Understanding ITE Hearing Aids

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are a very popular choice amongst individuals with hearing loss. Your hearing provider can help you choose the best possible device for your needs, but here we’re going to take a closer look at ITE hearing aids. We will look at how they work, their advantages, disadvantages, and some common features to help you choose the best device for your needs.

How they work

As the name suggests, most ITE hearing aids fit inside the ears. They are some of the most versatile devices available, helping with most severities of hearing loss. The average ITE device is contained inside a custom mold. If it’s a half shell device, it is designed to fit inside the bottom portion of the outer ear. Full shell devices take up the entirety of the outer ear, making them less discreet, but still offering a number of benefits and available in colors to help them blend with the natural color of the ear.

Who is it best suited to?

ITE devices are suitable for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. They are designed to be discreet, so those who want to mask their hearing aid will find it much easier with ITE devices. Furthermore, they are easy to insert, and their custom-molded nature means they can be a much more comfortable fit than other types. Lastly, because the microphone isn’t out in the open, it’s less susceptible to picking up wind sounds.

Their limitations

Because they are slightly smaller, some ITE devices might not be best suited to those with dexterity problems. Also, because the shape of children’s ears is constantly changing, they are not as readily recommended for them, either. Lastly, they require a little more cleaning and maintenance, but they don’t need replacement parts as often, as you might find with the tubing in behind the ear devices.

Common features in ITE devices

Most ITE devices come with dual microphones, which are particularly useful for improving speech understanding. Furthermore, they often have wireless and telecoil options making it easier to hear in public spaces and to adjust your device to different environments.

Whether you want an ITE hearing aid or you’re not sure which type of device you should opt for, you can make an appointment with your hearing care provider to make sure you choose the best option to your needs. They can help you take into account the severity of your hearing loss, but also your dexterity, lifestyle, and particular needs when choosing.