Hearing aids come in two basic styles: those that fit in the ear and those that sit behind the ear. Understanding the differences between each style is important and will help you determine which style is best for you.
In this article, we'll discuss:
Fit
Both hearing aid styles are designed to be small and discreet.
ITC (in-the-canal) hearing aids have a small, inconspicuous design that fits into most ear canals, sitting at the opening of the ear. There is nothing behind the ear to interfere with eyeglasses, masks, or oxygen. Our ITC model only comes in one size, with three different size dome options for your comfort. If the ITC model does not fit your ear comfortably with any of the included domes, we recommend you use the BTE.
BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids consist of two compact parts connected by a small, thin tube. One part—the body of the hearing aid—sits discreetly behind your ear. The other part—the tip—fits into your ear canal. It is designed to allow room for eyeglasses, masks, and oxygen. The tip that fits in your ear canal comes in many different sizes and designs and can fit most ear canals comfortably. If the BTE does not fit behind your ear comfortably and discreetly, we recommend you try the ITC.
Hearing Loss Fitting Range
ITC and BTE hearing aid styles have different fitting ranges.
Our ITC hearing aid is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss. If your hearing loss is in the moderately-severe range, we recommend you choose the BTE model.
Our BTE hearing aids are suitable for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss.
Our hearing aids cannot fit severe or profound hearing loss.
Sound Quality
Both hearing aid styles have outstanding sound quality.
Our ITC hearing aid has best-in-class sound quality to help you hear conversation more effortlessly. It helps you understand speech more clearly, making conversations easier. If you still experience unpleasant sound quality like an echo or a “barrel” sound after wearing the ITC for 2-3 weeks, we recommend using the BTE model.
Our BTE hearing aids have useful features to help you understand speech better even in noisy environments, like restaurants and family gatherings. The BTE also has a more open fitting which causes less “barrel” or echo sounds that can happen when the ear canal is sealed by the ITC hearing aid placement.
Sound Settings
ITC and BTE hearing aid models have different sound settings.
Our ITC hearing aid has a volume control with several levels to adjust the loudness to your comfort level. It does not have pre-programmed environment settings.
Our BTE hearing aids have a volume dial to adjust the loudness to your preference. They also have a program button to adjust for different environments (such as in restaurants, while watching TV, etc.).