Understanding the Different Types of Hearing Aids

February 24, 2025

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, hearing aids can significantly improve your hearing and overall quality of life. These small but powerful devices amplify sound, making it easier to follow conversations, enjoy music, and participate in social activities. Today, a wide variety of hearing aids cater to different needs, lifestyles, and preferences.

Understanding the different types of hearing aids available is essential for making an informed decision about which device is right for you. Each type has its own unique features, benefits, and considerations. Let’s explore some of the most common types of hearing aids to help you navigate the options.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are one of the most common and versatile types of hearing aids. They consist of a small case that rests behind the ear, connected to an earmould or earpiece that fits snugly inside the ear canal.

Benefits of BTE Hearing Aids:

Versatile: BTE hearing aids can accommodate a wide range of features and technologies, making them suitable for various types and degrees of hearing loss.
Suitable for all levels of hearing loss: From mild to profound hearing loss, BTE hearing aids can be adjusted to provide the appropriate level of amplification.
Easy to handle: The larger size of BTE hearing aids makes them easier to handle and adjust, particularly for individuals with dexterity challenges.
Durable: BTE hearing aids are generally robust and can withstand daily wear and tear.

BTE hearing aids are a suitable option for both children and adults, accommodating mild to profound hearing loss. Their versatility and ease of use make them a popular choice for individuals seeking a reliable and adaptable hearing solution.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are custom-made to fit snugly within the outer ear bowl. They are moulded to the unique contours of your ear, providing a comfortable and secure fit. ITE hearing aids are larger than other in-the-ear styles, making them easier to handle and adjust.

Benefits of ITE Hearing Aids:

Larger size: The larger size of ITE hearing aids allows for more features, such as volume controls and directional microphones, which can enhance sound quality and listening comfort.
Easier to handle: Compared to smaller in-the-ear styles, ITE hearing aids are easier to insert and remove, particularly for individuals with dexterity challenges.
Improved sound quality: The larger size can accommodate more advanced technology, potentially leading to better sound quality and noise reduction.

ITE hearing aids are typically recommended for individuals with mild to severe hearing loss. Their larger size and ease of use make them a good option for those who prefer a more visible and manageable hearing aid.

In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids fit partially in the ear canal, while completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are designed to sit deeper within the canal, making them virtually invisible. These styles are popular choices for individuals who prioritise discretion and aesthetics.

However, due to their smaller size, ITC and CIC hearing aids can be more challenging to handle and adjust, particularly for those with dexterity limitations.

Benefits of ITC and CIC Hearing Aids:

Discreet appearance: ITC and CIC hearing aids offer a nearly invisible solution for those who prefer a less noticeable hearing aid.
Natural sound quality: The placement of these hearing aids within the ear canal can provide a more natural sound experience, particularly for high-frequency sounds.

ITC and CIC hearing aids are generally suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss who prioritise a discreet appearance. They are a popular choice for those who are self-conscious about wearing hearing aids or who prefer a less visible option.

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid for You

Selecting the most suitable hearing aid can significantly impact your listening experience and overall satisfaction. Consider these factors when making your decision:

Personal Needs: Evaluate the severity of your hearing loss, lifestyle needs, and cosmetic preferences. Do you require a powerful hearing aid for profound hearing loss, or a discreet option for mild hearing loss? Do you lead an active lifestyle that demands a durable and water-resistant device?
Consult a Professional: A hearing aid specialist can assess your hearing loss, discuss your lifestyle needs, and provide recommendations based on your individual requirements.
Features to Consider: Modern hearing aids offer a range of advanced features, such as Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio, rechargeable batteries for convenience, and telecoil technology for improved clarity in certain environments.

Find Your Perfect Hearing Solution

Choosing the right hearing aid involves understanding the different types, features, and your individual needs. Whether you prioritise discretion, advanced technology, or ease of use, there’s a hearing solution tailored to you.

At The Listening Lab, our hearing aid specialists provide expert guidance and recommendations to help you find the perfect hearing aids for your lifestyle and hearing requirements. Schedule a hearing aid fitting appointment today to explore our range of hearing aids in Singapore and embark on your journey to better hearing.

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What Do Our Customers Say?

Person in charge nice and helpful with warm smiling face. Should you have hearing problem, can seek for her advise.

Catherine Tang Yap

Your service is marvellous! Patient and friendly. Mr Ching has been a customer of The Listening Lab since 2018. We have been attending to him for his follow up reviews and we are glad to see his progress!

