When choosing a hearing aid, you may be faced with an important decision: Into-ear (BTE) or in-ear (ITE)? These two hearing AIDS each have advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different hearing needs and lifestyles. I hope that through this article, I will introduce the characteristics of these two hearing AIDS to readers and help you make a more informed choice.
Advantages and disadvantages of back-of-ear hearing AIDS
Advantages:
- Suitable for all kinds of hearing loss: back-of-ear hearing AIDS are worn on the outside of the ear and transmit sound to the ear through the ear hook. It is designed to amplify hearing loss from mild to severe and is a universal hearing aid.
- Good sound quality and powerful function: Due to the larger size of the hearing aid, it can accommodate a stronger processing chip and a larger capacity battery, which usually has better sound quality and longer battery life. They can also be equipped with more advanced features such as wireless connectivity, noise reduction technology, and more.
- Easy to adjust and maintain: The housing design of the into-hearing aid makes it easier for the user or hearing specialist to adjust the volume and other Settings. At the same time, because it is not fully embedded in the ear canal, cleaning and maintenance are relatively simple.
Cons:
- More conspicuous: back-of-ear hearing AIDS are worn on the outside of the ear, which may be noticed by others, which is a major deficiency for those who pursue concealment.
- Obvious wearing feeling: Because it is located behind the ear and connected to the ear through a catheter, some users may feel heavy wearing, especially during prolonged use.
Advantages and disadvantages of in-ear hearing AIDS
Advantages:
- Strong concealment: the in-ear hearing aid is completely embedded in the ear canal, and the appearance is more hidden and not easy to be detected, which is a major advantage for users who pay attention to the appearance.
- Comfortable and natural to wear: Because there is no ear hanging part, in-ear hearing AIDS are more closely fitted to the ear canal, providing a more natural feeling of wearing, and will not affect the wearing of glasses or hats.
- Easy control: Despite the small size of the in-ear hearing aid, many models still provide easy control methods, such as touch or smartphone App control, so that users can easily adjust the Settings.
Cons:
- Limited scope of application: The power of in-ear hearing AIDS is small, usually suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss, not for patients with severe hearing loss.
- Short battery life: Due to its small size, the battery capacity of in-ear hearing AIDS is also smaller, and the battery life is usually shorter than that of in-ear hearing AIDS, and the battery may need to be replaced or charged more frequently.
- Higher maintenance difficulty: in-ear hearing AIDS are more susceptible to earwax and need to be cleaned and maintained more frequently. In addition, if the Settings need to be adjusted, professional equipment is usually required to do so.
How to choose the right hearing aid for you?
Which hearing aid you choose ultimately depends on your hearing condition, lifestyle, and personal preferences. If you need a device with stronger volume, rich features, and easy maintenance, an ear-back hearing aid may be a better choice. Conversely, if you are more concerned about concealment and comfort and have less hearing loss, in-ear hearing AIDS may be better for you.
No matter what kind of hearing aid you choose, it is important to have your hearing checked regularly and maintain your equipment. If you are not sure which hearing aid is best for you, it is recommended to consult an audiologist who can provide you with personalized advice and professional guidance.
It is hoped that by understanding the advantages and disadvantages of these two hearing AIDS, you will be able to better choose the most suitable hearing equipment for you and improve the quality of daily life.