There are many “adaptive” devices we use to improve the quality of our lives - glasses are one. However many people still feel there is a stigma attached to wearing hearing aids and often people will be fitted for a hearing aid only to hide it in the bottom draw and suffer through their hearing loss.

These days it really isn't necessary to forgo hearing to avoid this stigma. With new digital technology and a focus on design hearing aids are smaller, more discrete and, in some cases, completely invisible. Some have background noise reduction capability, directional microphones, the ability to have multiple memory settings for different environments and have remote controls.

The type and extent of your hearing loss you will determine the style and size of hearing aid you should wear. A hearing test with an audiologist will help you establish what type of hearing loss you have. There are a number of factors involved in choosing a hearing aid and a discussion with your audiologist will help you find an aid which fits your priorities and lifestyle.

CIC — completely in the canal

CIC hearing aids are custom-made and slip unobtrusively into the ear canal. They are virtually invisible except for a small plastic removal string that is difficult to see. CIC aids are an option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss but they are not ideal when low-frequency, or low-pitch, hearing is normal.

While CICs have the benefit of being almost invisible they do block out all natural sound because they almost completely block the ear canal. Some people have complained of a stuffy feeling and don't like the difference in the sound of their own voices.

If you produce a lot of ear wax CICs would not be appropriate for you. Because the aid sits so deeply in the ear canal, ear wax can clog up the internal parts of the CIC and cause damage.

And due to the small size of these devices, they often aren’t recommended for those with dexterity problems.

BTE - behind the ear

Behind the ear hearing aids are discrete and depending on the length of your hair can be almost invisible.

Open-ear BTE hearing aids rest behind the outer ear lobe with a small thin tube running down into the ear canal. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear all day.

If natural sound is important to you then BTE hearing aids with open-ear technology will deliver the results you’re looking for.

Manufacturers are also now making casings to match your hair or skin color, adding another cloak of invisibility, or you can chose colourful ones to make a fashion statement.