Your Sound Choice in Hearing Care

Hearing Aid Types

Choosing the right hearing aid for you can be very confusing, there are many different manufacturers with a wide variety of models to choose from. Realistically it becomes an impossible task and therefore you will need to take advice from a professional Hearing Aid Audiologist or Dispenser.

To ensure you are getting the correct advice and not a decision based on the amount of profit the dispenser makes we advise you to select a company that employs members of BSHAA the British Society of Hearing Aid Audiology. All members have to adhere to the BSHAA Code of Practice.

Have a look at our Links page to visit some of the many different manufacturers websites.

The main types of hearing aids currently available are: -

BTE - Behind the Ear

Mainly used for severe to profound hearing loss, these instuments attach to a mould in the shape of the clients ear. A tube through the mould directs the sound into the ear canal.

BTE Hearing Aid
RIC Hearing Aid

RIC - Receiver in the Canal

A very discrete instrument suitable for a mild to moderate hearing loss. A speaker (Receiver) on the end of a wire directs sound into the ear without blocking the canal, this makes it very comfortable.

Power RIC

Benefits from the same levels of visual appeal as the RIC but connected to a mould in the shape of the clients ear for a higher power fitting. These can fit a severe hearing loss.

ITE - In the Ear

A hearing aid that fits completely inside the clients ear. These are suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss and are moulded to fit the clients ear exactly. Similar features to BTEs

Power RIC Hearing Aid
ITE Hearing Aid

CIC - Completely in the Canal

Arguably the most discrete hearing aids available, very similar to ITCs with reduced features. Usually only chosen for cosmetic reasons rather than performance.

ITC - In the Canal

These are virtually the same as ITEs just smaller to be more discrete. Some of the features of an ITE can be lost depending on the size of the clients ear. A popular choice.

ITC Hearing Aid
CIC Hearing Aid