Choosing the Right Hearing Aid for You
Choosing the right hearing aid can seem overwhelming, but by breaking it down into simple steps, you can find the perfect solution for your hearing needs. We’ve developed a guide to help you make an informed choice based on your lifestyle, level of hearing loss, and the technology you need.
What Types of Hearing Aids Are There?
There are several styles of hearing aids available, each offering unique benefits. Selecting the best style depends on factors like your hearing loss level, comfort, and how discreet you want your hearing aid to be. Here’s a breakdown of the different styles:
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Ideal for moderate to severe hearing loss. BTE aids sit behind the ear and can connect to either a custom ear mould or dome.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Similar to BTE but more discreet, with the receiver placed directly in the ear canal.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
Fits within the outer ear, suitable for mild to severe hearing loss.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
Custom-made to fit partially in the ear canal, offering discretion and comfort.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Nearly invisible, sitting deeper in the ear canal. Best for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)
The most discreet option, placed deeply within the ear canal, suitable for mild hearing loss.
Key Considerations:
How important is
discretion to you?
Are you looking for a hearing
aid that’s easy to handle?
Do you need features like Bluetooth connectivity?
Step 2: Understand Your Hearing Loss Level
Before selecting a hearing aid, it’s essential to know the severity of your hearing loss. Your hearing loss can range from mild to profound, and this will determine which hearing aids are the most suitable for you.
Mild Hearing Loss (21-40 dB): You may find it challenging to follow conversations in noisy environments. Open-fit RIC hearing aids or ITE models are often recommended.
Moderate Hearing Loss (41-70 dB): You need higher volumes for clarity. BTE, RIC, and ITE models with more amplification and features are good options.
Severe Hearing Loss (71-95 dB): BTE hearing aids with powerful amplification or custom-fitted RIC devices may be needed to address speech and environmental sounds.
Profound Hearing Loss (95+ dB): Ultra-power BTE hearing aids might be recommended.
Book Your Free Hearing Test
Book a hearing test at one of our clinics near you to assess your hearing loss and work with an audiologist to find the best solution.
Step 3: Consider Your Lifestyle
Your daily routine plays a big role in determining which hearing aid is right for you. Consider how often you find yourself in social situations, how active you are, and which environments you spend the most time in.
| Lifestyle Type | Suggested Hearing Aid | |
|---|---|---|
 | The Chatter – Do you often find yourself in social situations with a lot of talking going on? Then you might be the Chatter! | ReSound ONE™. Thanks to its smart hearing app with speech focus slider, as well as direct Android and iOS streaming, it’s great for those who love to socialize. |
 | The TV Lover – Are you more the type that loves to relax and watch their favourite new series or film? Then you could be our TV lover! | Phonak Audéo™ Paradise. With a TV connector that’s delightfully simple to set up and use and pairs automatically without the need to turn off and on, it’s a hassle-free option. |
 | The Go-Getter – Are you always busy with one thing or another, ever restless and never standing still? Then you could be our Go-Getter! | Phonak hearing aids feature the Roger™ select series while Starkey hearing aids boast an impressive table microphone accessory – both with 6 microphones which you can select or deselect to choose your directionality. Both are fantastic for work meetings and otherwise challenging environments. |
 | The Sun Worshipper – Are you often out on your holidays, whether it be across the country or overseas? Then you could be our Sun Worshipper! | WIDEX MOMENT™. Thanks to their diminutive size but outstanding natural sound, the MOMENT makes for a discreet yet surprisingly powerful option for all those jetsetters out there. The Widex Moment has an IP rating of 68 which makes it protected from dust and can be submerged in clean water up to 1 meter. |
 | The All-Rounder – Are you more interested in a hearing aid that’s just useful in every situation, whatever the weather? Then you could be our All-Rounder! | Starkey Livio Edge AI. With step counting, fall detection, an incredible range of assistive listening devices as well as a rechargeable function, it’s not just a jack of all trades but a master of a few as well. |
Key Considerations:
How often are you
in noisy environments?
Do you need special features like direct streaming or rechargeable batteries?
