In-The-Canal (ITC)
ITC hearing aids are larger than both Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) and Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) options. While less discrete, this increased size enables them to offer more power, battery life and useful everyday features. All while continuing to provide a one-piece solution with a custom-made earpiece sculpted to fit the lower third of your outer ear. Also, they directly connect to mobile phones and other Bluetooth devices. This allows you to take and receive calls, listen to music and watch tv. We sometimes add a small, clear cord to help with removal where necessary.
ITC hearing aids are larger than both Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) and Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) options. While less discrete, this increased size enables them to offer more power, battery life and useful everyday features. All while continuing to provide a one-piece solution with a custom-made earpiece sculpted to fit the lower third of your outer ear. Also, they directly connect to mobile phones and other Bluetooth devices. This allows you to take and receive calls, listen to music and watch tv. We sometimes add a small, clear cord to help with removal where necessary.
With the ITC hearing aid, some of the positive effects created by the pinna (outer ear) are lost in comparison to the IICs and CICs. However, this is more than made up for by the fact ITCs use directional microphones. This is the primary technology that enables wearers to separate speech from background noise.
We can also fit wireless modules and telecoils into ITCs that enable you to use loop systems or connect to mobile phones and other pieces of technology. Due to their larger size, they can be made to fit most people’s ear canals and, unlike IICs and CICs, there is rarely an issue with ITCs working free when chewing or talking.
ITC hearing aids commonly feature a larger battery than smaller alternatives, typically lasting 5 to 7 days depending on usage. The ITC has a similar fitting range to a CIC hearing aid so can be used to remedy fairly severe hearing problems.
As the ITC sits further up the ear canal than an IIC or CIC, some people will notice a more pronounced occlusion effect. This is the feeling of something blocking your ear, causing a reverberation of your own voice. However, our audiologists can usually improve this issue by using vents that allow noise to pass through the hearing aid.
Overall, ITCs are not the most discrete hearing aid on the market but they are well suited to patients with poor dexterity and sight.
Lyric, our extended wear hearing aid
Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC)
Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)
In-The-Ear (ITE)
Receiver-In-The-Canal (RIC)
Behind-The-Ear (BTE)
If you would like to book an appointment, ask us a question or find out which clinic is closest to you, please get in touch.