What types of hearing aids are available?

Modern hearing aids come in a range of styles and technology levels, so there is usually an option to suit different degrees of hearing loss, ear shapes and preferences. They broadly differ in where they sit on or in the ear, how visible they are, and how much power they provide. Choosing well is about matching the device to you, not simply picking the smallest or newest one on offer.

What are the main hearing aid styles?

• Behind-the-ear (BTE): the main body sits behind the ear with a tube into the canal. Robust, easy to handle and suitable for a wide range of hearing loss.
• Receiver-in-canal (RIC): similar to BTE but with the speaker placed in the ear canal. Discreet and very popular for many types of loss.
• In-the-ear (ITE): a custom-moulded aid filling part of the outer ear, often easier to handle for some people.
• In-the-canal and completely-in-canal (ITC/CIC): smaller custom aids sitting further inside for greater discretion.

There are also rechargeable models that remove the need to change small batteries, which many people find convenient, particularly if handling tiny batteries is fiddly.

What features do modern hearing aids offer?

Beyond style, today's hearing aids offer features that can improve comfort and clarity. Many help you follow speech in background noise, adjust automatically as your surroundings change, and connect wirelessly to phones, televisions and other devices for direct streaming. Some can be fine-tuned through a smartphone app, letting you make small adjustments yourself. Higher technology levels generally provide more automatic support in complex listening situations, though the best choice balances benefit against what you actually need and your budget, rather than always reaching for the top tier.

Which style will suit me?

Several practical factors guide the choice: the type and degree of your hearing loss, the size and shape of your ear canals, how easily you can handle small devices, whether you want something discreet or prefer easier controls, and your everyday listening environments. A very small aid may not provide enough power for greater levels of loss, while a larger aid may be easier to manage and offer longer battery life. If you spend a lot of time in noisy or varied settings, that will influence the technology level too. It is genuinely a personal decision, and there is rarely one universally best answer.

How do I choose the right one?

At Hearing Help in Newport Marketplace on the Redcliffe Peninsula, our audiologists assess your hearing, discuss your lifestyle and preferences, and explain which styles and features may suit you, then fit and fine-tune your devices for comfort and clarity. Ongoing adjustments and support are part of getting the best from any hearing aid. For eligible clients, including many pensioners and DVA cardholders, the Australian Government Hearing Services Program may help with the cost of certain devices, and private options are also available. Booking a hearing assessment needs no referral, and trying the right style with professional support is the best way to find what works for you. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.