Behind-the-ear, in-the-canal or completely invisible? A clear guide to every style and who each one suits best.
Hearing aids come in a range of styles, from devices that tuck discreetly behind the ear to ones hidden completely inside the canal. The right choice depends on your hearing, your dexterity and your day-to-day life.
Here's how the main styles compare at a glance.
| Style | How visible | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Behind-the-ear (BTE) | Sits behind the ear with a slim tube | Most hearing levels; easy to handle |
| Receiver-in-canal (RIC) | Very discreet, thin wire to the ear | The popular modern all-rounder |
| In-the-ear (ITE) | Custom-made, fills the outer ear | Mild to severe loss; simple to fit |
| In-the-canal (ITC/CIC) | Small, sits within the canal | Those wanting more discretion |
| Invisible (IIC) | Hidden deep in the canal | Mild-moderate loss, maximum discretion |
The degree and shape of your hearing loss rules some styles in and others out.
Smaller devices are discreet, but fiddlier to handle, change and clean.
Phone calls, streaming, sport and work all shape which device suits you best.
Home visitYou don't need a clinic waiting room to get expert help. A certified Hearizan audiologist comes to you with full clinical-grade equipment and the time to do things properly.
There's no rush and no pressure — just clear answers and aftercare that continues through your patient portal.
With so many styles, choosing alone can feel overwhelming - which is exactly why we don't expect you to. During a home visit we look at your hearing results, check the shape and size of your ear canals, and talk through your daily life.
From there we narrow it down to the styles that genuinely suit you, and you can often try how they feel before deciding. No jargon, no pressure - just the right fit for your ears and your routine.
From microphone to eardrum in milliseconds — a plain-English look at the technology that brings sound back to life.
Read article
Discreet, custom-moulded devices that sit deep in the canal. Find out who they suit and how they compare.
Read article
No more fiddly batteries. How lithium-ion rechargeable aids work and why so many people are switching.
Read articleA certified audiologist, clinical-grade equipment, and unhurried care - all in the comfort of your home. Most appointments within 48 hours.