In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aids can be used for a wide range of hearing losses. Due to their size, ITE hearing aidsallow for larger sound amplifiers and more features such as a telephone switch. They are also much easier to handle. This type of hearing aid fills the outer ear. The hearing aid case is custom made out of a hard plastic material. As shown, the hearing aid case houses all of the miniaturized hearing aid parts.The ITE style is available with programmable, digital, and conventional technology.

Advantages

• The ITE aid fills the entire ear.
• ITE hearing aids are used for a wide range of hearing losses.
• An ITE aid can hold a larger sound amplifier and more features than a canal hearing aid (i.e. directional microphone).
• An ITE aid is easier to handle and adjust.

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Disadvantages

• ITE aids are rarely prescribed for children due to their continuously growing ear canals.
• Feedback is possible due to closeness of the microphone and the receiver.
• The small size of the battery door and volume control may be difficult to adjust.
• ITE hearing aids are in the ear, but they can be more easily seen by an observer.
• ITE aids can be damaged by earwax and drainage.

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Hearing aid batteries

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