Understanding ITC Hearing Aids

If your audiologist has suggested you may benefit from hearing aids, you will undoubtedly want to ensure you find a hearing aid that suits you specifically. In order to ensure you are able to make the right choice, below, is an overview of one of the most common devices currently available: in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids.

The basic ITC hearing aid design

ITC hearing aids are small devices that contain all of the essential components in a single piece. The hearing aid itself sits in the ear canal, making it relatively inconspicuous and – in most cases – almost undetectable to onlookers.

It is worth noting that two other types of hearing aids – completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC) – fall into the ITC classification. Each of these styles is worn in the canal, however, they can vary in location and size, which is why it’s important to talk about your options and needs with an audiologist.

The pros of ITC hearing aids

• The biggest benefit of ITC hearing aids is their small size and the position they are worn; most users find that ITC styles are the most discreet.
• However, the smaller size of ITC hearing aids does not mean a loss of power, these can be worn by individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
• ITC hearing aids are custom-made for the user, which helps to ensure they are very comfortable to wear
• ITC hearing aids often utilize dual microphones, which help to provide excellent sound quality; in particular, these hearing aids make it a lot simpler to distinguish speech from background noise

The cons of ITC hearing aids

• As ITC hearing aids are placed very close to the ear canal, issues with earwax buildup are relatively common – though frequent cleaning can help to prevent this
• Some users find that ITC hearing aids make using a telephone somewhat uncomfortable; the phone may have to be held in a different position to ensure sound is received through the front microphone
• Although twin microphones are often used in ITC hearing aids, this is somewhat subjective: for users with particularly small ears, there may not be enough space to accommodate two microphones, which can negate the enhanced sound quality this type of device typically provides

Are ITC hearing aids the right choice for you?

ITC hearing aids are excellent devices, offering superior power while remaining relatively unobtrusive. It is, however, important to discuss your purchasing decisions with your audiologist in order to decide if ITC hearing aids are suitable for your individual needs. Talk more with your audiologist about ITC hearing aids, as well as the other behind the ear and in the ear options.