Types of
Hearing Aids

At Acute Hearing Solutions, we offer a comprehensive range of hearing aid styles to suit every individual’s hearing needs, lifestyle and personal preferences. Our independent audiologists will help you find the right device from all major manufacturers.

About Our
Hearing Aid Styles

Choosing the right hearing aid is about much more than simply addressing hearing loss. The right style depends on the nature and severity of your hearing loss, the size and shape of your ear canal, your daily lifestyle, and your personal preference for visibility and ease of use. At Acute Hearing Solutions, our audiologists take all of these factors into account before recommending a device.

As an independent clinic with no ties to any manufacturer, we have access to the full range of hearing aid styles and technology from all leading brands. Whether you are looking for something discreet and invisible or a powerful device with the latest connectivity features, we have a solution to match your needs and budget.

Hearing Aid Styles Available at Acute Hearing Solutions

Find out more about the range of hearing aid styles we offer below.

Lyric Invisible Hearing Aid

The Phonak Lyric is widely regarded as the most invisible hearing aid on the market, often referred to as the contact lens for your ear. Unlike other devices, the Lyric is designed for extended wear deep in the ear canal and can be worn continuously through daily activities, exercise, and sleep. Batteries last for months before the device is removed and replaced by your audiologist. Lyric users access their devices through a subscription service, ensuring they always have access to the latest technology.

Invisible Hearing Aids (IIC and Micro CIC)

Invisible in the canal and micro CIC hearing aids represent the smallest and most discreet category of hearing devices currently available. Fitted deep within the ear canal by a specially trained audiologist, these devices are virtually undetectable even at close range. Custom made for each wearer, they are suitable for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss who prioritise discretion above all else.

Completely in Canal (CIC)

Completely in canal hearing aids are custom made to fit entirely inside the ear canal, making them one of the more discreet options available. Their small size and position within the ear canal mean they are largely hidden from view during everyday use. CIC devices are well suited to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who are looking for a less visible solution.

In the Canal (ITC)

In the canal hearing aids are custom made to fit partly within the ear canal and partly in the lower portion of the outer ear. They are slightly larger than CIC devices, which allows for additional features and easier handling while still offering a reasonably discreet appearance. ITC hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

In the Ear (ITE)

In the ear hearing aids are custom made to fill the outer portion of the ear bowl. Available in full shell and half shell versions, ITE devices are larger than canal style aids, making them easier to insert, remove, and adjust. They are a popular choice for patients with dexterity challenges and are suitable for a wide range of hearing loss severities.

Receiver in Canal (RIC)

Receiver in canal hearing aids are similar in appearance to BTE devices but use a thin, discreet wire rather than a tube to connect the main body of the aid to a small receiver that sits directly in the ear canal. This design allows for a more natural and open sound experience. RIC devices are lightweight, comfortable, and available with a wide range of advanced features, making them one of the most popular choices for first time hearing aid wearers.

Behind the Ear (BTE)

Behind the ear hearing aids are one of the most widely used and versatile styles available. The main body of the device sits comfortably behind the outer ear, with a small tube directing amplified sound into the ear canal. BTE hearing aids are suitable for a broad range of hearing loss types and are known for their durability, ease of handling, and compatibility with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries.

Who Is Suitable for Hearing Aids?

If you are unsure whether you may benefit from hearing aids, consider the following:

If you answered yes to three or more of these, we recommend booking a hearing assessment with one of our audiologists to determine the most appropriate hearing aid style for your needs.

Do you frequently ask people to repeat themselves?
Do you struggle to hear clearly in noisy environments?
Do you turn up the TV or radio volume regularly?
Do you find phone conversations difficult to follow?
Do family or friends comment on your hearing?
Do you experience ringing in your ears?

Book a Children’s Hearing Assessment with Our Audiologists

Starkey SoundLens

As an independent clinic, we have access to the full range of hearing aid styles and technology from all major manufacturers, ensuring your device is chosen purely based on your needs.

