Are ITC Hearing Aids Right for You?

People who experience hearing loss can often become overwhelmed with their options for hearing aids. With hearing aid technology evolving rapidly, there are now many ways to treat hearing loss. If you are looking for a hearing solution that is comfortable and discreet, it might be time to consider an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aid

Behind-the-ear hearing aids have hearing aids that sit behind your pinna, and they connect to tubing or a speaker that sits on the back of your ear.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aid

Into the ear hearing aids are hearing aids that fit in the outer bowl. They have a larger portion that sits behind the pinna and another piece that fits into the canal of the ear. You can usually see hearing aids like this because they're visible from the front with portions sticking out from behind your ear.

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aid

Into the canal hearing aids are hearing aids that fit into the ear canal. They have a thin tube that goes from behind your ear and into your canal, and they usually sit just outside of your ear so you can hear your surroundings while still listening to music on your phone or hearing machine. These hearing aids are not visible when worn.

Size and Visibility

Both ITE hearing aids and BTE hearing aids are larger than hearing aids like ITC hearing aids, but if you have trouble with visible hearing aids, hearing aids like ITC hearing aids might be more appropriate for you.

Many people find hearing aids with large bodies difficult to manage because they are so visible. Hair clips and caps can help, but ITC hearing aids are small enough to fit in your pocket or purse.

Features

ITC hearing aids feature advanced features that let you control the hearing aid without touching it. Many hearing aids allow you to change volume by holding a finger to your ear like a Bluetooth device, but these hearing aids also have buttons on the hearing aid that allow you to turn the hearing aid on and off, change volume, change programs or do other tasks without ever touching them.

Hearing aids with larger bodies often have trouble connecting to phones and hearing aids that fit behind the ear are generally bulkier than hearing aids like ITC hearing aids.

Does a Hearing Aid That Fits in Your Ear Give Better Sound Quality?

While hearing aids like ITC hearing aids sit just outside of your ear and are less visible, hearing aids like ITE hearing aids fit into the ear canal so they can deliver better sound quality. To achieve better hearing quality, hearing aids like this will deliver higher volumes than hearing aids that sit behind the ear. For people who are more active and need hearing aids like ITC hearing aids can help them stay aware of their surroundings, hearing aids that fit in your ear might be a better choice.

Hearing loss can cause hearing difficulty when hearing sounds of all volumes and frequencies. Because hearing loss is so common, hearing aids today are available in many styles that can suit your lifestyle.