When searching for a hearing aid a loved one or for yourself you will be confronted by a range of designs and shapes, and one of the most 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. Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of ITE hearing aids.

Each ITE hearing aid is custom made for the wearer because it must fit the exact shape of your ear. The custom fit is achieved by first creating an ear mold which becomes the template for the device’s shape. 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. 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). Unlike a behind-the-ear model, these devices can take advantage of the outer ear’s ability to collect and focus high frequency sound waves. ITE devices are also recessed far enough into the ear that headsets and telephones can usually be used normally. In-the-ear hearing aids are very small, which offers both advantages and disadvantages.

Small size is good for wearers that wish to disguise their hearing aid. 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.

As with all the hearing aid styles available, ITE hearing aid has both advantages and disadvantages. A hearing aid specialist can help you evaluate your options and make recommendations based on your needs and preferences.