In short
Hearing aids come in two families: those worn behind the ear (RIC and BTE) and custom in-the-ear styles (ITE, ITC, CIC and IIC). Receiver-in-canal is the most popular style in the UK because it balances discretion, power, rechargeability and Bluetooth. The smaller a device gets, the more discreet it is, but the fewer features it can hold and the more dexterity it needs. Your hearing test result, your ear canal shape and how you live decide the right one, and we'll talk it through with you, free.
At a glance
Compare the six styles
There are six main hearing aid styles. Three sit partly behind the ear and three are custom made to fit inside it.
- BTE: Behind-the-ear
- The case sits behind the ear. A clear tube carries sound to an earmould or soft dome in the ear canal. It suits mild to profound hearing loss.
- RIC / RITE: Receiver-in-canal
- A slim case sits behind the ear. A thin wire connects it to a small speaker (the receiver) inside the ear canal. It is the style most commonly fitted in the UK.
- ITE: In-the-ear
- A custom shell, made from an impression of the ear, fills the outer bowl of the ear. Nothing sits behind the ear.
- ITC: In-the-canal
- A smaller custom shell sits in the lower part of the outer ear and the opening of the ear canal.
- CIC: Completely-in-canal
- A small custom device sits inside the ear canal. A short pull cord is used to remove it.
- IIC: Deep in-canal
- The smallest custom device sits deep in the ear canal. Suitability depends on the size and shape of the canal.
| Style | Where it sits | Hearing loss | Visibility | Rechargeable | Bluetooth | Handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIC / RITE | Small case behind the ear, thin wire to a speaker in the canal | Mild to severe | Very discreet | Yes | Yes | Easy |
| BTE | Behind the ear, tube to an earmould | Mild to profound | Visible | Yes | Yes | Easiest |
| ITE (full shell) | Fills the bowl of the outer ear | Mild to severe | Visible, no behind-ear part | Often | Often | Easy |
| ITC (half shell) | Lower part of the ear bowl and canal opening | Mild to moderate | Discreet | Some models | Some models | Moderate |
| CIC | Deep in the ear canal, faceplate just visible | Mild to moderate | Discreet | Rarely | Rarely | Fiddly |
| IIC | Deepest in the canal, very low-profile | Mild to moderate | Very discreet | No | No | Fiddly |
Most popular in the UK
Receiver-in-canal (RIC or RITE)
A slim case sits behind your ear with a thin, discreet wire running to a tiny speaker inside the ear canal.
Because the speaker is in your ear rather than in the case, the case can be small and the sound feels natural. New technology usually launches in RIC first, so this is where you will find the best rechargeable, Bluetooth and speech-in-noise features. It covers the widest range of hearing loss of any discreet style.
Good for
- Discreet, comfortable and light
- Rechargeable and Bluetooth on most models
- Covers mild to severe hearing loss
- Easy to handle and clean
Worth knowing
- The receiver wire can be affected by ear wax and moisture
- Not the right choice if you want nothing behind the ear
Typically suits: most first-time wearers, anyone with an active social life, and anyone who wants phone and TV streaming.
The powerhouse
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
The classic design: a curved case behind the ear with a clear tube running to a custom earmould or soft dome.
BTEs hold the largest batteries and most powerful amplifiers, so they suit severe and profound hearing loss where smaller styles run out of headroom. Modern mini-BTEs are far slimmer than the beige devices people remember, and larger controls make them the easiest style to manage day to day.
Good for
- Most power for severe to profound loss
- Longest battery life and biggest controls
- Very robust and easy to clean
- Rechargeable and Bluetooth available
Worth knowing
- The most visible style
- The earmould can feel more occluding than an open dome
Typically suits: severe or profound hearing loss, and anyone who wants the easiest possible handling.
Custom made
In-the-ear (ITE, full shell)
A custom shell, moulded from an impression of your ear, that fills the bowl of the outer ear with nothing behind it.
Everything, microphone, processor and battery, lives in one custom piece. The larger shell leaves room for directional microphones, a volume control and often rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth. It is a good option if glasses, masks or oxygen tubing make a behind-the-ear device awkward.
Good for
- Nothing behind the ear, good with glasses
- Room for controls, rechargeable and Bluetooth on many models
- Custom fit, stays put
- Covers mild to severe loss
Worth knowing
- More visible than canal styles
- Impression appointment needed before fitting
Typically suits: people who want a one-piece device with real features and easy handling.
