be vulnerable to ear wax and moisture build-up
  • Is better for minimising wind noise (due to its position)
  • Does not have a directional microphone
  • Can be difficult to adjust for those with limited dexterity
Try IIC hearing aids risk free

Tips from the experts

Find a hearing clinic with in-house audiologists or hearing care professionals who can look after your specific needs. A specialised hearing clinic will have several hearing aid types and brands, allowing you to find a truly personalised solution. 

Book a free hearing consultation

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Hearing aid type: Behind-the-ear

These 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. A clear tube leads 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 difficulties or visual impairment
  • While modern behind-the-ear models are very discreet, they are not as invisible as in-the-ear hearing aids
  • Contain powerful technology and typically have more features 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 hearing aids miniRITE hearing aids

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 risk free
Oticon More hearing aids Oticon More hearing aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

  • Placed behind the ear, a thin, clear tube connects to an earmould 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 risk free
Open-fit hearing aids Open-fit hearing aids

Open-fit

  • 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 risk free

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Invisible hearing aids

Modern hearing aids are more discreet than ever. Some are even practically invisible. Designed to be especially discreet, the smallest variants of in-the-ear hearing aids are placed inside the ear canal. Examples of these include:

  • Invisible-in-the-canal hearing aids
  • Completely-in-the-canal hearing aids

Sitting inside your ear canal, these are considered to be the most invisible hearing aids available. People are unlikely to notice them.

Several types of behind-the-ear hearing aids are also discreet and will not be particularly noticeable when worn. Behind-the-ear hearing aids come with more features and advantages, making them preferable for many wearers.

Invisible hearing aids

 

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Rechargeable hearing aids

Some hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries. An easy overnight charge allows for hassle-free maintenance. You'll no longer need to regularly replace batteries. This can be especially beneficial 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 you can hear the TV audio directly in your hearing aid.

It's also possible to connect a hearing aid to other Bluetooth® devices, like 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

Choosing the right model for you will depend on a few things. Our three-step guide will help you find the best hearing that's completely personalised to you.

Download guide Guide to hearing aids

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