Hearing Aid Styles and Technology

Every Hearing Aid Style and Technology, Independently Fitted to Your Needs

Modern hearing aids are small digital devices worn in or behind the ear that amplify and clarify sound based on your individual hearing profile. Six main styles are available, from small in-the-canal devices to behind-the-ear models, with features including smartphone connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and directional microphones.

Independent practice fitting hearing aids from all major manufacturers, with no brand contracts or corporate ties

Over 30 years of experience. Damian O’Connor, principal audiologist, or one of his experienced colleagues conduct every consultation and fitting

Recommendations based on your hearing needs. Sometimes lower cost hearing aids may be sufficient for your situation

Four North Shore Sydney locations: Lane Cove, Northbridge, Hunters Hill, and Mosman

Call 02 9420 2300

Book a hearing aid consultation

What Are Hearing Aids and How Do They Work?

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that picks up sound through a microphone, processes it digitally, and delivers amplified sound to your ear through a speaker. Modern digital hearing aids are programmed specifically to your audiogram, boosting the frequencies where your hearing needs support while leaving other frequencies largely unchanged.

The result is sound that is clearer, more natural, and easier to understand in the situations that matter to you, whether that is a conversation at a restaurant, a phone call with family, or following dialogue on the television.

What Are Hearing Aids and How Do They Work

Types of Hearing Aids

There are six main types of hearing aids available at WHAT The Hearing Centre. The right style for you depends on your hearing loss severity, lifestyle, dexterity, and personal preferences.

Receiver in the Canal (Thin Wire)

Our most popular style. A discreet hearing aid where a small body sits behind your ear and a thin wire connects to a speaker inside your ear canal. This style usually does not block your ears, keeping sounds as natural as possible. Suitable for early hearing losses and the common higher frequency losses associated with age or noise damage. Available with smartphone connectivity, TV sound streaming, remote microphones, directional microphones, and rechargeable batteries.

BEST FOR

Mild to severe hearing loss, patients who want a discreet device with natural sound quality, less own voice occlusion and great for first-time hearing aid users.

Completely in the Canal

A small custom hearing aid that sits entirely inside your ear canal, making it truly hidden. Only suitable if your ear canal is not too narrow. A good choice for more moderate hearing losses where you do not mind your ear being nearly fully blocked. New models include a small antenna and full wireless streaming and remote control capabilities and fully rechargeable models too.

BEST FOR

Mild to moderate hearing loss, patients who prioritise discretion, those with a suitably sized ear canal.

In the Canal

A small custom hearing aid that sits in the lower portion of your ear canal. This style allows for more ear ventilation and can include directional microphones to help reduce noise. Available with an on/off switch if required. Offers a balance between small size and useful features.

BEST FOR

Mild to moderate hearing loss, patients who want a small device with directional microphones and ventilation. Battery or rechargeable.

Half Shell

A custom hearing aid that sits in the lower portion of your outer ear. The slightly larger size allows for a more powerful model suited to greater hearing losses. Easier to manage if you have some dexterity difficulties.

BEST FOR

Moderate to severe hearing loss, patients who need more power, those who prefer easier handling. Battery or rechargeable.

Full Shell

A custom hearing aid that fills the outer bowl of your ear. Usually fitted for very large hearing losses or for patients who have difficulty managing smaller devices. Available with an optional on/off switch, can be rechargeable or with longer disposable battery life, and a larger size that makes them easier to hold and manage.

BEST FOR

Moderate, severe to profound hearing loss, patients with dexterity challenges, those who need maximum power and battery life.

Behind the Ear

The hearing aid body sits behind your ear with a clear moulded earpiece placed inside the ear canal. Common for large hearing losses or very narrow ear canals. The moulds can be remade without sending the hearing aids away, keeping you on the air during that time. Loan hearing aids can be supplied if yours need repair. May be easier to manage for some patients with larger controls behind the ear.

BEST FOR

Severe to profound hearing loss, narrow ear canals, patients who prefer easy handling and larger controls. Battery or rechargeable.

Key Hearing Aid Features and Technology

The latest hearing aid technology helps you connect to people and devices.
Depending on the style and model you choose, features may include:

Smartphone Connectivity

The newest hearing aids connect to your smartphone so it can be used as a remote control. Phone calls and music can be streamed directly to your hearing aids. Television audio can also be transmitted wirelessly to your hearing aids using a compatible streaming device. New models are LE Audio Auracast compatible.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate the need to change disposable batteries. Place your hearing aids in their charging case overnight and they are ready for a full day of use. Rechargeable options are available in receiver-in-the-canal and behind-the-ear styles.

Directional Microphones

Directional microphones focus on sound coming from in front of you while reducing noise from the sides and behind. Particularly helpful in group conversations, at restaurants, and in meetings.

Accessories

Additional accessories are available to extend what your hearing aids can do, including remote wireless microphones and TV streaming devices. The aim is to make your listening as easy and seamless as possible so you do not need to keep adjusting your hearing aids.