Our audiologists are experienced in fitting all hearing aid styles, from invisible in canal devices through to behind the ear models, for patients of all ages.

Every hearing aid we fit is selected and programmed to match your individual hearing profile, lifestyle, and personal preferences for the best possible outcome.

We offer ongoing support, follow-up appointments, and device maintenance to ensure your hearing aids continue to perform at their best over time.

With over 35 years of experience, our team has the expertise to guide you through every stage of the hearing aid selection and fitting process.

— our products

Our Product Range

We’re committed to maintaining our reputation as a premier hearing clinic in Melbourne by providing the most adept hearing and audiology solutions for your requirements.

Brands we trust

— what our patients say

People who trust acute hearing with their hearing care

Understand the biology of hearing and how loss affects it.

Neil Bidgood profile picture
Neil Bidgood
22:29 10 Oct 24
Prompt and effective
Julia B profile picture
Julia B
01:01 23 Aug 24
Would recommend, Acute care about what they do, and I felt looked after.
Bruce Rosel profile picture
Bruce Rosel
05:52 13 Feb 23
Sensationally good, courtious and professional service. Couldn't recommend them more highly
Damian Fasciani profile picture
Damian Fasciani
04:08 14 Sep 22
Amazing service
Neroele Harrison profile picture
Neroele Harrison
05:31 02 Aug 22
Siobhan...You are the best!!. Many thanks for your help today you go above and beyond for your clients..
Cannot recommend them highly enough.
Jackie Shaw profile picture
Jackie Shaw
06:36 22 Apr 22
I have been a client of Acute Hearing Solutions for over a decade. Wouldn’t go anywhere else. They have always given great advice, support & service. Many thanks. .
Lorraine Jennings profile picture
Lorraine Jennings
05:18 22 Apr 22
Great service. Very satisfied with overall experience great full for all the help from Ben and all his staff
Isabella Nagle profile picture
Isabella Nagle
08:31 03 Sep 20
Excellent and professional service. From the start of my journey with Acute Hearing, Ben and his team have gone above and beyond to help me. Would highly recommend to anyone needing hearing services!

Our Clinics

Ringwood East (H/O)

Suite 4, 26 Grey St, Ringwood
East, VIC 3135

03 9870 2899

Toorak

1039 Malvern Road, Toorak Vic 3142

03 9870 2899

Yarraville

Yarraville Specialist Centre, 277
Somerville Road, Yarraville, VIC 3013

03 9870 2899

Werribee

Wyndham Health Care, 233 Heaths Road, Werribee, VIC 3030

03 9870 2899

Wantirna

Wantirna Mall Clinic, 621 Boronia Road,
Wantirna, VIC 3152

03 9870 2899

Surrey Hills

135 Warrigal Road, Oakleigh, VIC 3167

03 9870 2899

Oakleigh

135 Warrigal Road, Oakleigh, VIC 3167

03 9870 2899

Doncaster

Manningham Medical Centre, 200 High
Street, Lower Templestowe, VIC 3107

03 9870 2899

Cranbourne

Thompson Road Clinic, Cnr Woodbine Road & Thompson Road, Cranbourne, VIC 3977

03 9870 2899

Book a Hearing Test for Children Today

Book a HearingTest

Make an appointment with a hearing specialist today by calling or contacting us online.

Dr. Bandale (Ben) Altidis

Principal Senior Audiologist & Founder

Bandale is the Principal Audiologist and Founder of Acute Hearing. He is a well-known and trusted hearing specialist, who has been providing hearing care to Victorians with over 25 years experience in the industry. He is an expert in diagnostics, selection and fitting of the most sophisticated and discreet hearing aids available today, his experience also includes hearing rehabilitions, auditory processing, assessments and is internationally trained in vestibular and tinnitus management.

Bandale holds the following qualifications:

Degree AppliedScience, Melbourne University

Member of Independent Audiologists Australia

Post Graduate Clinical Audiology, Melbourne University

Member of Audiology Australia (ASA)

International Member of American Academy of Audiology