Types of Hearing Aids

Choosing the right hearing aid style is crucial for your comfort, lifestyle, and hearing success. At DigiClear Hearing, our expert audiologists have fitted thousands of hearing aids at our Essex and Hertfordshire clinics. There are many different types of hearing aids available, each with unique benefits. We want to help you make the right choice for you.

This guide explains all the main hearing aid styles, from discreet invisible options to powerful behind-the-ear models. Our audiologists will always chat through your options and help you make the right decision at our Bishop’s Stortford or Chingford clinics.

Hearing Aid Styles at a Glance

Compare different hearing aid styles to find what’s right for you:

Style Visibility Best For Battery Life Price Range
Receiver In Canal (RIC) Discreet Mild to severe loss 5–7 days ££££
Behind The Ear (BTE) Visible but easy to hide All levels, children 7–14 days £££
In The Ear (ITE) Moderately discreet Mild to moderate 3–5 days ££££
In The Canal (ITC) Very discreet Mild to moderate 3–5 days ££££
Completely In Canal (CIC) Nearly invisible Mild to moderate 2–4 days £££££
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Detailed Hearing Aid Style Guide

Receiver-In-Canal (RIC)

Receiver in Canal (RIC) hearing aids are currently the most popular and technologically advanced style available. They feature a small, discreet section that sits comfortably behind your ear, connected by a thin speaker wire that channels sound directly into the ear canal. This design makes them remarkably discreet while delivering exceptional sound quality.

Who Should Choose RIC Hearing Aids?

RIC hearing aids are suitable for most types of hearing loss, from mild to severe. They’re particularly recommended for:

  • Adults seeking the latest hearing aid technology
  • Anyone wanting discreet but powerful amplification
  • People who wear glasses (comfortable design works well)
  • Those wanting Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone features

Benefits of RIC Hearing Aids:

  • Most advanced technology available
  • Discreet, modern design
  • Natural sound quality
  • Compatible with wireless accessories
  • Available from multiple manufacturers at DigiClear
  • Can be fitted same-day at our Essex and Hertfordshire clinics subject to availability

Considerations:

  • Requires charging or regular battery changes
  • Thin wire can be fragile (though easily replaceable)
  • Premium pricing reflects advanced technology

We offer RIC hearing aids from leading manufacturers including Signia, Widex, ReSound, Phonak, and Audibel. Book a demonstration at our Bishop’s Stortford or Chingford clinic.

Behind The Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are one of the most versatile and reliable styles available. They feature a small, durable casing that sits comfortably behind your ear, connected to a custom earmold via a thin tube. The design makes them easy to conceal with hair or a hat, while remaining simple to handle and maintain – perfect for those who want dependable hearing support without complexity.

Who Should Choose BTE Hearing Aids?

BTE hearing aids are suitable for almost all types of hearing loss, from mild to profound. They’re particularly recommended for:

  • Children and teenagers (durable and adjustable as they grow)
  • Adults with dexterity issues (easy to insert and remove)
  • Anyone with severe to profound hearing loss (most powerful amplification)
  • People who want long battery life (larger batteries last 7-14 days)

Benefits of BTE Hearing Aids:

  • Powerful amplification for all hearing loss levels
  • Longest battery life of any style
  • Easy to handle, clean, and maintain
  • Most durable design for active lifestyles
  • Cost-effective for high-power needs
  • Available with rechargeable options

Considerations:

  • More visible than in-ear styles (though modern designs are very discreet)
  • Can be affected by wind noise outdoors

We offer BTE hearing aids from all major brands. Book your free trial at our Bishop’s Stortford or Chingford clinic.

In The Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In the ear (ITE) hearing aids offer a comfortable middle ground between behind-the-ear and smaller in-canal styles. Unlike BTE hearing aids, they do not feature a section behind your ear. Instead, they fit snugly in the outer portion of your ear with a custom-made shell. This design makes them more discreet than BTEs while remaining easier to handle than smaller canal styles.

Who Should Choose ITE Hearing Aids?

ITE hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. They’re particularly recommended for:

  • Adults seeking discretion without going too small
  • People who want custom-fitted comfort
  • Those who find BTE styles too visible but CIC too fiddly

Benefits of ITE Hearing Aids:

  • More discreet than BTE styles
  • Custom-made for perfect fit
  • Easier to handle than smaller canal styles
  • All controls easily accessible
  • Suitable for most hearing loss levels

Considerations:

  • Visible from the side
  • Requires ear impressions for custom fitting
  • Shorter battery life than BTE styles

In-the-Canal (ITC)

In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids are smaller and more discreet than RIC, BTE, and ITE styles. They sit partially in the ear canal, filling just the opening of the ear. They’re designed to be less visible than larger styles while remaining practical to handle and maintain. This makes them an excellent choice for those seeking discretion without going to the smallest invisible styles.

