ITE

ITE hearing aids take two forms. The smaller, half shell ITE hearing aid fits into the lower half of your external ear, or concha, while the larger, full shell ITE hearing aids fill the entire external ear. Both types of ITE hearing aids are custom-molded to fit your ear and made from a durable, hard plastic. A portion of the hearing aid shell extends into your ear canal. Both styles allow the use of larger batteries for longer battery life.

While smaller than behind-the-ear hearing aids, ITE hearing aids are large enough to contain features not available in smaller custom-made hearing aids. Possible features include:

• Directional microphones: Smaller custom hearing aids only have space for a single microphone, which can reduce your ability to detect where sounds come from. ITE hearing aids often have two directional microphones, allowing you to better determine whether sounds come from behind or in front of you. Directional microphones can also diminish background noise during conversations.
• Volume control settings: Because ITE hearing aids sit in the bowl of the ear, they can include volume control and other setting controls on the outer part of the hearing aid, making it easy to adjust settings on the go.
• Telecoils: Telecoils are small magnetic devices that allow you to hear audio signals through the hearing aid. Telecoils make it easier to hear phone calls and can connect to induction loop systems. Induction loop systems are special audio systems found in churches, schools, airports, museums, auditoriums, and many other public places.
• Bluetooth: ITE hearing aids may offer Bluetooth connectivity, but as of now, the technology doesn’t work as well as it does in BTE and RIC hearing aids.  

ITE hearing aids combine many of the benefits of behind-the-ear hearing aids and in-the-canal hearing aids. As such, they’re a good choice for people who have concerns about cosmetics but want the most features from their hearing aid. The benefits of ITE hearing aids include:

• The size and shape make them easy to insert and remove
• Built-in controls make customizing settings simple
• Easy to use with phones
• Reduced risk of feedback by reducing acoustic leakage
• Less likely to come loose when you’re talking or chewing.
• The only custom hearing aids large enough to include telecoils and directional microphones
• Lightweight and comfortable

• ITE hearing aids are the most visible type of custom hearing aids
• May be affected by wind noise
• Difficult to clean
• People with severe dexterity or vision problems may have difficulty using and maintaining ITE hearing aids
• As the hearing aid sits in the ear, ITE hearing aid is more susceptible to wax and moisture damage than behind-the-ear models and must be cleaned frequently