You’ll likely encounter numerous hearing aid designs and features when choosing a device for a loved one or for yourself; among the more common is in-the-ear (ITE). These tiny devices are made to fit in the lower portion of the outer ear, making them a comfortable choice for listeners with mild to moderate hearing problems. Keep reading to find out more about this popular hearing aid style.
In-the-ear hearing aids are specially designed to fit each wearer’s ear. Your hearing professional will make a mold of your ear to make sure that the end result is a perfect fit. By doing so, you will enjoy high quality sound, low feedback, and an extremely comfortable overall experience. All the components needed for this type of hearing aid are stored in a single case, eliminating the need for wires and tubes. Overall they are easy to use being very lightweight and comfortable.
ITE devices are especially capable of picking up high-frequency sounds. 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. In-the-ear hearing aids are very small, which offers both advantages and disadvantages.
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. However, this small size also causes a short battery life and keeps them from having all the features found in some other devices. Their small size also keeps people who have poor eyesight or motor control from easily operating the controls and replacing the batteries.
While some users may not find in-the-ear hearing aids ideal, for many others they are the ideal device. A hearing aid specialist can help you evaluate your options and make recommendations based on your needs and preferences.