What are the Benefits of ITE Hearing Aids?

One of the many services your audiologist provides during your hearing health journey is helping you choose and fit the hearing aid best suited to your needs. They may recommend an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid. These are some of the largest devices on the market and are designed to sit comfortably in the outer ear. To help you better understand the available hearing aid options, here are some of the advantages specific to ITE devices.

Designed for a better fit

All ITE hearing devices are custom-made. Because they have to sit inside the outer ear, they must be comfortable and able to remain there without falling out. For that reason, your audiologist will take a mold impression of your ear and the manufacturer will create the perfect casing. This also ensures that there’s little risk of feedback and that the device produces the highest quality possible. If you have trouble finding a hearing aid that can comfortably fit your ear, then the bespoke nature of an ITE device might be just the thing that you need. Because the devices fit naturally into the ear, it also means that wearers can use things like telephones and headsets naturally without interfering with their device.

Simple and convenient design

Unlike other devices, all the components of an ITE hearing aid are contained within the case that is placed in the outer ear. This means that there’s no external tubing or wires that can be uncomfortable or prone to breaking. Furthermore, because they are bigger than some other varieties of device, like in the canal hearing aids, they can be easier to handle, clean and change the batteries. This can be especially important for children and users with poor dexterity.

Great amplification and sound quality

The larger design of ITE devices offers some specific benefits. Because they are larger, they can house both larger batteries and larger amplification components. This increases the power of the amplification, making them a good fit for hearing loss that ranges from mild to moderately severe. Most ITE hearing aids also use a twin microphone system that helps produce a better clarity of sound that some other devices.

Easier to camouflage

Some users tend to feel self-conscious about wearing a hearing aid. Although ITE devices are not completely invisible, they can be easy to disguise if you wish to, especially for users with longer hair. Unlike BTE devices, there are no external components around or outside of the ear.

If you want to explore other options or you have any questions or concerns about ITE devices, don’t be afraid to ask your audiologist about them. They are there to help, after all, and will take any insights you provide into the equation. Every device has its advantages and disadvantages. Your audiologist will help you better understand all of these, as well as taking into account what features you might have need of and the severity of your hearing loss when helping you choose the best possible device.