In-the-ear Hearing Aids: Pros and Cons

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For people experiencing hearing loss, there are numerous options available in the market. While all hearing aids are designed to assist in hearing better, in-the-ear hearing aids can be very beneficial. Not only they provide a comfortable fit with a discreet look, but they also offer advantages you won’t find with other styles. Read this blog to find more about these hearing aids and what their pros and cons are.

There are three most common types of hearing aids:

1. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid

2. Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid

3. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid

Both BTE and RICs rest behind the ear. Sound travels to the ear canal either through a thin and clear tubing or through the receiver wire. On the other hand, ITEs fit completely in the bowl of the ear or the ear canal without the use of any wires, tubing or anything that rests behind the ear.

What are In-the-ear Hearing Aids?

Most in-the-ear hearing aids can be used for mild to moderate hearing loss. Generally speaking, the smaller the device is, the less powerful it is. They sit in the outer ear bowl, allowing them to be smaller than behind-the-ear styles. When you select them, your audiologist needs to scan the inside of your ear or take an impression for a personalized fit.

In-the-ear hearing aids provide a level of sound unmatched elsewhere. That is why the have become number one choice for people wearing hearing aids for the first time.

Main Features of In- The-Ear Hearing Aids

There are many different types and models of hearing aids that can be recommended by your audiologist once you go for an assessment. Your nature of hearing loss and the severity of it will be determined. In ear hearing aids come with an array of features and add-ons. Although small in size, they can handle advanced features.

• Custom- Made Fit

They are often tailored to the exact shape of the ear. They tend to be more comfortable in case you have an uncommon ear size or shape. They can be made to match your skin tone as well. In this way, the flesh colors blend in a better way so they won’t be noticeable.

• Simple Controls

Since their design is small, this means they will have simple controls. They are usually chosen for program control or volume. Some of them have Bluetooth compatibility for changing programs or volume. Many of the smaller IIC and CIC ones don’t have Bluetooth due to their small size.

• Tiny Batteries

Such hearing aids accommodate very small batteries, which allow the device to be small enough to fit deep in the ear canal. Size 13 hearing aid batteries are most commonly found in (BTE) and (ITE) hearing aids.

• Feedback Cancellation

Most of the latest in-the-ear hearing aids have tiny computer chips that minimize feedback. Wearing a hat or hugging a loved one will not be annoying anymore.

• Noise Reduction

In ear hearing aids feature noise reduction. This feature identifies and filters background noise. You can better hear people talking, giving you a better listening comfort and less listening effort.

In-The-Ear Hearing Aids: Pros and Cons

There are many advantages and drawbacks to using in-the-ear hearing aids over other styles.

Advantages

What are the pros of having in-the-ear hearing aids? Well firstly they are virtually invisible!

1. They are typically custom fitted and made in skin-tone shades, making them discreet.

2. They are very easy to insert and remove during the day. They are considered lightweight since they don’t press down on the ear.

3. They are less prone to feedback or whistling sounds because of their location of the microphone and speaker.

4. They can be large enough for additional features, such as directional microphones, Bluetooth connectivity and feedback reduction. This helps to get enough volume when spending time in noisy environments.

Disadvantages

There are some disadvantages to consider when choosing which hearing aids are right for you.

1. Some people might find it uncomfortable to have their haring aids inserted into their ear canal.

2. In-the-ear hearing aids are not suitable for those experiencing severe hearing loss.

3. It recommends constant and daily basis cleaning or else, you increase the risk of getting an infection or earwax impaction. Because of their small size, they are more prone to moisture and earwax buildup.

4. They are typically available in hearing clinics.

5. They involve more maintenance and repairs than some of their counterparts.

With so many types of hearing aids around, it can be very daunting to decide which one is best for you. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each and most importantly seek guidance from an audiologist in order to evaluate all of your options. If you need any assistance or guidance, you can contact us. Your local Widex team is always ready to handle your inquiry.