Pluses and Minuses of In The Ear (ITE) Type Hearing Aids

You’ll probably be exposed to many different hearing aid designs and features when choosing a device for yourself or a loved one, and one of the most common is in-the-ear (ITE). These tiny devices are made to fit in the lower portion of the outer ear, making them a comfortable choice for listeners with mild to moderate hearing problems. What follow is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the in-the-ear hearing aid style.

An in-the-ear hearing aid is a small device that is custom-made to fit your ear shape. Your hearing professional will make a mold of your ear to make sure that the end result is a perfect fit. The result is an exceptionally comfortable hearing aid with high sound quality and low feedback. All the components needed for this type of hearing aid are stored in a single case, eliminating the need for wires and tubes. As a result, in-the-ear devices are light and extremely comfortable.

The ITE hearing aid style has certain distinct advantages. It tends to be excellent at handling high-frequency sounds (which is the range where many people have the most significant hearing loss). Unlike a behind-the-ear model, these devices can take advantage of the outer ear’s ability to collect and focus high frequency sound waves. Another nice feature of the in-the-ear hearing aid is that it sites recessed into the ear. This means that most people have no problem using headsets and telephones which rest up against the ear. In-the-ear hearing aids are very small, which offers both advantages and disadvantages.

Their small size keeps them from being very obvious, making them a great choice for listeners who are a little self-conscious about wearing a device. However, this small size also causes a short battery life and keeps them from having all the features found in some other devices. People with poor motor control or eyesight problems may have difficulty replacing the battery or operating the controls.

As with all the hearing aid styles available, ITE hearing aid has both advantages and disadvantages. Give us a call for help choosing the best hearing aid style for your lifestyle and hearing loss.