In-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aids? Which is better?

ITE hearing aids are recommended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Ideal for those who value comfort and discretion and can afford slightly higher costs.

There are three types of in-the-ear hearing aids; the regular ITE (In-the-ear) hearing aids, where the shell is inserted into the ear canal; ITC (In-the-canal) hearing aids, which are placed directly in the ear canal; CIC (Completely In Canal) hearing aids, which feature a thin nylon string to pull them out of the canal.

Thanks to their small size, ITE hearing aids are lightweight and practical, designed for the style-conscious who want an almost invisible solution. Their main advantages include: 

• discretion;
• the ability to transmit clear, natural sound;
• comfort, especially if you wear glasses or play sports.

Some of the disadvantages of choosing this type of hearing aid include:

• suitable for people with mild or moderate but not severe hearing loss;
• a higher price;
• less battery life than other models.

RIC hearing aids are a great solution for moderate to severe hearing loss. The receiver is covered with a silicone sleeve so it can fit in any ear canal. Due to their user-friendly design, RIC hearing aids are ideal for first-time users.

Its main advantages include:

• greater discretion in use;
• the possibility of using rechargeable batteries; 
• practicality.

The main disadvantage of this model lies in its vulnerability to moisture and earwax, which requires careful maintenance.