Are ITC Hearing Aids Right for You?

In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are a popular choice due to their nearly-invisible appearance. While not completely invisible, ITC hearing aids sit in the ear canal, rather than looping behind the ear visibly as with more well-known behind-the-ear (BTE) devices. As a result of their placement, ITC hearing aids are not obviously visible to an onlooker at first glance.

There is no denying that ITC hearing aids have a number of benefits.

• There are plenty of models available, including devices with additional features that can make living with your hearing aids simpler.
• ITC hearing aids are also a good compromise point between the more-obvious BTE devices, which attach to the external ear, and very small devices that are designed to be entirely invisible.
• ITC hearing aids are custom-made for the wearer, which tends to make them very comfortable. If you have found BTE hearing aids somewhat cumbersome or noticeable in the past, it is unlikely you will experience the same issues with ITC hearing aids.

However, when considering whether ITC hearing aids are right for you, it’s also important to factor in their downsides. ITC hearing aids are generally well-accepted, but they do have a few restrictions:

• Their smaller size can cause issues if you have problems with dexterity or fine motor function. This issue can be somewhat mitigated in usage by choosing an ITC hearing aid with remote control functionality, but you will still need to handle, clean, and potentially replace parts for a very small device.
• ITC hearing aids are not suitable for severe hearing loss. Your audiologist will usually be able to advise you on whether this style of hearing aid is suitable for your specific needs.
• As mentioned, ITC hearing aids are rather small devices, which in turn means they may not necessarily have the battery power of larger, BTE options. It is worth keeping this in mind when purchasing ITC hearing aids; ask about the battery power and how long you can expect each specific device to last when being used for long periods.

Now you have considered the pros and cons of ITC hearing aids, we can finally address the question of…

So are ITC hearing aids right for you?

Unfortunately, there’s not a clear-cut answer that is suitable for every single person reading this.

If you have severe hearing loss, then the chances are that ITC hearing aids are not the right choice for you. Your audiologist will be able to advise you further on this, and it may be worth trying an ITC option just to see how it feels, but you may be disappointed.

If you have mild to mildly severe hearing loss, and feel that discretion is important, then ITC hearing aids might be the best choice for you. However, you will still need to speak to your audiologist, try a range of devices, and see whether this style of hearing aid is compatible with your budget and lifestyle prior to making the commitment to buy. There’s no hearing aid that is suitable for everyone, after all.

ITC hearing aids are popular with those who experience mild to mildly severe hearing loss due to their small size and custom-fit, and they will work well for many people. However, it is still advisable to consult with your audiologist regarding and try as many options as possible to ensure you are able to find the right device for your needs.