How to Choose Hearing Aids Based on Your Lifestyle
Which Hearing Aids Are the Right Choice for You?
Modern hearing aids are designed to help you hear better and support the way you live, work, and connect. When selecting a hearing aid, consider what works for your unique lifestyle and priorities.
“Although most hearing aids cater to a wide range of general hearing needs, the right choice still depends on your specific needs,” explains hearing care professional A. Moerman. “You should consider lifestyle factors such as occupation, leisure activities and sound environments to help you find a solution that truly suits you.”
Whether you’re at work, at the gym, or out with friends, modern options are designed to fit right in.
Physical vs. Software Design
Physical design determines how you wear the device. This includes factors like size, placement (behind-the-ear or in-the-ear), and how it interacts with other items you wear, such as glasses or hats. It affects comfort during different activities, whether you're working out, socializing, or relaxing at home.
Software design, on the other hand, is all about how the hearing aid processes sound. Hearing aids come with different technology levels, tailored to handle a range of environments, from quiet settings to noisy social gatherings.
The good news is that most software features are now available across different physical styles, giving users more flexibility without having to compromise on performance.
The rise of rechargeable hearing aids has made life easier, especially for active people. As technology advances, today’s hearing aids do more than amplify sound, they’re smart lifestyle devices keeping you connected and in control.
Why Technology Level Matters Just as Much as Style
Not all
hearing aids are created equal, and we’re not just talking about their shape or
how they sit on your ear. The technology inside your hearing aids plays a huge role in how well they
perform in your everyday life.
If your days include business meetings, loud settings, or outdoor sports,
you’ll likely benefit more from advanced to premium hearing aids that can
automatically adapt to these more complex environments.
Choosing the right level of technology helps you hear speech clearly, reduce background distractions, and enjoy a more natural and comfortable listening experience in any situation. That’s why it’s a good idea to talk to your hearing care professional about what kind of support your hearing needs day-to-day, not just how the device looks or feels in your ear.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids offer a secure, comfortable fit, making them a great choice for active individuals and sports enthusiasts. Their design keeps sensitive parts away from sweat and moisture, enhancing durability.
BTEs are one of the easier hearing aid options to handle, making them a smart choice for people with dexterity or vision impairments. They are commonly used for mild to profound hearing loss, as they support more powerful amplification and larger batteries.
BTEs are also favoured for children due to their durability and ability to accommodate replaceable earmolds as they grow. They’re often chosen by people who prioritize performance and comfort over concealment. Additional benefits include:
Rechargeable options
Bluetooth connectivity
Easier maintenance
Better feedback control through custom earmolds
If you often exercise and sweat, steer away from hearing aids that are more susceptible to moisture issues.
In-the-Ear (ITE) for a More Discreet Hearing Option
Custom-made ITE hearing aids are also a well-known type of hearing aid, often chosen for clients with poor dexterity, explains Durrheim. “Due to the custom shape, an ITE hearing aid fits into your ear like a piece in a jigsaw puzzle. Making them comfortable and easy to use.”
There are several types of ITE hearing aids:
ITC
In-the-canal (ITC) balance size and discretion, while mimicking the natural acoustics of the human ear.CIC
Completely-in-canal (CIC) is even smaller than the above, while still maintaining some additional tech features.IIC
Invisible-in-canal (IIC) is the smallest and most discreet, however, it has the least features and needs to be removed using a small pull-out string.Latest ITE
Some newer ITE models are designed to look like earbuds, giving you an ultra-modern, tech-forward look.
Consider an ITE if you:
- Have mild to moderate hearing loss2
- Value discretion above all else
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Style for the Best of Both Worlds
Sometimes in life, you can have your cake and eat it, too. A RIC hearing aid is a great example of this, combining the discretion of an ITE with the technology, longevity, and comfort of a BTE.
“RIC or BTE hearing aids, which are fitted well with the right size receiver and/or tube, and proper dome/sleeve/earmolds, will stay in the ear well,” says Moerman, adding “so there is no need to worry about losing your hearing aid”. It’s a great choice if you’re on the move a lot or want added peace of mind.
Advantages of RIC Hearing Aids:
Discreet
Much more discreet than a BTE while not sacrificing technological features such as Bluetooth streaming3Style
The most popular style is therefore gaining access to the latest tech
Directional Microphones
Features directional microphones, allowing users a more focused approach to directional sound2
Consider a RIC if you:
- Want the benefits of a BTE without any of the aesthetic drawbacks of wearing one
- Want the discretion of an ITE without losing any of the technological features of it
- Maintain an active lifestyle and want the benefits of long-lasting battery performance
Hearing Aids and Glasses:
If you wear glasses, you’ve probably wondered how hearing aids will fit alongside your frames, especially behind your ears. The good news is, many modern hearing aid designs take this into account.
For example, within the popular Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) style, there are slim RIC options that offer a thinner, more discreet profile. These are often more comfortable for glasses wearers as they reduce the feeling of “stacking” devices behind your ears.
Some hearing aid designs have gone a step further, creating devices specifically tailored for those who wear glasses. These hearing aids are not only sleeker in shape, but some also reposition the microphones for better performance when worn with glasses, helping reduce feedback and improve sound clarity.
Alternatively, if the idea of wearing both glasses and hearing aids at once is not appealing, you might consider In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids instead. These sit entirely within the ear and free up space behind the ears, offering a more streamlined option for glasses wearers.
1 Soundly: Exercise and Hearing Aids: A Guide for Runners, Cyclists, and Athletes: (25 April 2025): https://www.soundly.com/blog/exercise-hearing-aids
2 Mayo Clinic: Hearing aids: How to choose the right one (4 April 2024): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/in-depth/hearing-aids/art-20044116
3 Soundly: Hearing Aid Styles Explained With Photos | RIC, BTE, IIC, ITE, CIC: (23 May 2025): https://www.soundly.com/blog/hearing-aid-styles
4 Audiology Research: Towards Auditory Profile-Based Hearing-Aid Fitting: Fitting Rationale and Pilot Evaluation (16 January 2021) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7924363/
4 Seminars in Hearing: Applying the Hearing Aid Fitting Standard to Selection for Adults (May 2022): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35903077/
4 Plural Publishing Inc: Essentials of Modern Hearing Aids: Selection, Fitting, and Verification (2019)
