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Hearing Aid Types UK - What types of hearing aids are there and how do they work?

Updated 02/01/2024
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Types of hearing aids

Hearing Aid Types UK

Understanding the different types of hearing aids and how they work

 

Researching hearing aid types?

If you are on the lookout for a hearing aid, the right one for you depends on a few factors, such as your level of hearing loss, your lifestyle, dexterity and other concerns.  The main thing to remember is that modern hearing aids come in two types and many different styles.  These types are Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids and In the Ear hearing aids (ITE).

One of the questions that we get asked most often is: ‘What type of hearing aid should I choose?’  There is no single answer to this question, as every hearing aid user is different.  Below we go through the different types of hearing aids available and how they work.

We hope this page goes in some way to finding out which hearing aid style might suit you best, as we go through the types of hearing aids pros and cons.


Hearing aid types and styles - RIC hearing aids

hearing aid types pictures

Receiver In Canal (RIC) hearing aids

This type of hearing aid can also be called Receiver In-Ear (RIE) and is one of the most popular types of hearing aid on the market. They are based on the classic Behind the Ear (BTE) design, but the receiver/speaker sits directly in the ear canal, with the microphone and processor sitting in a separate casing behind the ear, the two being connected with a thin and inconspicuous tube or wire.

This, combined with the fact that instead of the traditional Behind the Ear (BTE) ear mould, Receiver In Canal hearing aids (RIC) features an open dome that crucially does not block or occlude the ear canal. 

Advantages:  Come in a rechargeable option, wireless connectivity and can incorporate innovative technology like artificial intelligence (AI).

Disadvantages:  The smaller hearing aid models can be a problem putting in for those with dexterity problems and the device or wire is visible.

►Click here to learn more about Receiver in the Canal hearing aids (RIC)

Hearing aid types and styles - CIC hearing aids

hearing aid types pictures

Completely In the Canal (CIC) hearing aids

This type of hearing aid fits neatly into your ear canal meaning that it is very inconspicuous and discreet. They are custom-made from a mould of your ear meaning that they are also very comfortable to wear.

Their smaller size means that they are able to include slightly less functionality and power than larger aids so are suitable for people with slight to moderate hearing loss.

Advantages:  Discreet and good sound quality due to the fit.

Disadvantages:  Can increase ear wax, hard for those to put in if dexterity is an issue and sometimes they are unable to connect wirelessly due to the size.

►Click here to learn more about Completely in the Canal hearing aids (CIC)


Hearing aid types and styles - ITC hearing aids

hearing aid types pictures

In The Canal (ITC) hearing aids

Slightly smaller than In the Ear (ITE) hearing aids, In the Canal (ITC) hearing aids are also sometimes known as Half Shell hearing aids. These are designed to fit just into the entrance of the ear canal.

This means that they are less conspicuous and depending on your remaining level of hearing can be used as more of a support to that, as more of the ear bowl itself is left open thus allowing your ear to continue to perform its residual functionality.

Advantages:  Discreet, often has a long battery life and has more features than the smaller models (IIC and CIC).

Disadvantages:  Can increase ear wax, give you more occlusion and you can get that "plugged-up" feeling.  Plus, due to the size, sometimes wireless connectivity isn't possible.

►Click here to learn more about Invisible In the Canal hearing aids (IIC)

Hearing aid types and styles - ITE hearing aids

hearing aid types pictures

In the Ear (ITE) hearing aids

Also known as full shell hearing aids, this type of hearing aid is designed as a single unit that completely fills the outer ear. They are probably one of the most visible types of hearing aids. 

However, they are also one of the most simple to operate as they can feature a range of onboard controls for changing volume, switching programmes etc.

Their larger size means that functions such as battery replacement are much easier and they can hold the larger battery types, meaning that In the Ear hearing aids (ITE) can be a great choice for people with dexterity issues or those who need a high-powered hearing aid.

Advantages:  Because it is larger than other In-Ear models they are easier to put in and take out.  They also often come with more features, control settings and wireless connectivity.

Disadvantages:  They are less discreet than smaller In-Ear models, can bring more occlusion and give you that "plugged-up" feeling.

►Click here to learn more about In the Ear hearing aids (ITE)



Hearing aid types and styles - IIC hearing aids

hearing aid types pictures

Invisible In the Canal (IIC) hearing aids

Invisible In the Canal (IIC) hearing aids are just as their name suggests and are almost completely invisible when worn. They sit deeper in the ear canal than Completely In the Canal (CIC) hearing aids meaning that the only way that someone would know that you are using a hearing aid is that your hearing is better!

They are made from a custom mould of your inner meaning that they are also extremely comfortable to wear.

Advantages:  Discreet and good sound quality due to the fit.

Disadvantages:  Can increase ear wax, hard for those to put in if dexterity is an issue and sometimes they are unable to connect wirelessly due to the size.

►Click here to learn more about Invisible In the Canal hearing aids (IIC)

Hearing aid types and styles - BTE hearing aids

hearing aid types pictures

Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids

What are the types of BTE hearing aids?  Behind the Ear hearing aids, sometimes referred to as BTE hearing aids are probably the most traditional form of hearing aid available. However, don’t let this make you think that they can not be at the forefront of modern hearing aid technology.

They have a case that sits behind the ear (hence the name) which is connected to a custom-made ear mould. Far from the traditional image of a clunky conspicuous design, Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids are now much smaller than you might think and many come in a range of colours to blend seamlessly with your hair/skin tone.