Step 4: Choose the Right Technology
Today’s hearing aids offer cutting-edge technology designed to improve your hearing experience, with features that cater to various needs, from sound clarity to connectivity. When selecting your hearing aid, it’s important to consider which technological features will most benefit your daily life.
Here are some of the most notable features you’ll find in modern hearing aids:
Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids allow you to stream audio directly from your smartphone, tablet, or TV to your hearing aids. This means you can enjoy phone calls, music, podcasts, or TV shows with clear sound without needing extra accessories. It also makes hands-free phone calls much easier and more convenient.
Ideal for: People who frequently use mobile devices or want seamless media streaming.
Modern rechargeable hearing aids are eco-friendlier and more hassle-free, allowing you to charge them overnight rather than replacing disposable batteries. A few hours of charge can often provide a full day of use, making this feature highly convenient.
Ideal for: Users who want to avoid regularly purchasing and changing small hearing aid batteries or who prefer the convenience of simply charging overnight.
Hearing aids with advanced noise reduction help minimise background noise in busy environments, allowing you to focus on conversations or important sounds. Feedback management systems also prevent the annoying ‘whistling’ that can sometimes happen with hearing aids.
Ideal for: People who often find themselves in noisy environments, such as restaurants, parties, office meetings, or otherwise challenging situations.
Many modern hearing aids come with built-in features to help alleviate symptoms of tinnitus. Tinnitus support uses masking sounds – such as white noise, ocean waves, or other soothing sounds – to reduce the perception of ringing in the ears. Some hearing aids allow users to customise these sounds for added relief.
Ideal for: Individuals with tinnitus who need extra support with their condition.
Some advanced hearing aids now incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to learn your preferences over time. These AI-powered hearing aids can automatically adjust settings based on your environment and personal listening habits. For example, they might learn to amplify speech in a crowded café while reducing background noise. AI can also help hearing aids adapt to different soundscapes faster, improving your overall experience.
Ideal for: Tech-savvy users or those who want hearing aids that adapt automatically to their changing environments.
Directional microphones are designed to focus on sounds coming from specific directions, such as the person you’re speaking to in a noisy room. These microphones can help you better understand conversations while minimising background noise. Many hearing aids allow you to adjust the directionality of the microphones, enhancing your control over what sounds you want to focus on.
Ideal for: Individuals who spend a lot of time in social or noisy environments and need to focus on specific conversations.
Most modern hearing aids come with companion smartphone apps, allowing users to control and customise their hearing experience remotely. You can use these apps to adjust volume, switch listening programmes, or check battery status without touching the hearing aids. Some apps even include remote audiologist support, meaning you can have your hearing aids fine-tuned without needing an in-person visit.
Ideal for: People who want control over their hearing aids’ settings and adjustments directly from their smartphone.
Many modern hearing aids include wind noise reduction, which helps prevent loud, distracting wind sounds from interfering with your hearing. This feature is especially useful for people who spend time outdoors or in windy conditions.
Ideal for: Outdoor enthusiasts or those who enjoy walking, cycling, or other outdoor activities.
Some advanced hearing aids are equipped with built-in sensors to track your physical activity, such as step counting and even fall detection. These features can also monitor your heart rate and provide overall wellness insights, making your hearing aids a valuable tool for health monitoring.
Ideal for: Individuals interested in tracking their daily activity, heart health, or those looking for added safety features like fall detection.
What to Think About:
Do you frequently use devices such as smartphones, laptops, or TVs?
Bluetooth connectivity will enhance your experience by allowing seamless audio streaming.
Do you spend time in noisy environments or outdoors?
Consider noise reduction, wind noise management, or directional microphones to improve sound clarity.
Do you want to avoid changing batteries?
Look for hearing aids with rechargeable options for hassle-free use.
Are you looking for cutting-edge technology that adapts to your needs?
AI-powered hearing aids could offer the best solution for you.
Step 6: Fitting and Adjustment
Once you’ve selected a hearing aid, it’s essential to test it in real-world environments to make sure it fits your lifestyle and meets your needs. At Hear4U, we believe in a personalised approach to ensure you find the perfect solution.
