Are ITE Hearing Aids Right for You?

If your audiologist recognizes signs of hearing loss after your assessment with them, you will likely be encouraged to wear a hearing aid. Your audiologist will let you know what style of hearing aids are suitable for you, depending on the nature of your hearing loss and the severity of your hearing condition. In some circumstances, your audiologist might recommend an ITE hearing aid. This type of hearing device is small and discreet, and suitable for mild-to-moderately severe hearing loss. 

But is an ITE hearing aid right for you? There are other options, including behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, and your audiologist will talk to you about each of these. Your choice will depend on your preferences and your personal needs, which is why we're going to take a closer look at ITE hearing aids. 

What is an ITE hearing aid?

ITE hearing aids are very small, and they sit in the outer level of the ear canal. The shell of the hearing aid contains all of the electronics needed to make it work, and because of its small size, it is barely visible. An ITE hearing aid is custom-made for each individual user, using a custom mold of the person's ear. For this reason, this type of hearing aid is comfortable to wear for most people, and it is a popular choice for many.

Advantages of an ITE hearing aid

ITE hearing aids have a number of advantages for the user, so it's important to take these into account. As we have already noted, the small size means they can be placed discreetly, so visibility isn't always an issue. They can also be custom-made in various skin tones, so if you are worried about people noticing your hearing aid, this might make you feel better about wearing one. 

Some hearing aids, including those that fit inside the ear canal, can be a little fiddly to remove and insert. This is rarely the case with ITE hearing aids as they are easy to remove and position correctly. As we suggested earlier, this is because of the custom design that is made to fit the user's ear perfectly. If you have dexterity problems, this might be your preferred choice over ITC, as they can sometimes be a little tricky to position. 

ITE hearing aids are easy to clean and maintain as there are no fiddly components to worry about. Accessing the battery compartment to change the battery is easy too. Your audiologist will go through all of this with you, but where simplicity is concerned, an ITE hearing aid might be your preferred choice.

Another advantage is the ability to use a telephone. With BTE hearing aids, you may have to position your phone slightly above your ear, but you don't need to do this with an ITE hearing aid. This might be one reason why you choose this type of hearing aid. 

So, these are some of the reasons why you should consider an ITE hearing aid, but what about the drawbacks?

Disadvantages of an ITE hearing aid

ITE hearing aids can be affected by wind noise, so this might be something you take into consideration if you regularly work outdoors. You should also consider the battery life of an ITE hearing aid, as the lifespan is less than certain other hearing aid types. This is because ITE hearing aids take smaller battery sizes. If this is an issue for you, a BTE hearing aid might be the better option for you. 

Is an ITE hearing aid right for you?

To find out more, speak to an audiologist. They will help you determine the right type of hearing aid for your needs and will answer any questions you might have on the matter. Whatever you decide, however, you will benefit from a hearing aid if you are experiencing hearing loss.