In this blog, we are continuing our series on different types of hearing aids. So far, we’ve covered ‘Invisible in the Ear Canal’ (IIC) and ‘Completely in the Canal’ (CIC) hearing aids. Within this article, we reference these hearing aids and compare them against one another. If you haven’t already, we recommend you read through our blogs on these before this one.
We will be covering ‘In the Canal’ (ITC) hearing aids today, and highlighting both their pros and cons.
In the Canal, aids are larger than CIC hearing aids and are designed to fit the lower half of the external ear. They also require ear impressions to fit your ear, much like CIC and IIC hearing aids. What sets this aid apart from the other aids mentioned, however, is that the ITC aids use a size 312 battery which can last between 7 and 10 days, compared to the 3-5 days that the other two provide. What is also important to note though, is that the faceplate and battery draw of this hearing aid is fully exposed, making it much more visible in comparison to the IIC and CIC options.
Because it is larger, the ITC hearing aids are a handy alternative to the IIC and CIC options for people who may have manual dexterity issues. Its bigger size also means that can house a more powerful receiver, making it an option for those who have severe hearing losses. Also, due to its size, its bigger faceplate and microphones make understanding speech much easier. In the Canal Hearing Aids are completely wireless, and can be connected with smartphones and wireless accessories, which is very beneficial to some.
It does have some drawbacks, however. Its bigger size can put off those who are wanting their hearing aid to be hidden, and if the ear canal of the user changes shape, the aid may have to be re-shelled to fit your ear once again.
Do you think an ITC hearing aid could be suitable for you? At Otec Hearing, we ensure that you are provided with a hearing aid that meets your specific needs. Feel free to get in touch with us for more information.
