Understanding ITE Hearing Aids

If your audiologist has suggested that you may benefit from hearing aids, you may be surprised to learn that there are so many different types of hearing aids to consider. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are one of the most popular styles available, and below, we’ve sought to profile this style in order to allow you to make an informed choice as to whether an ITE hearing aid is right for you.

The basic design of ITE hearing aids

As the name in the ear suggests, ITE hearing aids are designed to fit neatly inside the ear, placed over the opening to the ear canal. All the components required to operate the hearing aid – such as the battery and microphones – are located within the unit.

ITE hearing aids can be full-shell or half-shell. Full-shell designs are larger and cover more of the ear bowl, while half-shell designs are smaller and thus subtler.

The difference between ITE and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids

ITC hearing aids are amongst the most discreet hearing aids and are worn in the canal, whereas ITE devices sit in the outer ear bowl. Since both are worn in the ear, many people don’t realize there is a difference between the two.

The pros of ITE hearing aids

• ITE hearing aids are considered to be very discreet, as they are very difficult to detect at first glance
• In order to sit neatly inside the ear, ITE hearing aids have to be custom-designed for the user, which tends to mean they are especially comfortable to wear
• ITE hearing aids are suitable for mild to severe hearing loss, making the style an appropriate choice for most users
• Most users find that ITE hearing aids provide outstanding sound quality and clarity thanks to the twin microphones that are incorporated into the design

The cons of ITE hearing aids

• Some users find that ITE hearing aids are uncomfortable to use while talking on the phone, though additional functionality – such as Bluetooth connectivity – can help to overcome this issue
• As all the components of the hearing aid are located closely together, ITE hearing aids can be more susceptible to feedback
• As ITE hearing aids sit close to the ear canal, they are more susceptible to heavy ear wax buildup, though this issue can be reduced by ensuring the device is cleaned after each use

Are ITE hearing aids the right choice for you?

Ultimately, the decision as to whether ITE hearing aids are suitable for your needs depends on your specific circumstances; your audiologist will be able to guide you further in this regard. However, if you are looking for a simple, effective, and relatively discreet device, ITE hearing aids may work well for you. Use the above information as a starting point for further discussions with your audiologist as to whether ITE hearing aids are suitable for you, your needs and your lifestyle as a whole.