Custom, smaller
In-the-canal (ITC, half shell)
A smaller custom shell sitting in the lower part of the ear bowl and the opening of the canal.
ITC strikes a middle ground: more discreet than a full-shell ITE, but still large enough for a directional microphone on many models and a battery that lasts. Some ranges now offer rechargeable ITC devices.
Good for
- Discreet and custom fitted
- Directional microphones on many models
- Longer battery life than CIC or IIC
Worth knowing
- Mild to moderate loss only
- Smaller controls than BTE or ITE
Typically suits: mild to moderate loss where you want a custom device that is fairly discreet without going deep in the canal.
Discreet
Completely-in-canal (CIC)
A tiny custom device that sits deep in the ear canal, with just a small faceplate and removal cord showing.
CIC uses the natural shape of your outer ear to gather sound, which helps with localisation and cuts wind noise. The trade-off is space: batteries are very small, and Bluetooth, rechargeability and advanced noise systems are rare at this size.
Good for
- Very discreet
- Less wind noise, natural sound direction
- Good for mild to moderate loss
Worth knowing
- Tiny batteries need steady fingers
- Rarely rechargeable or Bluetooth
- More exposed to wax and moisture, so more maintenance
Typically suits: mild to moderate loss where discretion is the priority and your dexterity is good.
Smallest style
In-canal, deepest fit (IIC)
The smallest hearing aid made, sitting past the second bend of the ear canal where nobody can see it.
IIC is the choice when you simply do not want anyone to know. It relies on a precise impression and a suitable ear canal, and it is the most limited in features. Many people are surprised to find, once they try a RIC, that discretion and features are both possible.
Good for
- Very low-profile when worn
- Natural sound, no wind noise
Worth knowing
- Mild to moderate loss only
- Not every ear canal is suitable
- No rechargeable or Bluetooth options; fiddly batteries
Typically suits: people with mild to moderate loss, a suitable canal shape, and discretion above everything.
How we help you choose
Five things that decide the right style
Your hearing test
The degree and shape of your hearing loss rules some styles in and others out. Severe or profound losses need the power of a BTE or RIC.
Dexterity
Arthritis or reduced feeling in your fingers? A rechargeable RIC or BTE is far easier to handle than a pea-sized IIC with a tiny battery.
Your lifestyle
Busy restaurants, meetings and family gatherings need directional microphones and noise reduction. Quiet evenings at home need less.
Your ear canal
Not every ear can take a CIC or IIC. We look inside and, for custom styles, take an impression so the shell fits you exactly.
Features you'll use
Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries and app control live mostly in RIC, BTE and larger ITE styles. Decide what matters before choosing size.
Worth knowing: the style you choose matters less than the technology level inside it. A premium RIC and a basic RIC look identical from the outside; the difference is how well they handle speech in noise. We'll always show you both and explain the difference before you decide.
Hearing aid styles FAQ
Common questions
Which hearing aid style is the most popular in the UK?
Receiver-in-canal (RIC). It is discreet, covers mild to severe hearing loss, and is where rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming are most widely available.
Are the smallest in-canal hearing aids suitable for everyone?
No. IIC and CIC in-canal styles suit mild to moderate hearing loss, need a suitably shaped ear canal, and rarely offer rechargeable or Bluetooth options. We check your ears before recommending one.
Do all hearing aid styles come rechargeable?
Most RIC, BTE and full-shell ITE models do. Rechargeable options in ITC are growing, but CIC and IIC devices almost always use small disposable batteries because of their size.
Which style is best if I have arthritis or poor dexterity?
A rechargeable RIC or BTE. There are no tiny batteries to change, the controls are larger, and the device simply drops into a charger overnight.
Can I stream my phone and TV to any style?
Bluetooth is standard on RIC and BTE, common on full-shell ITE, available on some ITC models, and rare on CIC and IIC. If streaming matters to you, tell us and we will steer you to the right size.
How do I know which style is right for me?
Book a free consultation at our Chepstow clinic. We test your hearing, look in your ears, talk about how you live, and show you real devices so you can see and feel the difference before you decide.
See and try the styles in person
A free consultation at our Chepstow clinic. We'll show you real devices, check your ears and talk through which styles would suit you.