Advantages:  Suitable for all hearing loss levels, includes wireless technology, often comes with a telecoil, sometimes has rechargeable options and you have the option of a custom-fit earmold.

Disadvantages:  Can give more occlusion, you can get that "plugged-up" feeling, they are visible and they might be annoying for those who wear glasses due to the wire.

►Click here to learn more about Behind the Ear hearing aids (BTE)


Hearing aid types and styles - SP, UP hearing aids

hearing aid types pictures

Super Power (SP) hearing aids

Super Power hearing aids are designed to help those with severe to profound hearing loss, for whom traditional hearing aids have been able to offer very little assistance. Their design is similar to a Behind the Ear (BTE), or sometimes Receiver in Ear (RIC) hearing aid, but usually features a full ear mould and a larger receiver.

This allows for greater power and amplification of sound but without the issues of feedback that high-powered hearing aids have previously been troubled with.

►Click here to learn more about Super Power hearing aids (SP)

Hearing aid types and styles - CROS / BICROS hearing aids

hearing aid types pictures

CROS hearing aids and BICROS hearing aids

There are two separate hearing aid solutions for single-sided deafness and these are called CROS hearing aids or BICROS hearing aids.  A BICROS hearing aid is for people who have one deaf ear and one ear with hearing loss.  

A CROS hearing aid is for people with one deaf ear and one good ear.

►Click here to learn more about CROS / BICROS hearing aids


Quick Links to Hearing Aid Types, Styles & Models

Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
View Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Completely In the Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
View Completely In the Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
In the Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
View In the Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
View In the Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
Invisible in the Canal IIC Hearing Aids
View Invisible in the Canal IIC Hearing Aids
Receiver in Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
View Receiver in Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

Hearing aid types UK

Hearing Aid Types UK

A quick breakdown of the different types of hearing aids

 

Common hearing aid types and styles

There are several types of hearing aids available today, each designed to address specific hearing needs and preferences. Here are some common types:

 

This design allows for a more natural sound and reduces the occlusion effect.

 

Types of earmolds for hearing aids

Earmolds for hearing aids come in various types, each catering to different hearing needs and preferences.  Choosing the right earmold is crucial for both comfort and optimal hearing aid performance.  Such as:

 

Types of domes for hearing aids

Hearing aid domes, the small attachments at the tip of hearing aid receivers or tubing, are available in several types to suit various hearing needs and comfort preferences.  Such as:

 

Discover all the different types of hearing aids from all the hearing aid brands

Click on the below links to explore each hearing aid brand and the hearing aid styles, types and models they offer in the UK:

 

►Phonak hearing aid types and styles

►Oticon hearing aid types and styles

►Starkey hearing aid types and styles

►Signia hearing aid types and styles

►Resound hearing aid types and styles

►Widex hearing aid types and styles

►Unitron hearing aid types and styles

►Bernafon hearing aid types and styles

►Audioservice hearing aid types and styles

 

Other useful information about hearing aid types

Invisible hearing aids ►  View our invisible hearing aids article
Types of hearing aids and cost►  View all our hearing aid prices
How do hearing aids work?►  Read about hearing aids work
Smallest hearing aids►  View our world's smallest hearing aids article
Best hearing aid providers►  Read the latest hearing aids Which Report
Using hearing aids►  Discover our hearing aid maintenance hub
Hearing aid technology►  Read about the latest hearing aid technology
Types of hearing aids for tinnitus►  Explore hearing aids for tinnitus
Types of hearing aids for severe hearing loss►  Read our powerful hearing aids article

 

►Click here to go to the top of the page


Need more support with hearing aid types and prices?

It's important to note that the suitability of each hearing aid type depends on factors such as the severity of hearing loss, ear anatomy, personal preferences and the recommendations of an audiologist or hearing healthcare professional.

Our audiologists can guide you in selecting the most appropriate type of hearing aid based on your specific needs.  You can view our hearing aid types and costs here and look at some of the best hearing aids of this year in our article here

Call us free on 0800 567 7621 to talk with one of our audiologists about which style of hearing aid devices would be right for you, your lifestyle and your hearing loss.

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This information was written by Paul Harrison - Audiology Expert

Meet Paul Harrison, Audiology Expert & Founder

Managing Director & founder of Hearing Aid UK, with over 20 years of audiology experience and a member of the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiologists Council (BSHAA) between 2015-2020.

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What are the different types of hearing aids?

Explore other types of hearing aids by clicking on the links below:

►Behind the Ear BTE hearing aids

►Receiver in Canal RIC hearing aids

►In the Ear ITE hearing aids

►Invisible in the Canal IIC hearing aids

►Completely in the Canal CIC hearing aids

►In the Canal ITC hearing aids

Common FAQs about different types of hearing aids UK

What type of hearing aid do the NHS give out?

What types of hearing aids are available on the NHS?  When looking at NHS hearing aid types, the NHS does not generally offer In-Ear hearing aid models.  They mostly offer Behind-the-Ear types of NHS hearing aids.

Click here to view more information about the types of hearing aids NHS provides and compare them to private hearing aids.

What is the most discreet hearing aid?

The Invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid is the most invisible style available.  This is because they are small and sit deep inside the ear canal.

What are the disadvantages of In the Ear hearing aids?

They are less discreet than smaller In-Ear models, can bring more occlusion and give you that "plugged-up" feeling.

What are the five types of hearing aids?

How many types of hearing aids are there?  Healthcare professionals classify hearing aids into five categories: Behind-the-Ear (BTE), In-the-Ear (ITE), Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE), In-the-Canal (ITC), and CROS/BiCROS.

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