Who Should Choose ITC Hearing Aids?

ITC hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. They’re particularly recommended for:

  • Adults prioritising discretion
  • Professional settings where visibility matters
  • Those with good manual dexterity

Benefits of ITC Hearing Aids:

  • Very discreet appearance
  • Custom-fitted for comfort
  • Less wind noise than BTE
  • Natural sound quality

Considerations:

  • Not suitable for severe hearing loss
  • Shorter battery life (smaller batteries)
  • Requires ear impressions for custom fitting

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)

Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are the most discreet traditional hearing aid style. They sit deep inside your ear canal, making them nearly invisible to others. Unlike larger styles, they have no external components – everything is contained within a tiny custom shell that fits snugly in your ear canal. This makes them ideal for those who prioritise cosmetic appeal above all else. However, note that some models require fitting and removal by one of our audiologists and should not be removed by yourself.

Who Should Choose CIC Hearing Aids?

CIC hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss only. They’re particularly recommended for:

  • Adults who want maximum discretion
  • Professional environments
  • Active lifestyles (secure, won’t fall out)
  • Those with good manual dexterity for insertion/removal

Benefits of CIC Hearing Aids:

  • Nearly invisible – maximum discretion
  • Uses natural ear shape for sound collection
  • Less wind noise
  • Comfortable for phone use
  • Custom-fitted for your ear canal

Considerations:

  • Only suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss
  • Shortest battery life (very small batteries)
  • Can be fiddly to insert and remove
  • More expensive due to customisation
  • May require professional fitting and ear impressions

Hearing Glasses (Nuance Audio)

A brand-new category of hearing aid now available at The Hearing Care Centre, Colchester. Nuance Audio Hearing Glasses embed tiny microphones and speakers into stylish frames to clarify speech while keeping your ears open for natural sound. They’re a great choice for adults with mild hearing loss who want a discreet alternative to in-ear or behind-the-ear devices—especially if you already wear spectacles. If you’d like a demo of this innovative technology, call or book online now.

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid Style

Choosing your hearing aid style depends on several factors. At DigiClear Hearing, we consider all of these during your consultation:

1. Level of Hearing Loss
  • Mild to Moderate: All styles available (ITC, ITE, CIC offer most discretion)
  • Moderate to Severe: RIC or BTE recommended (better amplification)
  • Severe to Profound: BTE or power RIC (maximum amplification)
2. Lifestyle Considerations
  • Active lifestyle? BTE or RIC (most durable, sweat-resistant options)
  • Professional settings? ITC or CIC (maximum discretion)
  • Glasses wearer? RIC or ITE (most comfortable behind ears)
  • Dexterity issues? BTE or RIC (easier to handle)
3. Technology Preferences
  • Want latest tech? RIC (highest technology levels available)
  • Need Bluetooth? Available in RIC and BTE
  • Want rechargeable? Available in most styles now
4. Budget Considerations

We offer hearing aid styles at various price points:

  • BTE: Most cost-effective for high power needs
  • RIC: Best technology-to-price ratio
  • ITC/CIC: Premium pricing for discretion

All DigiClear hearing aid packages include:

30-day money-back trial period

2-year manufacturer warranty

Free lifetime aftercare and adjustments

6-monthly reviews

Your Hearing Aid Fitting Journey at DigiClear

At our Bishop’s Stortford and Chingford hearing centres, we make finding your perfect hearing aid style simple:

Step 1:

Comprehensive Hearing Assessment
(45 mins, Free)

Our audiologists conduct a thorough hearing test to understand your specific hearing loss pattern. We discuss your lifestyle, budget, and style preferences.

Step 2:

Style Demonstration

We demonstrate different hearing aid styles using your own hearing loss profile. You can see and feel each style, try them on, and understand the differences firsthand.

Step 3:

Custom Selection

Together, we select the ideal style and technology level for your needs. For custom ITE, ITC, or CIC styles, we take ear impressions on the same day.

Step 4:

30-Day Trial Period

Try your new hearing aids risk-free. We provide full support during this period with unlimited adjustments and follow-up appointments.

Step 5:

Ongoing Aftercare

Free lifetime aftercare at any DigiClear clinic. We’re here whenever you need adjustments, cleaning, or advice.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Hearing Aid Style?

Book a free, no-obligation consultation at your nearest DigiClear Hearing clinic:

Bishop’s Stortford Clinic

Call us on 01279 757077

Chingford Clinic

Call us on 020 8529 9111

Book Online

Click here

All consultations include a free hearing test, style demonstrations, and expert advice with no pressure to buy.

CALL NOW