s you research hearing aids – either for a loved one or yourself – one of the more popular alternatives you will encounter is the in-the-ear (ITE) style. These hearing aids are a great choice for people with mild to moderate hearing loss as they are small, comfortable, and fit securely in the lower portion of the outer ear. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of ITE hearing aids.
In-the-ear hearing aids are specially designed to fit each wearer’s ear. The custom fit is achieved by first creating an ear mold which becomes the template for the device’s shape. 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. This makes them lightweight and easy to wear.
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). This enhanced ability to collect and focus high-frequency sounds is a result of their location inside rather than behind the outer ear. Another nice feature of the ITE 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. The in-the-ear device is very small. Their small size has advantages and disadvantages to consider.
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. The downside of this is that they cannot store all of the features that other hearing aid styles do. People with poor motor control or eyesight problems may have difficulty replacing the battery or operating the controls.
Despite its flaws, many listeners greatly benefit from ITE hearing aids’ small size and high sound quality, making them an ideal device for many individuals. A hearing aid specialist can help you evaluate your options and make recommendations based on your needs and preferences.
