Types of hearing aids

Different styles of hearing aids are designed to suit different levels of hearing loss, comfort preferences and visibility.

Behind-the-ear (BTE)

Sits behind the ear and connects to an earpiece.

Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, including more severe cases. Offers powerful performance and larger batteries, making it a reliable option for everyday use.

Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE)

A smaller, more discreet option with the speaker sitting inside the ear canal.

Provides a natural sound experience and is one of the most commonly recommended styles for its balance of comfort and performance.

In the ear hearing aids (ITE)

Can be made to fit the unique shape of your ear and sit inside the ear canal.

A more discreet option, typically suited to mild to moderate hearing loss and those who prefer a less visible device.

Lyric (extended wear)

A completely invisible device placed deep within the ear canal.

Worn continuously for extended periods, making it ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance, discreet solution.

Independent advice, tailored to you

As an independent, research-led organisation, we work with a wide range of leading hearing aid manufacturers and are not aligned to any one manufacturer.

This allows us to provide unbiased recommendations, focused on finding the best solution for your hearing, lifestyle and preferences.
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Features that can make a difference

Modern hearing aids offer a range of features designed to improve comfort and performance in different environments.

  • Noise reduction – helps reduce background noise in busy environments
  • Speech clarity – enhances voices for easier conversations
  • Bluetooth connectivity – connect to phones, TVs and other devices
  • Rechargeable batteries – convenient, no need to replace batteries
  • Directional microphones – focus on sound in front of you
  • Automatic adjustments – adapts to different environments in real time

The right combination of features depends on how and where you use your hearing aids day-to-day.

How to choose the right hearing aid

Choosing the right hearing aid involves balancing several factors:
Your listening goals and typical daily physical activities can help guide your device selection. Whether it’s listening to your grandchildren, understanding colleagues in a meeting, or participating in conversations at family dinner, your hearing aids should have features specifically selected to support you in the situations that matter.
Do you love the beach? Work in a dusty environment? The type of hearing aid you choose should be convenient and durable across your typical daily activities.
Staying up to date on the latest hearing technologies will also help you understand which devices will be most beneficial to you.
Common technologies:
- Feedback cancellation to stop whistling
- Noise reduction and directional microphones for speech clarity in background noise
- Rechargeable batteries for convenience
- Bluetooth connectivity for listening to phone calls and music
- AI features that offer powerful support in background noise and allow your devices to adapt to your environment and preferences
Hearing technology is advancing all the time. Ask your audiologist for an update on the latest in hearing technology at your annual hearing appointment.
Your hearing aids should be comfortable to wear. We consider the shape of your ear and your hearing levels for a physical and acoustic fit that gives comfortable, natural and adequate sound.
Daily management (taking them on and off, cleaning, batteries) differs across hearing aid types. Management abilities, such as vision and dexterity, inform which hearing aids will be easiest to use.
Hearing aids come in a variety of shapes, sizes and are available at a range of technology tiers to suit different budgets. All hearing aids offer technology to support clearer hearing, with features becoming more advanced as you move up the technology range. When finding the right device for you we consider your budget, alongside your lifestyle and listening goals.
Your degree and type of hearing loss may influence the type and style of hearing aid. When choosing your device, our audiologists will consider your degree of hearing now and in the future so you can use your hearing aids now, and into the future.
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How we help

We’ll guide you every step of the way

Choosing a hearing aid can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone.

At Lions Hearing Clinics, our recommendations are guided by the research and clinical expertise of Ear Science Institute Australia. We provide independent advice, working with a wide range of leading manufacturers to find the best solution for you.

What’s Next?

Take the next step toward better hearing

Taking the first step toward better hearing is easier than you think. Whether you prefer a quick digital check or a comprehensive clinical consultation, our team is here to guide you toward the right solution for your lifestyle.

Online hearing check

Not sure where to start? Our quick, free online screening provides immediate feedback on your hearing health from the comfort of home. It’s a simple, non-invasive way to determine if you could benefit from a professional diagnostic assessment.
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Visit us in person

Experience the gold standard of ear health care at one of our many Lions Hearing Clinics. Our expert audiologists use advanced diagnostic tools to provide a precise understanding of your hearing, offering personalised pathways to reconnect you with the sounds you love.
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Find your nearest clinic

We are dedicated to helping people with ear and hearing disorders through research, education, prevention and treatment.