Hearing Aids

What they look like

A small case sits behind the ear, connected by a thin tube to an earpiece or ear mould inside the ear.

How they work

Sound is collected and amplified in the case, then sent into the ear through the tube.

Best for

• Mild to profound hearing loss.
• People of all ages, including children.

Pros

• Rechargeable options available.
• Tinnitus masking features available.
• App-based adjustments available for sound personalisation.
• Powerful amplification.
• Easier to handle for people with dexterity issues.
• Fits larger batteries for longer life.

Cons

• More visible than other styles.
• Non-rechargeable models will require regular battery replacement.
• May pick up wind noise outdoors.

What they look like

Custom moulded to fit entirely inside the outer part of the ear.

How they work

The whole device sits in the ear, capturing and amplifying sounds without any parts behind the ear.

Best for

• Mild to severe hearing loss.
• People who want an all-in-one design.

Pros

• Rechargeable options available.
• Tinnitus masking features available.
• App-based adjustments available for sound personalisation.
• Easier to handle and insert than smaller models.
• No external tubing or wires.

Cons

• More visible than smaller models.
• Non-rechargeable models will require regular battery replacement.
• Can pick up more wind noise outdoors.

What they look like

Custom-moulded to fit partly inside the ear canal, with a small portion visible in the outer ear.

How they work

They sit deeper in the ear than ITE models but still have external parts for easier handling.

Best for

• Mild to moderate hearing loss.
• People who want a balance between visibility and features.

Pros

• Rechargeable options available.
• Tinnitus masking features available.
• App-based adjustments available for sound personalization.
• Smaller and less noticeable than ITE models.
• Still large enough to include features like volume control.

Cons

• May be harder to handle for people with dexterity problems.
• Non-rechargeable models will require regular battery replacement.
• Can be affected by earwax buildup.

What they look like

Very small and fit almost entirely inside the ear canal, making them nearly invisible.

How they work

They sit deep in the ear canal to amplify sound discreetly.

Best for

• Mild to moderate hearing loss.
• People who want a nearly invisible option.

Pros

• No rechargeable options currently.
• Tinnitus masking features available in some models.
• App-based adjustments available in some models.
• Very discreet and barely noticeable.
• Less likely to pick up wind noise.

Cons

• No manual controls (volume or program buttons).
• Shorter battery life due to small size.
• Prone to earwax buildup and harder to clean.

What they look like

The tiniest hearing aids available, sitting completely inside the ear canal and invisible to others.

How they work

Placed deep inside the canal for maximum discretion and natural sound delivery.

Best for

• Mild to moderate hearing loss.
• People who prioritise invisibility.

Pros

• No rechargeable options currently.
• Limited tinnitus masking features available.
• App-based adjustments available in some models.
• Completely hidden.
• Natural sound quality due to placement.

Cons:

• Requires committing to a subscription service, which entails regular attendance to the fitting audiologist to replace the entire unit when batteries wear out.
• It is not possible to obtain replacements or service from hearing clinics that do not have a commercial arrangement with the relevant hearing aid manufacturer.
• Not digital technology.
• Short battery life.
• More prone to clogging from earwax.
• Limited features due to size.
• Not suitable to those with a narrow ear canal.
• Not suitable to those who are likely to get water in their ears.

What they look like

A pair of devices—one with a microphone on the bad ear and one with an amplifier in the good ear.

How they work

Sound from the deaf ear is transmitted wirelessly to the working ear.

Best for

People with single-sided deafness or significant hearing loss in one ear.

Pros

• Rechargeable options available.
• Tinnitus masking features available.
• App-based adjustments available for sound personalization.
• Allows better sound awareness on the deaf side.
• Helps with localisation of sounds.

Cons

• Doesn’t restore hearing in the deaf ear.
• Requires wearing two devices.
• Non-rechargeable models will require regular battery replacement.

What they look like

A small device that attaches to a post implanted in the skull bone or is worn with a headband.

How they work

Instead of amplifying sound through the ear canal, it sends vibrations directly to the inner ear through bone conduction.

Best for

• Conductive hearing loss (e.g., blocked ear canal).
• Single-sided deafness.

Pros

• Rechargeable options available for newer models.
• Tinnitus masking features available in some models.
• Works even if the ear canal is damaged or blocked.
• Provides clear sound without relying on the ear canal.

Cons

• Requires surgery for implantation.
• More expensive than traditional hearing aids.