In-the-ear hearing aids are devices that fit directly in the ear canal, rather than sitting behind the ear. These aids are generally less visible and don’t have any external wires or tubes since all the components are contained within the device itself. To qualify as an in-the-ear hearing aid, the majority of the device must sit entirely within the ear canal, with no part protruding from the ear. This makes them different from behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids, where the device sits behind the ear.

Types of in-the-ear hearing aids

In-the-ear hearing aids are compact devices, usually no larger than a thumbnail, designed to sit flush within or completely inside the ear canal. The most common types include:

Completely-in-canal (CIC)

CIC hearing aids sit about 1/2mm inside the ear canal’s opening. They’re positioned in the first bend of the ear canal and are typically invisible when viewed head-on. However, they may be visible when viewed from an angle.

Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC)

IIC hearing aids fit deeply into the second bend of the ear canal, making them some of the smallest and most discreet hearing aids available. They are fully hidden from view, no matter the angle.

Are in-the-ear hearing aids only digital?

No, both analog and digital in-the-ear hearing aids exist, though digital models are much more common today.

Are in-the-ear hearing aids better than behind-the-ear?

While all hearing aids have their pros and cons, the key is choosing one that fits your lifestyle and hearing needs. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of in-the-ear hearing aids:

Advantages of in-the-ear hearing aids

• Small and easy to store
• Fits most ear canals
• Affordable
• Digital technology
• Discreet and practically invisible
• Bluetooth connectivity (if offered)

Disadvantages of in-the-ear hearing aids

• Can be difficult to insert for those with dexterity issues
• Small size makes them easy to lose
• May not fit all ear canals
• Limited functionality compared to BTE and RIC models

In-the-ear hearing aid features

Modern in-the-ear hearing aids offer a range of features, including:

Bluetooth®

Bluetooth®-enabled hearing aids connect to both Android and iOS smartphones, allowing wearers to adjust settings and volume via a brand-specific app. Bluetooth® streaming models also allow wearers to stream audio, such as music and phone calls, directly from their smartphones or TVs.

Rechargeability

Many in-the-ear hearing aids are rechargeable, as their small size can’t accommodate traditional hearing aid batteries. For example, Go Hearing offers rechargeable Go Lite and Go Prime models, with a convenient charging case that can recharge the devices up to six times before needing to be recharged itself.

Noise reduction

Some in-the-ear hearing aids use advanced software to adjust volume automatically. They lower the volume in noisy environments and boost soft speech, providing optimal hearing across various settings. This feature may increase the price but enhances the overall experience.

Are in-the-ear hearing aids for everyone?

No hearing aid is universally perfect. The best type for someone depends on their unique hearing levels, budget, and lifestyle. While in-the-ear hearing aids offer a great balance of discretion and functionality, some people may find BTE or RIC devices more suitable, especially if they have larger ear canals or prefer a different fit.

When shopping for in-the-ear hearing aids online, consider a reputable brand that offers a trial period or a money-back guarantee, demonstrating confidence in the product’s quality. Go Hearing, for instance, offers a 45-day risk-free trial on both Go Lite and Go Prime hearing aids.

Get your Go hearing aids today here.