Types of Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

A BTE hearing aid sits behind the ear, with a thin tube or wire carrying sound to a piece inside the ear. It's one of the more common styles, generally suits a wide range of hearing loss levels, and tends to have a longer battery life than smaller styles, since there's more room for the components.

Receiver-in-canal (RIC/RITE)

Similar to a BTE, but with the speaker (receiver) sitting inside the ear canal rather than behind the ear, connected by a thin wire. This tends to give a smaller, less visible profile behind the ear, and is a popular choice for many people.

In-the-ear (ITE) and in-canal (ITC/CIC)

These styles sit partly or fully within the ear itself, making them smaller and less visible than BTE or RIC options. They aren't suitable for every level or type of hearing loss, and their smaller size can mean a shorter battery life and less room for extra features.

Rechargeable vs. battery-powered

Rechargeable hearing aids are increasingly common — you charge them overnight, similar to a phone, rather than buying and changing small batteries. Battery-powered models are still widely available too, and some people prefer the flexibility of being able to carry spare batteries rather than relying on charging access.

Bluetooth and streaming features

Many modern hearing aids can connect directly to a smartphone, television, or other Bluetooth devices, letting you stream calls, music or TV audio straight into your hearing aids. This isn't universal across all devices, so it's worth asking about specifically if it matters to you.

Which type is right for you

The right style depends on your level and type of hearing loss, the shape of your ear, your dexterity, and your day-to-day lifestyle — not just personal preference. A hearing test with a qualified, independent audiologist is the starting point, and they can talk you through which options genuinely suit your situation. See our Hearing Aids page for more on getting a new hearing aid or upgrading one, or Hearing Aid Grant for a general guide to help toward the cost. Wondering about the smallest styles? Read invisible hearing aids: are they right for you? or see hearing aid prices in Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between BTE and ITE hearing aids?

BTE (behind-the-ear) sits behind the ear with a thin tube or wire running to the ear itself, and generally suits a wide range of hearing loss levels. ITE (in-the-ear) sits partly or fully within the ear, so it's less visible, but isn't suitable for every level of hearing loss.

Are rechargeable hearing aids better than battery ones?

Neither is simply "better" — it depends on what matters to you. Rechargeable models avoid the hassle of buying and changing small batteries, while battery-powered models can be a useful backup if you're somewhere without charging access for a few days.

Can all hearing aids connect to Bluetooth?

Not all — Bluetooth and streaming features are common on newer models but aren't universal, and how well they work can vary by device and phone. If this matters to you, it's worth raising directly with your audiologist when discussing options.

Which type of hearing aid is right for me?

That depends on your level and type of hearing loss, the shape of your ear, your dexterity, and your day-to-day lifestyle. A hearing test with a qualified audiologist is the starting point for working that out properly, rather than guessing from a general guide like this one.

Do more expensive hearing aids work better?

Not necessarily in every case — cost often reflects extra features (like Bluetooth streaming or more advanced noise handling) rather than a simple better-or-worse difference. What suits you best depends on your own hearing and needs, which is why this is worth discussing directly with an audiologist.