A Guide to ITC Hearing Aids

If you have hearing loss, it’s important to know what your treatment options are. For most people with hearing loss, hearing aids are the first-choice solution. Capable of amplifying the sounds around you and blocking out background noise, the right hearing aid can have a significant impact on your life. 

To learn more, take a look at this quick guide to in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids and find out whether an ITC device could be right for you.

How does an ITC hearing aid work?

An ITE hearing aid is designed to sit within the ear canal itself. As you can imagine, they’re extremely small and, when they’re worn, they’re virtually invisible. However, some ITC hearing aids fit more deeply in the canal than others, so keep this in mind when you’re deciding which model is best for you. 

ITC hearing aids consist of just a single unit, which means that all of the components are situated in the device itself. Even though the ITC device will sit within your ear canal, its advanced microphones and amplification capabilities ensure it can deliver an optimal auditory experience. 

What are the benefits of an ITC hearing aid?

As ITC hearing aids are so small, they’re very discreet. If you’re self-conscious about wearing a hearing aid, an ITC device could be the perfect choice for you. In addition to this, ITC devices are often available with a wide range of features, including smartphone apps, wireless connectivity, and tinnitus masking features. 

Due to their position inside the ear canal, ITC hearing aids are also less likely to pick up wind noise or interference, which can be a particular advantage when compared to other styles of hearing aids. 

Are there any drawbacks with ITC devices?

Due to their small size, ITC hearing aids can be tricky to handle, particularly if you have mobility issues or reduced dexterity. When you are cleaning your hearing aid, for example, you’ll need to be careful not to drop or misplace an ITC device! 

Although many ITC hearing devices do come with a wide range of features, they don’t always offer as many features as other types of hearing aids. Again, their smaller size means there’s only a limited amount of room for extra features to be included. 

Similarly, ITC hearing aids tend to use smaller batteries than other, larger hearing aids, which means batteries may need to be changed more frequently. However, choosing a rechargeable ITC hearing aid can eradicate this issue and increase convenience. 

Who can use ITC hearing aids?

In-the-canal hearing aids are usually most suited to adults who have mild to moderate hearing loss. However, your hearing health professional will be able to provide the bespoke advice you need when it comes to determining what style of hearing aid is best. As well as taking the severity of your hearing loss into account, your hearing health professional will also help you to determine which features are most important to you and assist you with choosing a device.