How Do ITE Hearing Aids Work?
In-the-ear hearing aids sit in the bowl shape of the outer ear where they collect sounds from the outside world through a tiny microphone. The device then duplicates those sounds as a digital signal. In real time, an amplifier converts the code into sound waves and delivers the sound to your ear through speakers.
What You Need to Know Before Buying an ITE Hearing Aid
Type Of Hearing Loss
Not all in-the-ear hearing aids are made alike. ITE devices can accommodate users with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss, depending on the brand and levels of technology. Likewise, users should consider whether they need hearing aids in one or both ears, as hearing from both sides delivers more natural sound signals to the brain. Check with a hearing specialist to be sure that your choice supports your particular hearing needs.
Bluetooth Streaming
This isn’t just for the high-tech user. Bluetooth connectivity is a very practical feature for those with hearing loss. Consider the convenience of being able to take a phone call directly from your device. A user can watch TV with family while the perfect volume plays in their ears alone. If you regularly take calls, listen to music, or watch videos, you may opt for Bluetooth technology. Be aware that some devices require an intermediary device, while others stream directly to your aid.
Size
The size of your ITE device doesn’t just speak to physical comfort—it can also impact features like battery life and sound quality. A large, full shell in-ear aid can accommodate larger microphones to discern speech from background noise. The capacity for larger batteries can translate to a longer battery life. The slighter, half shell ITE may have smaller microphones and batteries, but are also less likely to pick up wind noise than their larger counterparts.
How Much Do In-ear Hearing Aids Cost?
Hearing aid costs vary widely based on the brand, technology, and type of service. The distribution model will also influence price; are you buying directly from the company or through a third party? Purchasing a hearing aid is an investment in a complex medical device, and prospective buyers should expect to pay from about $1,000 to $5,000 for a pair.
How Can I Save Money on In-ear Hearing Aids?
Many hearing aid companies offer promotions and special offers. A budget shopper will find cheaper options with a company that sells directly to consumers rather than through a distributor, as pricing through a third-party hearing center can be highly variable and hard to predict.
Alternatively, a discount network like Zip Hearing can offer savings on leading brands of hearing devices, sometimes at 30 percent off the regular pricing.
The biggest savings on hearing aids come from insurance coverage. We recommend inquiring with your insurance company to see if they offer even partial coverage on hearing devices. Unfortunately, Medicare Parts A and B do not cover hearing aids, but there are some Part C (Advantage) plans and private insurance providers that do.
Buying In-ear Hearing Aids In-person Versus Online
While there is a seemingly endless supply of online hearing aid providers meeting every style and budget—online shopping for hearing support isn’t for everyone. For customers with moderate to severe hearing loss, an in-person appointment at a hearing center can help whittle out devices that won’t make the cut. These consultations are also important for accurate hearing screenings and custom fittings, along with follow-up services with an audiologist to help you adjust to life with your new technology.
If you already have a functional hearing aid but are shopping around for something better, you may have the latitude to consider online options. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association advises that it’s important to have a backup hearing aid in case your new hearing aid needs to be sent back. The best customers for online hearing aids are tech-savvy problem solvers who are comfortable setting up their new device without in-person professional support
How to Find the Best Fitting In-ear Hearing Aid
Every patient should start their hearing aid search by consulting their audiologist. Hearing professionals can help narrow the field based on your specific type of hearing loss and lifestyle.
Users will have to choose between two main styles of in-the-ear hearing aids: the full and half shell. A full shell ITE fills most of the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear while the half fits in just the lower part. Both sit flush within the ear, as opposed to the hook-and-tube style of BTE and RIC aids. You may need to head to an in-person hearing center to try multiple sizes and designs before landing on a comfortable match. There’s no sure-fire way to know how a hearing aid will fit other than to test multiple options and find a device that feels tailored to your ear.
Other Important Factors to Consider
Trial
Many hearing aid companies offer a 30- to 60-day money-back trial before you commit to the device. This leeway is especially helpful when it comes to online shopping for hearing aids, where trying before you buy isn’t possible. Risk-free trials allow you to choose a device because it suits you, without worrying about losing your investment.
Cost
A hearing device is a complex piece of equipment that can greatly improve your quality of life. While it makes sense that such advanced technology would be expensive, it shouldn’t be a burden. Compare prices, especially between companies that sell directly to consumers versus those that sell through other providers, where pricing can fluctuate.
Customer Support
Hearing aids are intricate devices that sometimes need repairs, maintenance, and adjustments. Take a look at third-party reviews before going all-in on a brand. How do companies respond when problems arise? Some companies integrate customer support right into the technology, like those who offer customer service and telehealth appointments within the app.
How We Made Our Picks
We determined our top picks based on the following criteria:
- Price
- Audiologist care
- Warranty
- Customer satisfaction
- Customer service
- Features such as Bluetooth capability and rechargeable batteries
- Comfort and fit
- Reliability
Bottom Line
In-ear hearing aids—also known as in-the-ear (ITE) devices—are a subtle, cosmetically appealing alternative to the larger behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal models. This style is small enough to be inconspicuous, but large enough to accommodate technology like directional microphones, telecoils, and tinnitus balancing devices.
If you want the best customer support in the industry, your choice should be the Signia Insio. The app is a mind-reader, and we mean that literally; the Signia Assistant remembers your adjustments in order to tailor your hearing aids’ performance to changing sound situations. Also, you can make adjustments, chat with customer support, or even video chat with a hearing specialist from the Signia app on your phone. For a hardy little ITE aid, go with the Phonak Virto Marvel. The B-Titanium model isn’t just sleek—using titanium allowed Phonak designers to go smaller without compromising integrity. Finally, for those who want an easy, set-and-forget Bluetooth experience, we recommend the Widex Moment, which doesn’t require any extra accessories to connect the device in your ear.
