Hearing aids vary in size, shape, fit, colour, technology, performance and, of course, price. However, it is a common misconception that smaller, more discreet hearing aids are always more expensive. In reality, cost is usually influenced more by the technology and features inside the hearing aid than by its size.
Today’s digital hearing aids are far more sophisticated than the analogue hearing aids of the past, which primarily amplified sound. With so many styles and technologies now available, choosing the right hearing aid can sometimes feel confusing.
Our guide to hearing aid styles
As part of your free hearing consultation, your local audiologist will explain the different types of hearing aids available and recommend options based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, preferences and how you are likely to use them.
Because Amplify Hearing is independent, we can offer hearing aids from a wide range of leading manufacturers, rather than being restricted to a single brand or product range.
Read on for our guide to the main hearing aid styles, including their benefits and some of the things you may wish to consider.
Behind the Ear (BTE)
Behind the Ear hearing aids are small devices that sit behind the ear. They are connected to an earmould or soft earpiece by a thin, clear tube.
Some BTE hearing aids use an open-fit design, where a slim tube connects to a small, soft tip positioned at the entrance to the ear canal. These can be particularly discreet and comfortable to wear.
BTE hearing aids are available in a wide range of colours and skin tones and can be suitable for many different levels of hearing loss.
Receiver in the ear (RITE) and Receiver in canal (RIC)
RITE and RIC hearing aids are among the most popular hearing aid styles available today.
A small, discreet case containing the microphones and other electronic components sits behind the ear. This is connected by a very thin wire to a receiver, or speaker, positioned inside the ear canal.
Because the receiver sits directly within the ear, these hearing aids can provide excellent sound quality while remaining discreet and comfortable.
Regular cleaning and maintenance are important, as ear wax or moisture around the receiver can affect sound performance.
In the ear (ITE) digital hearing aids
In the Ear hearing aids are custom-made to fit within the outer part of your ear, known as the concha. The microphone, amplifier and speaker are all contained within a single shell.
Because they sit entirely within the ear rather than behind it, ITE hearing aids can be particularly convenient for people who wear glasses.
Their slightly larger size compared with ITC, CIC and IIC hearing aids can also provide space for additional features, such as rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth connectivity and more powerful amplification.
Depending on the model, ITE hearing aids can be suitable for a wide range of hearing losses.
In the canal (ITC) digital hearing aids
In the Canal hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids but are smaller and sit partly within the ear canal.
They are custom-made to fit comfortably and securely inside your ear and are more discreet than many larger hearing aid styles.
Their size can provide a useful balance between discretion and ease of handling, making them easier to insert and remove than some smaller hearing aids.
ITC hearing aids are generally suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, although suitability will depend on your individual hearing needs.
Completely In the canal (CIC) digital hearing aids
Completely in the Canal hearing aids are among the smallest hearing aids available. They sit further inside the ear canal than ITC hearing aids and can be extremely discreet when worn.
All of the working components are contained within a custom-made shell, meaning there are no external wires or tubing.
CIC hearing aids are often suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. Because they sit deeper within the ear canal, regular cleaning is particularly important, as ear wax and moisture can affect performance.
Their small size can also make them more difficult to handle for people with reduced dexterity, and they may offer fewer controls or features than larger hearing aid styles.
Your audiologist will be able to advise whether a CIC hearing aid is appropriate for you.
Invisible In the canal (IIC) digital hearing aids
Invisible in the Canal hearing aids are the smallest style of conventional hearing aid available. They sit deep within the ear canal and are custom-made to fit your ear.
A small, discreet extraction cord allows the hearing aid to be inserted and removed more easily.
Many IIC hearing aids automatically adapt to different listening environments, helping provide natural sound without requiring frequent manual adjustments.
As with CIC hearing aids, their position deep within the ear canal means they require regular cleaning and maintenance. They may not be suitable for everyone, particularly people who experience frequent ear infections, significant ear wax build-up or certain skin conditions.
Spectacle hearing aids
There are several types of hearing technology that can be incorporated into spectacles.
Traditional spectacle hearing aids contain hearing technology within or attached to the arms of the glasses. Some models use bone conduction to transmit sound directly through the skull to the inner ear.
Bone-conduction spectacle hearing aids may be suitable for some people with conductive hearing loss, particularly where wearing a conventional hearing aid within the ear is difficult or inappropriate. Your audiologist can advise whether this type of solution may be suitable for you.
Nuance Audio™ by EssilorLuxottica
A newer approach is Nuance Audio™ by EssilorLuxottica, which brings hearing and vision together in one stylish pair of glasses.
Designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, Nuance Audio uses discreet open-ear speakers and directional microphones built directly into the frames to help make conversations clearer, particularly in busy or noisy environments.
Hearing settings can be personalised through the Nuance Audio app, while prescription lens options mean the glasses can support both your sight and your hearing in one comfortable, easy-to-wear solution.
One consideration with spectacle-based hearing solutions is that your hearing and vision technology are combined within the same device. If your glasses require repair or your prescription needs updating, you may temporarily be without both.
