In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid sit just inside your ear canal for a less visible style of hearing device. The working parts are contained inside a tiny case that will either fit partially or fully into the ear canal, meaning only a small portion of the hearing aid is actually shown. ITC hearing aids are a very popular device and they generally boast a variety of features. Read on to get a good look at ITC hearing aids so that you can make the most informed decision when choosing a hearing aid for yourself or someone you love!
What Are the Features of an ITC Hearing Aid?
In-the-canal hearing aids are a comfortable choice, despite the fact that they may feel a little more intrusive when compared with styles like behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. ITC hearing aids work well in noisy places, and they usually boast volume controls that help you adapt to your environment. They are custom made to fit inside the lower third of your external ear.
Handy extraction cords can be attached to your hearing aid device so that you can insert and remove them from your ear with greater ease if you’re finding it a little fiddly. You can expect to find a variety of different colors if you choose an ITC hearing aid, including skin tones to help your device blend with your ear as much as possible. ITC hearing aids may be small but they are mighty, as they are known for having a longer battery life when compared with other models.
What are the Main Advantages and Disadvantages?
There are a number of advantages and disadvantages of ITC hearing aid devices that you should be aware of:
Advantages:
- Variety of color options available
- Nearly invisible due to their discreet position
- Long battery life
- Often come with wireless technology
Disadvantages:
- Can be challenging to take in and out if you have dexterity issues.
- May feel too intrusive for some
- Need to be cleaned more often due to buildup of earwax.
It’s always important that you can take the opportunity to clean your ITC hearing aid on a regular basis. You can easily purchase dedicated hearing aid cleaning kits that will help you to maintain your device in the most effective way, as it needs to remain as clean as can be to limit the risk of infection and stay in great working order.
What Kind of Hearing Loss Is an ITC Hearing Aid Best Suited for?
ITC hearing aids are particularly best suited for mild hearing loss. ITC hearing aids have dual microphones that can improve your understanding of speech in noisy locations, so they are a great choice for social butterflies who want to hear exactly what their loved ones are saying.
Get in touch with your audiologist to see whether an ITC hearing aid is right for you.
