Styles and Types of Hearing Aids

Mild hearing loss occurs when soft sounds are difficult to hear, but speech is generally understandable—especially when people speak louder or when background noise is minimal. If you’re experiencing mild hearing loss, you have the widest variety of hearing aid styles to choose from.

Discreet options like Completely-in-Canal (CIC) devices can offer sufficient amplification while remaining almost invisible. For those seeking more advanced technological features, Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) models provide excellent sound processing, connectivity, and comfort while still being subtle and lightweight.

Moderate hearing loss makes it challenging to hear soft and moderately loud speech, particularly in noisy places or group conversations. At this level, hearing aids need to deliver stronger amplification and clearer speech processing.

Most hearing aid styles are suitable for this level of hearing loss, but Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids often offer the best balance of performance and discretion. They provide strong amplification, advanced noise-reduction technology, and a comfortable, subtle design that supports everyday communication with greater clarity.

Profound hearing loss makes it difficult to hear most sounds, including loud speech, without very strong amplification. At this stage, the goal is to maximise speech recognition and overall audibility.

BTE hearing aids, which provide the highest level of amplification, are typically the most suitable option, though cochlear implants may also be considered.