Hearing Aids are manufactured by 12 companies: Starkey, Nuear, Siemens, Rexton, Oticon, Bernafon, Phonak, Unitron, Resound, Beltone, Widex and Sonic Innovation to name the main ones.
Each manufacturer has several technology levels from basic to premium, and in each level there are multiple styles from completely in the canal to behind the ear. The latest development is ever-improving OTE or over the ear aids that also come as RITE or receiver in the canal or in the ear aids. These aids sit on top of rather than behind the ear and have a little wire leading into the ear canal. Providing more natural sound and improved comfort these are widely heralded as the best thing since sliced bread in the industry.
Based on your audiogram, word recognition scores, lifestyle, needs, budget and any other factors such as manual dexterity, visual acuity and sound settings in day to day life, you will receive a recommendation for what will be suitable and that comes with a 60-90 day trial period.
You don't pay at the beginning - you only pay if you lose it, break it or want it - otherwise you return it with no charge. If you had to get an earmold for a behind-the-ear aid that would be the only charge to you.
So go ahead, get tested, get fit, try it out for yourself!