Which hearing aid is right for you? A guide to the different hearing aid types

Post on 30th June 2026

If you’ve been told you might benefit from a hearing aid, or you’re thinking about upgrading your current one, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by the options. There are so many hearing aid types, styles, sizes and features to consider that it can be hard to know where to begin.

The reassuring news is that hearing aids have come a long way. Today’s devices are smaller, smarter and more comfortable than ever, and there really is something to suit every lifestyle, every level of hearing loss and every budget.

At Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, we’ve been supporting people’s hearing and eye care needs for over 85 years, and we understand that taking that first step can feel daunting. So, to help you find your feet, here’s a simple guide to the four main hearing aid types available and what might suit you best.

Know what you need? Browse our hearing aids range here.

Behind The Ear Hearing Aid (BTE) – powerful and practical

A behind the ear hearing aid sits discreetly behind the ear, delivering sound through a small tube and ear mould that fits inside the ear canal. They’re more subtle than you might imagine, come in a range of colours and are the most powerful option available, making them a strong choice for moderate to severe hearing loss.

Because the controls and electronics are housed in a slightly larger casing, they’re also easier to operate than smaller styles, which is worth considering if dexterity is a factor. Many models are Bluetooth compatible and rechargeable too, so no more fiddling with tiny batteries.

In The Ear Hearing Aids (ITE) – custom fit, easy to use

In the ear hearing aids are custom made to fit the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear, so they’re designed specifically for you, which makes them comfortable to wear and easy to use. The slightly larger size means the battery compartment and volume controls are simple to access, which a lot of people appreciate.

They’re discreet, versatile enough to handle a wide range of hearing losses, and available in a variety of colours. Many in the ear hearing aids are Bluetooth compatible, with rechargeable options available too.

Completely In Canal (CIC) – as discreet as it gets

If you’d prefer your hearing aid to be as invisible as possible, CIC hearing aids are worth considering. They sit inside the ear canal with only a tiny transparent cord visible, so most people won’t even notice you’re wearing one.

Custom fit for each wearer, CIC hearing aids are surprisingly capable for their size, suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, and because they sit so deep in the canal, they’re naturally shielded from wind noise, which is handy if you’re often outdoors. Some models include directional microphones and manual volume wheels.

The one thing to bear in mind is that their small size can make them trickier to handle, so they may not be the best fit if dexterity is a concern.

Receiver In Canal (RIC) – the most popular choice

It’s no coincidence that RIC aids are the most popular style. With the loudspeaker positioned inside the ear canal rather than in the main body of the device, they can be made much smaller and more discreet than traditional behind-the-ear models, while still delivering a wonderfully natural sound. That combination is why they’re so often recommended for first-time wearers.

Suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, RIC aids come in a wide variety of colours, shapes and styles, and most are Bluetooth compatible and rechargeable.

Still not sure? That’s what we’re here for

The best hearing aid is simply the one that works for your hearing, your lifestyle and your everyday routine, and that’s a very personal thing.

So, whether you’re exploring different hearing aid types for the first time, thinking about an upgrade, or simply want to talk through your options, you’ll find plenty of helpful information on our website. Or pop into your local Scrivens branch and have a chat with one of our friendly team.

If you found this article useful, you may also be interested in reading about how to fix hearing aids.