Your choice of hearing aids can be a little confusing. There are various styles available and, apart from the appearance, you might be wondering what the differences are. One of the styles you will come across is in-the-canal or ITC hearing aids. These hearing aids sit just inside the ear canal, so that they are slightly more discreet than some other styles, such as behind-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids. They are custom fit so that they’re comfortable but still large enough to accommodate useful features. ITC hearing aids could be the right choice for you, but your hearing specialist can help you to make the best decision. Take a look at some of the important questions surrounding ITC hearing aids.

Are ITC hearing aids right for your needs?

Everyone who requires hearing aids needs to know which style is most suitable for both their hearing requirements and their lifestyle. If you’re looking for a discreet, less noticeable hearing aid, ITC hearing aids could be what you want. However, you need to consider whether they are suitable for you and will give your hearing the boost it needs, ITC hearing aids are suitable for mild to mildly severe hearing loss, but if you have less hearing than that, you might need to consider another style. Another thing to consider is that they are generally not suitable for people who want only one hearing aid. However, they offer several benefits if they are suitable for you, such as being easy to handle and being less likely to produce feedback.

What ongoing costs will there be?

Hearing aids can get expensive, so knowing what costs you’re going to have in the long-term is important. Firstly, you should discuss with your hearing care specialist about the cost of ITC hearing aids compared to other styles. It’s not just the style that matters, but it could affect the price. ITC hearing aids might be more expensive than styles such as BTE and ITE hearing aids, but they could be more affordable than CIC hearing aids. However, it’s important to remember that brand, retailer and technology can all affect the price too. Then there are the ongoing costs. Your hearing aids will need batteries, so it’s important to ask about the cost of these. You might also need to pay for cleaning, care and servicing, and perhaps insurance for your hearing aids too.

How can you care for your ITC hearing aids?

You should speak to your hearing health professional about how to care for your ITC hearing aids. They can make recommendations based on the brand and how you use them. There are some general rules to follow to keep ITC hearing aids clean. With the right tools, you can keep them in good condition. It’s a good idea to focus on cleaning any openings such as the microphone ports using a soft brush. You can use a pick or hook to clean out anything that the brush didn’t clean and wipe your hearing aid with a clean and dry cloth or a tissue.