Choosing the Right Hearing Aid in Wigan: Styles, Technology & Top Brands

Types & Styles of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids generally fall into two main types, with six popular styles that suit varying needs and lifestyles:

1. Behind‑the‑Ear (BTE)

• Placed behind the ear with a tube and ear mould.

• Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss.

• Ample space for connectivity, rechargeable batteries, directional mics, and advanced processors.

• Often preferred for older users, those with dexterity issues, or complex hearing profiles.

2. Receiver‑in‑Canal (RIC) / Receiver‑in‑Ear (RIE)

• Speaker (“receiver”) sits in the ear canal connected via thin wire to a behind‑the‑ear unit.

• Combines discretion and high‑end features.

• Offers excellent sound quality, Bluetooth streaming, smartphone app control, and rechargeable options.

• Currently the most commonly recommended style due to performance and flexibility.

3. In‑the‑Ear (ITE)

• Custom molded to fit within the outer ear.

• Ideal for mild to severe loss.

• Offers built-in controls and high-level processing. Rechargeable options available.  

4. In‑the‑Canal (ITC)

• Slightly smaller than ITE; fits partly in canal.

• More discreet; suitable for mild/moderate loss; may include Bluetooth/telecoil. 

5. Completely‑in‑Canal (CIC) / Invisible‑in‑Canal (IIC)

• Deep‑canal placement, nearly invisible.

• Ideal for mild to moderate loss.

• Limited battery life and fewer features due to size constraints.

• The Lyric extended‑wear device is the only truly ‘invisible’ model worn continuously for months at a time. 

6. Over‑the‑Counter (OTC)/Accessories (e.g. AirPods Pro)

• OTC options allow mild to moderate amplification; limited customization.

• Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 supports hearing‑aid style enhancements on iOS for mild hearing loss. 

Feature Comparison & Benefits of Top Brands

Here are the leading UK-approved hearing aid models with standout features in 2025:

Oticon (Intent 1 / Real Platform)

• Intent 1 is widely rated the top hearing aid of 2025 in the UK. Offers advanced AI-driven noise reduction, Deep Neural Network sound processing, and motion-sensor adaptation (4D sensor tech). 

• Available in BTE, RIC, and ITE formats. Exceptional speech clarity and environmental sound preservation via OpenSound Navigator and BrainHearing technology. 

Phonak (Audéo Sphere / Infinio)

• Models like Audéo Sphere i90 and Infinio offer AutoSense OS for automatic environmental adaptation, Bluetooth streaming across Apple and Android, tinnitus relief tools, and app-based remote fine-tuning. 

Starkey (Edge AI / Genesis AI / Livio AI)

• Edge AI RIC RT features an onboard Neural Processing Unit (NPU) to adapt sound in real time, with fall detection, activity tracking, rechargeable battery (~51 hours), customizable environmental modes in app. Colors and discreet fit options. 

• Earlier generations like Livio AI introduced sensors for cognitive tracking, language translation, and tap control.

Signia (Active IX / Xperience)

• Signia Active IX (launched Sept 2024): sleek, earbud-style RIC aids with RealTime Conversation Enhancement, IP68 water resistance, premium AI-powered adaptation. 

• Xperience models provide Own Voice Processing (OVP) for natural self-voice sound and tinnitus therapy features. 

ReSound (Vivia / SmartRIC)

• ReSound’s Vivia RIE series (early 2025) is one of the smallest RIC aids available, offering excellent connectivity and binaural directionality. 

• Known for intuitive Smart 3D app, advanced speech-in-noise technology, seamless streaming. 

Widex (Allure / SmartRIC 440)

• Widex Allure RIC RD offers high-definition sound in small form factors, with durable rechargeable options.

•  SmartRIC 440 balances discretion and performance.

Quick Feature-Model Matrix