What are ITC Hearing Aids?

It is estimated that hearing loss affects around one in six people. A hearing aid is a device that uses electronic amplification to improve hearing and speech comprehension for those with hearing impairments.

There are three main types of hearing aids: in the canal (ITC), behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE). 

ITC Hearing Aid

ITC hearing aids are small hearing aids that fit just inside the ear canal, sitting comfortably alongside hearing aids fitted to the outer ear. They are designed for people with mild hearing loss which does not interfere with daily activities but may impact the ability to understand speech in some situations such as group conversations in restaurants or even hearing a whispered conversation from across the room. 

One hearing aid is fitted to the hearing impaired side and works alongside a hearing aid fitted to the hearing ear. Tubing runs from behind the ear, connecting it to hearing aids slipped inside each ear. They are used by people with mild hearing loss who do not need two hearing aids in both ears or have hearing loss in one ear.

BTE Hearing Aid

People with hearing loss who may benefit include those who do not need hearing aids in both ears or who have hearing loss in one ear. This style of hearing aid is designed to sit discreetly behind the ear and is usually connected by tubing to a hearing aid inserted into the outer part of the ear canal.

People who may benefit from BTE hearing aids include those with mild hearing loss which do not interfere with daily activities but may impact the ability to understand speech in some situations such as group conversations in restaurants or even hearing a whispered conversation from across the room.

ITE Hearing Aid  

ITE hearing aids, sit in the outer bowl, there are two types: full-shell and half-shell. These are custom-molded hearing aids, that will fit comfortably in you ear. ITE will cover mild-to- moderately-severe hearing loss. They come in different sizes and can be matched to your skin-tone.

Hearing Aids as a Tool

Virtually all hearing aids allow for amplification in loud places and have various features to improve hearing including noise reduction, directional microphones or telecoils. Hearing loss is a common condition in older people, but hearing aids are now available to treat hearing loss in children as young as six months.

Hearing aids are available either with a rechargeable battery or a hearing aid that uses zinc-air batteries that need to be replaced every two weeks to 24 months depending on the hearing aid style and brand.

Whatever style of hearing aid is best for an individual, it's important that wearing hearing aids is something they treasure, hearing aids should be a tool that allows people to live their lives fully!