Our audiologists recommend the best hearing aid based on your specific hearing profile and unique needs. We then fit the hearing aid to your individual hearing requirements, ensuring optimal comfort and performance from the start.
Hear4U also offers a 30-day exchange period, giving you the chance to wear your hearing aids in your daily life. During this time, you can return to our clinic to adjust settings, or even try different models if you feel they might suit you better. This process allows you to fully experience how different hearing aids perform in various situations, from noisy environments to quiet, personal moments.
What to Do Next
Book hearing test & hearing aid fitting
Our audiologists will guide you through the entire process, from selecting the right model to fitting it to your hearing profile.
Utilise the 30-day exchange period
Test your hearing aids in real-world environments and return to our clinic if you’d like to adjust the settings or try a different model.
Fine-tune your experience
Based on your experiences, we’ll make any necessary adjustments to ensure your hearing aids are comfortable, effective, and tailored to your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to decide what hearing aid to get?
Deciding what hearing aid to get depends on a few key factors: your level of hearing loss, lifestyle, and personal preferences. It’s important to have your hearing tested by a qualified audiologist, who can recommend the best options based on your specific hearing profile. Additionally, factors such as comfort, design, and technology features – like Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, or rechargeability – will play a role in choosing the right device for you. It’s also helpful to think about your daily environments and whether you frequently deal with background noise or quiet settings.
Do expensive hearing aids make a difference?
Yes, more expensive hearing aids generally come with advanced features that can make a significant difference, especially in challenging listening environments. Higher-end models may include features like AI-powered noise reduction, automatic adjustment to different environments, and enhanced speech clarity. That said, the most expensive hearing aid isn’t necessarily the best for everyone. The right hearing aid for you will depend on your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. An audiologist can help you weigh the benefits of different models to make the best choice.
Which brand of hearing aid is best in the UK?
The UK offers several top hearing aid brands, each known for innovation and quality. Some of the most respected brands include:
- Phonak: Known for its SmartSpeech™ technology, universal connectivity, and models that provide superior speech understanding in noisy environments.
- Widex: Famous for delivering natural sound with features like the PureSound™ technology and one of the best options for reducing wind noise.
- Oticon: Recognised for their BrainHearing™ technology, which reduces listening effort by supporting the brain’s natural hearing processes.
- Starkey: Pioneers in health tracking features, with hearing aids that monitor your physical activity, provide fall detection, and offer personalised hearing experiences through AI.
Each brand excels in different areas, so the best hearing aid for you will depend on your individual needs.
Is it better to get a hearing aid from an audiologist?
Yes, getting a hearing aid from an audiologist is highly recommended. Audiologists are trained professionals who can evaluate your hearing loss and recommend the most suitable hearing aid for your specific needs. They also ensure your hearing aid is properly fitted, which is critical for both comfort and the correct amplification. An audiologist can also provide ongoing support, such as adjustments and repairs, ensuring your hearing aid continues to perform optimally.
Which hearing aid is the most comfortable?
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are typically considered the most comfortable, as they rest behind the ear with a tube leading into the ear canal, creating less occlusion (blockage) and pressure inside the ear. For those with active lifestyles, In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are also a popular and comfortable option. Ultimately, comfort is subjective, and a proper fitting by an audiologist can help ensure the best fit for long-term comfort.
Which hearing aid is best for seniors?
The best hearing aid for seniors depends on their level of hearing loss, lifestyle, and ease of use preferences. Behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) models are often recommended for seniors because they are easier to handle and maintain. Models with features like automatic sound adjustments, rechargeable batteries, and Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls or TV streaming can make daily life more convenient. Some top options for seniors include the Phonak Audéo™ Lumity, Widex Moment, and Oticon Real, as they offer excellent sound quality and advanced technology while being easy to use.
How many years does a hearing aid last?
On average hearing aids last between 3 to 7 years. However, this depends on how well they are maintained and how often they are used. With proper care and regular check-ups, hearing aids can function for many years. Technological advancements also play a role, as many users choose to upgrade after a few years to take advantage of newer features. Regular cleaning, avoiding moisture, and professional servicing can extend the life of your hearing aids.