Auracast and LE Audio

The latest Bluetooth Low Energy LE Audio technology is available in the newest hearing aid models. Hi quality low latency streaming at greater distances. You can also connect to Auracast broadcasts by simply selecting them on your phone.

Tinnitus Sound Therapy

Many hearing aids include built-in tinnitus management features that generate soft background sounds to reduce the perception of ringing, buzzing, or humming. This can be activated and customised during your fitting appointment.

Water Resistance

Many current hearing aids carry an IP68 rating, meaning they are resistant to moisture, sweat, and dust. While no hearing aid is fully waterproof, water-resistant models are well suited to active lifestyles and reduce the risk of moisture damage.

Hearing Aid Brands We Fit

As an independent, family-owned hearing centre, we supply all the major brands:

Accessories

Strong connectivity and speech-in-noise performance

Oticon

Open sound processing for complex listening environments

Widex

Natural sound quality, particularly valued for music

ReSound

Smart hearing features and wireless connectivity

Signia

Own voice processing and rechargeable options

Unitron

Flexible technology with trial and upgrade options

Bernafon

Clean, natural sound processing

And more

We are not tied to any single brand. Your hearing aid recommendation is based on your audiogram, lifestyle, manual dexterity, and budget.

Which Hearing Aid Style Is Right for You?

The best hearing aids are not necessarily the most expensive. Sometimes even lower cost hearing aids may be sufficient for your needs, while some patients may choose fully featured hearing aids with advanced wireless technologies. The right choice depends on your individual situation.

Your hearing loss

More severe loss requires more powerful devices. Behind-the-ear and full shell styles deliver the most power. Smaller in-the-canal devices suit mild to moderate loss only.

Your lifestyle

If you regularly attend restaurants, meetings, or social events, features like directional microphones and smartphone connectivity help you hear speech more clearly. If your daily life is relatively quiet, a simpler device may be sufficient.

Your dexterity

Smaller hearing aids require good fine motor skills. If you have arthritis or reduced dexterity, a behind-the-ear or full shell style is often the most practical choice.

Your ear canal

Some styles require a suitably sized ear canal. Damian will check this during your consultation and advise which styles are physically suitable for you.

Damian and his staff will discuss these factors during your consultation and recommend the styles and features that suit your situation, with no pressure toward a more expensive option.

Key Hearing Aid Features and Technology

Your hearing aid consultation takes approximately 60 minutes and includes:

Case history discussion

We discuss your hearing concerns, daily listening situations, and what you want to achieve

Diagnostic assessment

Testing in a sound-treated room to map your hearing thresholds, speech understanding, and middle ear function

Results explanation

Damian or his skilled audiologists explain your results in plain language, with no confusing jargon

Technology recommendations

We review suitable hearing aid styles and features, with honest guidance on what you need versus what you do not

If you decide to proceed, we arrange your fitting appointment. If you need time to consider, there is no pressure to commit on the day. You do not need a GP referral for a self-funded consultation.

Eligible pensioners and veterans may access hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. See our pensioners and veterans page for details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best hearing aids in Australia?

The best hearing aids depend on your individual hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget. As an independent practice, WHAT The Hearing Centre fits all major brands and recommends based on clinical needs, not a brand contract. There is no single best hearing aid: the right device is the one that works for your specific situation.

Can other people see my hearing aids?

Modern hearing aids are smaller than most people expect. Receiver-in-the-canal devices are barely visible, and completely-in-the-canal devices are truly hidden. Damian and his staff can show you the different sizes during your consultation.

How long do hearing aids last?

With proper care and regular servicing, hearing aids typically last five to seven years. Technology advances may mean you choose to upgrade before that. We provide ongoing maintenance, cleaning, and adjustments throughout the life of your devices.

Do hearing aids help with tinnitus?

Many hearing aids include built-in tinnitus sound therapy features. By amplifying environmental sounds and providing soft masking sounds, they can reduce the perception of tinnitus for many patients.

Are rechargeable hearing aids better than battery hearing aids?

Rechargeable hearing aids are more convenient and cost-effective over time. Disposable batteries are still used in some smaller in-canal styles. Damian will recommend the best option for your chosen style and lifestyle.

What if I do not like my hearing aids?

Adjusting to hearing aids takes time. Most patients need four to six weeks. We provide follow-up appointments to fine-tune your devices during this adjustment period. If a device genuinely does not suit you, we will discuss alternatives.

Book Your Comprehensive Hearing Assessment Today

Whether you are exploring hearing aids for the first time or looking to upgrade your current devices, we are here to help you make an informed decision with honest, independent clinical advice.

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02 9420 2300

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Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

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Lane Cove | Northbridge | Hunters Hill | Mosman

Book Your Hearing Aid Consultation

Hearing aids are TGA-registered medical devices. Individual results vary based on hearing loss characteristics, device selection, and adjustment period. Contact us to discuss your options and pricing.