Mr Ching

My husband purchased a Siemens Pure 7PX in 2016. We wish to appreciate Listening Lab for their ongoing attention and professional help they have been providing to us.

Mr & Mrs Sriram

My mum has hearing loss for many years. Consultant of Listening Lab helped her fitted with Resound hearing aid. His patience and professionalism was greatly appreciated as the hearing aid enable her to hear and communicate with the people around her especially her grand children. We are happy with the services rendered by consultant. Keep up the good work!!

Madam Low

The Voice of two Generations in Singapore radio, Mr Brian Richmond, has chosen The Listening Lab to be his audiology and hearing services provider. We could not be prouder!

Brian is the definitive household name in English Radio since the early years of Singapore's founding, starting with Rediffusion followed by Radio One and now with Gold 90.5FM as well as Vintage Radio Singapore. His honeyed voice and selection of music filling our ears as we lived the bustle of our daily lives.

Soccer fans from the Malaysia Cup era of soccer will never forget his heart-pounding commentary from "live" matches, as we experienced the ups and downs of the Singapore Lions in the 1970s to 90s.

Our Executive Director Kelvin Lee is proudly beaming ear-to-ear in this photo with Brian. But you wont be able to see it through the masks!

Brian Richmond

I started experiencing loss of hearing sometimes in 2010 (41 years old) owing to some medical issue. I was having difficulties hearing conservation especially in meeting. Thus, giving me the fear in attending meeting.

Initially I started with Phonak hearing aid. It helps amplified the sound and I could hear better then. Somehow, my hearing loss deteriorated further that in late 2012 (43 years old), there was profound loss of hearing on my right ear. Even digital hearing aid could not help. On my left ear there is still about 50% to 60% hearing with hearing aid. I was lost at this point of time. I was considering learning sign language. I went to see my ENT specialist and my audiologist Mr. Bala advised me to go for an CI as an alternative to my hearing loss.

I also thank God for Engineer and Scientist, giving them the knowledge to create such a complex and sophisticate device to help those with hearing loss like me. It will be all perfect if the cost is affordable too.

Jonathan Po

I took my mum to Listening Lab at Simei to get her hearing aid fixed, during our first visit, she patiently explained the whole procedure to my mum and also explain to my mum why she really in need to fix the hearing aid. She is very knowledgeable, and friendly, and we are encouraged to ask questions. she is also very patient with old people which is the most importance. Also her after service is superb so I highly recommend.

Mdm Goh

My mum, Madam Kek (73 year old) had the Cochlear implant (CI) done on her left side in 10th September 2019. Thereafter, thanks to the subsequent auditory verbal therapy, evaluation from SGH ENT team, as well as, the support from AB's and Listening Lab staffs; Madam Kek was able to hear, comprehend sound and music from her Cochlear implant, Naida CI Q90, and hearing aid (HA), Naida Link UP, for her right side before end year. We are happy that both the CI and HA have improved mum qualify of life. Now Madam Kek is looking forward to work again to pass her time as she can hear and better communicate with others.

Madam Kek

Titus was implanted when he was 18 months old. He is a happy, talkative 6.5 years old now. AB has been with him for 5 wonderful hearing years and we are looking forward to a bright future that lies ahead for him. AB’s Naída CI sound processors are reliable and the technology is constantly evolving and upgrading. When Titus was introduced to Naida Link CROS, his life was enriched. The wireless network established between his Naida CI sound processor and a Naida Link CROS transmitter allows him to hear from both ears. This changes Titus’s life and the way we interact with him. We are also very pleased with the prompt response and service provided to us. The staff in AB genuinely cares! We want to thank AB for making Titus’s hearing journey an enjoyable and a relatively stress free one!

Titus Pang

I have been living with progressive hearing loss for more than three decades. Socially, I find myself fearful of communicating with people and at home, watching 'soundless' television programs is a norm.

An unforgettable experience. Trying on a pair of Resound GN hearing aid, I was energized and revitalized and overwhelmed with emotional tears of joy. The Resound GN is truly remarkable and uniquely equipped with three-friendly-user environmental modes that provide hearing comfort wherever we are.

In particular, I like to extend my utmost gratitude to Hearing Consultant. With her profound compassion and wisdom in guiding me, I am confident that I can forge a formidable partnership with the Listening Lab; So that I can rebuild a new chapter of a happy and value-creative life and simultaneously, leaving behind the painful memories of the past three decades.

Mr Tan