Auracast™ is an exciting new Bluetooth technology designed to make hearing in public places easier, clearer and more accessible
Think of it a little like Wi-Fi for sound. Venues equipped with Auracast can broadcast audio directly to compatible hearing aids, earbuds and other listening devices. That could mean hearing the television in a busy airport, following a presentation in a conference room, or enjoying clearer sound in theatres, cinemas and places of worship.
For hearing aid wearers, Auracast has the potential to make connecting to the world around you far simpler, without needing additional receivers or complicated equipment.
As more hearing aids and public venues adopt the technology, Auracast is set to become an increasingly important part of modern hearing care.
Want to know whether your hearing aids are Auracast compatible? Speak to your Amplify audiologist, who can explain the technology and help you choose the right hearing solution for your lifestyle.
Which hearing aid do I choose?
With so many styles, technologies and models available, choosing a hearing aid can feel daunting.
The hearing aid you initially prefer may not necessarily be the one best suited to your hearing loss, lifestyle, dexterity, listening needs or budget. This is where your local Amplify audiologist can help.
We will take the time to understand your hearing, your lifestyle and what matters most to you before explaining the options available.
Simply book a hearing test with us and we will provide the advice and guidance you need to make an informed decision about your next steps.
Hearing aids FAQ
To search our hearing aid FAQ for specific answers, use the search box to type in specific keywords like “how much” or “brands” to filter for answers to relevant questions.
If you find yourself struggling to follow conversations, particularly in background noise, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, turning the television up or finding telephone conversations difficult, you may benefit from having your hearing checked. Amplify Hearing offers free hearing tests for people aged 55 and over, helping you understand your hearing and whether hearing aids may be beneficial.
As an independent hearing care provider, Amplify Hearing offers a comprehensive range of modern hearing solutions, including:
Bluetooth hearing aids that can stream phone calls, music and other audio directly from compatible smartphones and devices.
Auracast™-enabled hearing aids designed to connect with the latest generation of broadcast audio systems.
Rechargeable hearing aids offering convenient, long-lasting power without the need to regularly change disposable batteries.
Discreet hearing aids in a wide variety of styles, including almost invisible in-ear options and slim devices worn behind the ear.
Nuance Audio hearing glasses, combining hearing technology and vision within a stylish pair of glasses.
Our focus is always on finding the hearing solution that best suits your individual hearing needs and lifestyle. As an independent provider, Amplify Hearing offers hearing aids from many of the world’s leading manufacturers, including Starkey, ReSound, Widex, Oticon, Phonak and Signia. We also have access to hearing technology from Beltone. Being independent allows our audiologists to recommend hearing aids based on your individual hearing needs, lifestyle and budget rather than being restricted to a single manufacturer.
Hearing aid prices vary depending on the technology, features and style you choose. Amplify Hearing offers transparent pricing and will work with you to find a solution that suits both your hearing needs and your budget. Our hearing aids include FREE lifetime aftercare for the life of the hearing aid, up to five years’ warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Visit our hearing aid prices page for more information.
Your audiologist will begin by discussing your hearing concerns, lifestyle and listening needs. They will then carry out a comprehensive hearing assessment to understand the type and degree of your hearing loss. Based on the results, your audiologist will explain the most suitable hearing aid options, answer any questions you may have and help you make an informed decision.
Yes. Amplify Hearing offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on our hearing aids. This gives you time to experience your hearing aids in everyday situations and make sure they are the right solution for you.
Hearing care does not stop when you receive your hearing aids. Amplify Hearing provides ongoing support, including hearing aid adjustments and regular reassessments, helping ensure your hearing aids continue to perform effectively as your hearing and listening needs change. Our hearing aids include FREE aftercare for the lifetime of the hearing aid, up to five years’ warranty and a 60-day money-back guarantee. Our team is also available should you have questions or concerns about your hearing aids at any stage.
Your audiologist will show you how to clean, maintain, charge or replace the batteries in your hearing aids and how to store them safely. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep your hearing aids performing at their best for many years.
Hearing loss can affect one ear or both ears. Depending on the type and degree of hearing loss, a hearing aid may be fitted to the affected ear, or your audiologist may recommend another type of hearing solution. Your hearing assessment will help us determine the most appropriate option for you.
Absolutely. Getting used to hearing aids can take a little time, particularly if you have been living with hearing loss for several years. Our audiologists will support you throughout the process, from choosing your hearing aids and setting them up to making adjustments as you become accustomed to hearing more sounds again. We will also show you how to use and care for your hearing aids and provide ongoing support to help you get the most from them.
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Find your local practice
We have over 480 practices across the UK, with a growing network and more practices opening all the time.
Find your nearest Amplify Hearing practice and arrange to see your local independent, qualified audiologist. Our hearing care professionals will build a relationship with you, taking the time to make sure you get the very best advice and the most from your hearing aids. When we talk through your hearing options with you, you’re guaranteed to receive unbiased hearing advice you can trust.