4 FAQs About ITE Hearing Aids

If you’ve been referred to an audiologist to have new hearing aids fitted, then you might be wondering if there are different types of hearing aids and how you can get the best option for your circumstances.

If you don’t know much about hearing aids, then it might come as a surprise that there are several different styles of hearing aid, all built with a different purpose and audience in mind. One of the most popular types is the ITE hearing aid, otherwise known as in-the-ear hearing aids.

These have the advantage of being incredibly discreet compared to other options. They’re small and sit in the canal of your ear, and they’re custom-made to suit your eat. This means they’re much more comfortable and made to fit perfectly with your ear canal shape. In fact, many people would argue that ITE hearing aids are fantastic as a first hearing aid because they’re comfortable enough that you won’t notice them.

If you are unsure about ITE hearing aids, consider some of the most frequently asked questions regarding ITE hearing aids.

1. Who are ITE hearing aids designed for?

ITE hearing aids are designed for people that want extra comfort while still being fairly discrete. ITE hearing aids are made to fit for each user, meaning they are snug and comfortable, almost to the point that they are unnoticeable. They provide excellent amplification, but arguably not as many features as larger behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.

2. Do ITE hearing aids last long?

ITE hearing aids generally last a long time, typically between seven and nine years. They have fantastic battery life, but they’re also much more comfortable to wear than other hearing aids. Patients often find themselves swapping away from BTE hearing aids because they don’t like how it weighs down their ear, which is why ITE hearing aids are the perfect balance of sound amplification, features and comfort.

3. What challenges can I expect when using ITE hearing aids?

ITE hearing aids are a little smaller than BTE hearing aids, which means they can potentially be damaged more easily. You will also have a slightly harder time cleaning them, but your audiologist will likely provide you with reading material to help you maintain them. ITE hearing aids are also smaller and finicky, which can be a challenge for anyone that suffers from limited dexterity.

4. Are there settings I can adjust on ITE hearing aids?

Yes. Your audiologist will run you through the basics of adjusting the volume and directional microphones. Depending on the model of your hearing aid, it may come with fewer or more settings for you to change.

ITE hearing aids are a great choice for anyone looking for a discreet yet powerful hearing aid. Your audiologist will likely have a choice ready for you when you attend your hearing aid fitting, but there’s no harm in mentioning ITE hearing aids if you feel that they would be a better fit. The fitting process will take longer, but it’s well worth the added comfort.