Types of Hearing Aids
Not Sure Which Hearing Aid Style Is Right for You?
From nearly invisible to powerful behind-the-ear options, there’s a hearing aid designed for your hearing loss, your lifestyle, and your comfort. Here’s what you need to know before choosing.
Find the Type of Hearing Aid That Suits You
Not all hearing aids are the same. They come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for different levels of hearing loss, different lifestyles, and different preferences around visibility and comfort.
Some sit behind your ear. Some fit inside it. Some are so small they’re virtually invisible. The right one depends on your hearing needs, your daily routine, and what feels comfortable to you.
Below is a plain-language guide to the most common types of hearing aids we fit at Shire Hearing. And remember, with our free two-week trial, you don’t have to guess. You can try before you decide.
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Beyond Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids sit comfortably behind the ear, with a thin tube connecting to a custom earmould inside the ear canal. They’re the most versatile style available and suitable for almost every type of hearing loss, from mild to profound.
Best for
Mild to profound hearing loss. A strong option for those who need maximum power or prefer a device that’s easy to handle.
What you’ll notice
BTE aids are slightly more visible than other styles, but modern designs are sleek and come in colours that blend with your hair or skin tone. They’re durable, easy to clean, and can accommodate rechargeable batteries for hassle-free daily use.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
RIC hearing aids are the most popular style on the market today. A small, lightweight case sits behind the ear, with a thin wire connecting to a tiny speaker (receiver) placed directly in the ear ca
Best for
Mild to severe hearing loss. Particularly well suited if you want a discreet, comfortable fit with natural sound quality.
What you’ll notice
Because the speaker sits in the ear canal rather than behind the ear, RIC aids tend to produce a more natural sound. They’re smaller and less visible than traditional BTEs, and most models offer Bluetooth streaming so you can connect directly to your phone or television.
Hearing Aids That Sit In the Ear
In-the-ear hearing aids are custom-moulded to fit your ear. They don’t have any component sitting behind your ear, which many people prefer for comfort and appearance. Within this category, there are several sizes, each with different trade-offs between visibility, features, and suitability.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fill the outer bowl of your ear. They’re the largest of the in-ear styles, which means they can house more features like volume controls and directional microphones.
Best for
Mild to severe hearing loss. A good choice if you want something custom-fitted without a behind-the-ear component, and you value easy handling and longer battery life.
What you’ll notice
ITE aids are visible in the ear but sit flush against the skin. Their larger size makes them easier to insert, remove, and adjust, which can be helpful if dexterity is a concern.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are smaller than ITEs and fit partially inside the ear canal. They’re less visible while still offering room for features like directional microphones and manual controls.
Best for
Mild to moderate hearing loss. A good middle ground between discretion and functionality.
What you’ll notice
ITC aids are less obvious than ITEs and can still include features that improve hearing in noisy environments. They use slightly smaller batteries, but most people find them comfortable and easy to manage.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
CIC hearing aids are custom-made to fit entirely within the ear canal, making them nearly invisible when worn. They’re one of the most discreet options available.
Best for
Mild to moderate hearing loss. Ideal if cosmetics are a top priority and you want a hearing aid that others won’t notice.
What you’ll notice
Because of their small size, CIC aids have fewer manual controls and a shorter battery life. They’re also less likely to pick up wind noise, which is a bonus if you spend time outdoors. However, they may not suit everyone’s ear canal shape.
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
IIC hearing aids are the smallest available. They sit deep inside the ear canal, past the second bend, making them virtually invisible to anyone looking at you.
Best for
Mild to moderate hearing loss. The best option if complete invisibility is your main concern.
What you’ll notice
IIC aids are extremely discreet, but their tiny size means limited battery life and fewer features. They’re typically removed daily using a small pull string. Not everyone’s ear canal is suited to this style, so a proper assessment is essential.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Many modern hearing aids now come with built-in rechargeable batteries. Simply place them in their charging case overnight and they’re ready for a full day of use. No more fiddling with tiny disposable batteries.
Rechargeable options are available across most BTE, RIC, and ITE styles. If convenience matters to you, this is worth asking about during your trial.
Guidance on Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
Choosing a hearing aid can feel overwhelming when you’re looking at all the options. Here’s what actually matters when it comes to finding the right fit
- Start with your hearing, not the deviceThe best hearing aid is the one matched to your specific hearing loss. A comprehensive hearing assessment tells us exactly which frequencies you’re missing and how much support you need. That’s always the starting point.
- Think about your lifestyleAre you active and social, spending time in cafés, restaurants, and family gatherings? Or do you spend more time at home watching television and having one-on-one conversations? Different technology levels handle background noise differently, and the right level depends on where you spend your time.
- Consider comfort and handlingSome people prefer the smallest, most invisible device possible. Others want something easy to insert, remove, and adjust. If dexterity is a concern, a slightly larger device with simple controls may be a better daily experience than a tiny one you struggle to handle.
- Don’t rely on brochures. Try them.Reading about hearing aids and wearing them are two completely different experiences. That’s why we offer a free two-week trial. You take the hearing aids home, wear them in your real environments, and experience the difference for yourself. We’ll switch you between technology levels every couple of days so you can compare without the guesswork.
- Independent advice mattersWe’re not owned by a hearing aid manufacturer, which means we’re free to recommend devices from multiple leading brands based purely on what suits you. No sales quotas. No preferred supplier we’re obligated to push. Just honest guidance.
We’re Here to Help You Find the Right Fit
At Shire Hearing, we don’t expect you to walk in knowing exactly which hearing aid you need. That’s our job.
We’ll assess your hearing, understand your lifestyle, and recommend the types and technology levels that make the most sense for you. Then we’ll let you try them in your real life before you commit to anything.
No pressure. No obligation. Just the time, care, and expertise to help you make a confident decision.
How It Works
Step 1
Complete Hearing Assessment
We test your hearing in detail so we understand exactly what sounds you’re missing and what support you need.
Step 2
Personalised Recommendations
Based on your results, lifestyle, and preferences, we’ll recommend the hearing aid styles and technology levels best suited to you.
Step 3
Free Two-Week Trial
Take home hearing aids custom-programmed for your hearing. We’ll check in every couple of days and switch technology levels so you can compare and choose with confidence.
Step 4
Your Decision, on Your Terms
If you love them, great. If not, simply return them. No questions asked
Why Families Across the Shire Trust Us With Their Hearing
We’re not just another hearing clinic. Here’s what makes Shire Hearing different.
- Count on Us for Hassle-Free SupportYour hearing aids come with full servicing during the warranty period. Need a quick clean or adjustment? Just drop in. No appointment, no fuss, no waiting around.
- Receive Care That's Tailored to Your Unique NeedsYour hearing is as unique as you are. We create personalised solutions based on your lifestyle, preferences, and hearing profile.
- Get Honest, Unbiased RecommendationsWe're independent, family-owned, so we're free to recommend what's truly best for you. Not what earns us the highest commission.
- Trusted by the Doctors Who Know BestLocal GPs refer patients to us because they know we prioritise proper care and genuine results over quick sales.
- You Take Your Time. No Rushed AppointmentsOur appointments are longer because you deserve time to ask questions, understand your options, and feel confident in your decisions.
- You're Family, Not Just a CustomerWe treat every client like family and build lifelong relationships. Our friendly, compassionate team is here for you, from your first visit to decades of care.
FAQs
Not Sure Which Hearing Aid Is Right for You? Let’s Find Out Together.
Book your free hearing assessment today. We’ll test your hearing, walk you through the options, and let you trial hearing aids for two full weeks. If they’re not right for you, simply return them. No obligation. No questions asked.