If you’re in need of hearing aids and looking for an easy-to-use option, consider in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. These hearing aids are hidden in the ear and amplify sound to help improve the user’s hearing. Read on to learn more about ITE hearing aids and determine if they might be the right choice for you.
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Jabra Enhance High-Tech Hearing Aids
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What Are In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids?
“ITE hearing aids are a certain style of hearing aids that are custom-made to fit inside the lower portion of the ear,” says Leslie Soiles, chief audiologist at HearingLife. Located in the ear canal, these devices consist of a microphone, amplifier and receiver that reproduce sounds at different frequencies to improve hearing.
ITE hearing aids do not feature a component looped behind the ear, says Dr. Soiles. Instead, everything is self-contained within a custom-made shell that is inserted into the ear canal. ITE hearing aids are available in two different sizes: half shell and full shell, adds Amy Sarow, a Michigan-based audiologist. A half shell takes up less space in your ear than a full shell hearing aid.
How ITE Hearing Aids Work
ITE hearing aids are designed to fit inside your ear completely. “These hearing aids pick up sound from the microphone that is sent through an amplifier and into the ear canal,” says Dr. Sarow. “One of the greatest advantages of ITE hearing aids is their larger batteries with longer battery lifes.” Additionally, most ITE hearing aids feature Bluetooth compatibility, she notes.”
Some ITE aids also have telecoils, which are small magnetic coils of copper that can pick up electromagnetic signals. Telecoils allow users to hear phone conversations as well as sounds in public facilities like schools, airports and churches, thanks to separate special sound systems known as induction loop systems.
Who Might Benefit Most From ITE Hearing Aids?
“Anyone who has difficulty keeping a hearing aid from falling out from behind their ear would be a good candidate for an ITE-style hearing aid,” says Dr. Soiles, specifically noting that people who struggle to use face masks while wearing hearing aids or a person who wears glasses might also prefer this type of hearing aid. People with small ears may also benefit from this style of hearing aid because they require a certain amount of space between the head and the pinna (the shell of the ear) in order to remain tucked comfortably back there. Smaller ears have more limited space, and an in-the-ear style hearing aid may provide a more comfortable fit.
“Generally, people with mild hearing loss run the risk of experiencing a blockage with in-the-ear style hearing aids that interrupt access to natural hearing. For that reason, in-the-ear style hearing aids work very well for people with moderate to severe hearing loss, where there is less usable natural hearing available,” explains Dr. Soiles.
ITE hearing aids are also worth considering for anyone who wears medical equipment, such as an oxygen tube that goes behind their ear, or for people with dexterity or vision issues, according to Sarah Lundstrom, an audiologist at HearCare Audiology Center of Florida. In-the-ear style hearing aids are also a great option for people who are concerned about the cosmetic appearance of hearing aids.
However, Dr. Sarow notes that those with low-frequency hearing may not like the sound quality of these devices, as placing a hearing aid in their ears can muffle natural hearing in the same way an earplug would. She explains that the amplification from the devices would then be set to overcome the effect that happens from blocking the ear.
“As with anything new, wearing a hearing aid can take an adjustment period. Most patients can adjust to the sensation of having something in their ear within the first few weeks. After a while, they may be so used to wearing them that they forget their hearing aids are in their ears. Of course, if anything is uncomfortable or causing irritation, it’s important to follow-up with the health care provider who fitted them,” Dr. Sarow adds.
FEATURED PARTNER OFFER
Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services
Audicus Hearing Aids
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How Much Do ITE Hearing Aids Cost?
The cost of ITE hearing aids depends on how sophisticated the computer chip is inside of them. Additional features, such as background noise reduction, directional microphones, wind noise cancellation and feedback management can also affect the price, according to Jillian Price, chief audiologist at HearingLife Canada. ITE hearing aids can cost anywhere from $800 up to $3,000 apiece, adds Dr. Soiles.
How to Buy ITE Hearing Aids
Since ITE hearing aids are custom made, they aren’t available to purchase over-the-counter. “You’ll want to find an audiologist in your area and set up a hearing aid evaluation appointment,” says Dr. Sarow. “If you have not had a hearing test within the last six months, it will be needed prior to the appointment as well. During the appointment, the audiologist will go over your hearing test results as well as what type of ITE or other hearing aid is recommended.”
“The hearing care professional will use a putty that is placed inside of your ear canal to obtain an impression. Then, they’ll send the impression to the hearing aid manufacturer,” adds Dr. Soiles.
The education and service a person receives is more important than the brand of hearing aid they choose to use, says Dr. Lundstrom.
“Having the best hearing starts with a good exam and proper programming with real ear verification,” she adds.
Top ITE Hearing Aids, According to Experts
If you’re in the market for ITE hearing aids, here are some expert-recommended options to explore.
Phonak Virto Paradise
- Starting price per pair: $1,862
- Priced at an average of 40% lower than retail pricing
- Your new hearing aids will be hand-delivered to your home by a Yes Specialist
On ZipHearing's Website
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“The Phonak Virto Paradise offers great sound quality and is compatible with iOS and Android devices for streaming and app adjustments,” says Dr. Sarow. “This hearing aid also has a button for manual adjustments, and it comes in a variety of colors to match skin tone.”
GN Resound Custom Hearing Aids
- Starting price per pair: $3,185
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“The GN Resound Custom hearing aid is also a great choice,” says Dr. Sarow, adding that it offers quality amplification and comes in a rechargeable version as well, which may be helpful for users who have difficulty changing batteries.
Signia Insio Charge&Go
- Starting price per pair: $4,802
On ZipHearing's Website
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“The charger is easy to use, especially if dexterity is a concern, as the hearing aid does not need to be in a particular position while charging,” says Dr. Sarow, who adds that it provides a 24-hour battery life from a full charge.
Hearing Aids Personalized For You
Jabra Enhance's hearing aids are custom-programmed based on your test results so that you'll have personalized sound right out of the box.
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