Contents
- Top 12 best in-the-ear hearing aids of 2022 according to KP
- How to choose an in-the-ear hearing aid
- Popular questions and answers
Modern hearing aids can solve the problems of many people who are not suitable for hearing aids (elimination of hearing problems through surgery or the installation of cochlear implants – implanted hearing aids). One of the devices that attract the attention of hearing impaired people are in-the-ear hearing aids. They are compact, almost invisible during use and have a small weight and size. However, these hearing aids have their own specific features, so they are not suitable for all categories of hearing impaired people.
In-the-ear devices are produced by different manufacturers. It is a complex electronic device with unique feature sets. But since the auricles and auditory canals are different in size and shape for all people, the case where the electronic “stuffing” is placed is made individually, according to a cast of the ear in the laboratory of the audiology center. In production, safe, hypoallergenic and high-quality materials are used.
The devices run on batteries that require regular replacement. The type of battery is indicated in the instructions for the hearing aid. The most common battery types are #10 (yellow), #13 (orange), #312 (brown), or #675 (blue).
Top 12 best in-the-ear hearing aids of 2022 according to KP
There are four subtypes of in-the-ear hearing aids:
- Deep intracanal;
- intracanal;
- Duct
- Type “Conha”
Best CIC hearing aids (deep in canal hearing aids)
They have an international name – CIC (Completely-In-Canal). These hearing aids are the smallest in size, they are located deep inside the auditory canal of a hard of hearing person on one or both sides, so they are almost invisible from the outside. Due to the modest size of the device, its functionality is limited. Most devices usually have only one program (set by the doctor) and there is no signal volume control. This hearing aid has a low power, can only compensate for hearing loss in the range of 1-2 degrees.
1. Widex Unique 100 CIC-M
This device has an average power and compensates for hearing up to 2-3 degrees of hearing loss. The hearing aid is located inside the auditory canal, which makes it almost invisible to others. The case is made individually using 3D modeling, a cast of the patient’s ear is preliminarily taken. This allows you to use the device with maximum efficiency and comfort. The dimensions of the device vary depending on the characteristics of the human auditory canal. To protect the device from sulfur and moisture ingress, special Nano Care filters are used.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 4 |
| Number of programs | 3 |
| Microphone | omnidirectional |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression capability |
| Battery | type 10, energy saving |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Signia Intuis 3 Code+PBS
This hearing aid is manufactured by the well-known Siemens company, it is suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss (1-2 degrees). The case for the device is made individually, this allows you to make it as comfortable as possible, to ensure quick getting used to it. It is possible to control the device from a smartphone. The device is available in several colors, equipped with remote control through applications – it’s either touchControl or miniPocket.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 4 |
| Number of programs | 1 |
| Microphone | omnidirectional |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression capability |
| Battery | type 10 |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Phonak Virto B30-10
The device is an intra-ear type related to the economy class. It has biometric calibration technology. Allows you to compensate for hearing loss up to severe (1-3 degree of hearing loss). It has high quality and enables effective communication through the use of modern technologies – an algorithm for recognizing the surrounding acoustic environment, a program to combat tinnitus, and settings according to user preferences. The case is made according to individual casts of the user’s auditory canal.
Key Features:
| Model | CIC class |
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 8 |
| Number of programs | 3 |
| Microphone | two, omnidirectional |
| functions | noise cancellation, feedback suppression capability, wireless services |
| Battery | type 10 |
Advantages and disadvantages
The best ITC hearing aids (in-the-canal hearing aids)
These devices are also called minichannel or have the international name ITC or CS. Compared to the previous type, this device is large and takes up a sufficient volume of the ear canal. Therefore, the functionality of such devices is somewhat greater than that of CIC. Most devices have several programs for listening, there are buttons for switching them. However, these devices are almost invisible in the patient’s ear. The device has low power, so it compensates for hearing loss within 1-2 degrees.
1. Aurica Pixel 440P ITC
This is a smart device that includes all the new technologies in audiology. The device is miniature, inserted into the ear canal, adjusts to its features. He is able to understand and adequately assess the surrounding auditory environment, helps in enhancing soft speech and correcting loud, harsh sounds. Due to fine settings, the device itself chooses the optimal mode of operation. Suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss (grades 1-2).
Key Features:
| Model | CIC class |
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 4 |
| Number of programs | 4 |
| Volume control | Yes |
| Program switch button | Yes |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression capability |
| Battery | type 312 |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Widex DREAM D30-XP
This type of hearing aid is based on TrueInput technology, which provides high quality incoming signals. The device has a wide range of 113 dB, accurately reproduces all the sounds of the environment that enter the device. This allows the patient to obtain complete wearing comfort. Sounds reproduced using True Input technology are clear, bright and transmitted without distortion. Therefore, the sound situation is clearly evaluated even in very noisy environments.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 4 |
| Volume control | no |
| Program switch button | no |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression capability |
| Battery | type 312 |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Phonak Virto B30-312
Digital hearing aid for in-ear wear with biometric calibration. Helps to compensate for hearing of mild and moderate severity (grade 1-2) and provides the patient with ample opportunities for communication. It is performed on an individual cast of the ear, maximally adapted to the anatomy and functional needs of a hearing-impaired person.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 8 |
| Volume control | no |
| Program switch button | no |
| functions | noise cancellation, feedback suppression capability, wireless services |
| Battery | type 312 |
Advantages and disadvantages
Best ITE Hearing Aids (Channel Hearing Aids)
Duct hearing aids have the international name ITE or CT. The body of the apparatus is located in the area of the beginning of the auditory canal up to the tragus. With a small body size, it has a fairly wide functionality. There is a volume control and a program selection button. This type of hearing aid can compensate for grade 1 to grade 3 hearing loss.
1. BERNAFON GRANDSON 1 ITE
The hearing aid of the in-the-ear type is produced in an individual housing (according to the cast of the patient’s ear) and can compensate for hearing loss up to moderate severity (grade 1-2). The model is equipped with a unique Audio Efficiency technology that allows you to combine power with efficiency to get high-quality sound in different situations. The device eliminates unwanted whistles and annoying constant noises, making it comfortable to use.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of programs | 7+4 customizable |
| Program switch button | Yes |
| Volume control | Yes |
| Protection against dust and dirt | Yes |
| functions | noise cancellation, feedback suppression capability, wireless services |
| Battery | type 312 |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Widex Dream 30 XP
A small in-the-ear hearing aid is made individually, according to the characteristics of the patient, based on a cast of the auricle using 3D modeling. The device uses the TRUE ISP platform, True-Input technology is used for sound processing. To optimize battery consumption, the PowerSaver system is used for economical energy consumption. Also, the device uses the WidexLink system for wireless communication, has a fixed directionality of the sensing microphones.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 3 |
| Number of programs | no |
| Program switch button | Yes |
| Volume control | no |
| Protection against dust and dirt | Yes |
| functions | noise cancellation, feedback suppression capability, wireless services |
| Battery | type 312 |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Phonak Cassia ITE UZ P
The hearing aid is miniature, almost invisible when worn, and can be equipped with different types of receivers depending on the level of hearing loss. It can solve hearing problems in mild, moderate and severe forms (from 1 to 3 degrees), the model of the device is prepared by a specialist (gain strength and power of the device). The housing is made according to an individual impression of the ear for maximum patient comfort.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 6 |
| Number of programs | 5 |
| Program switch button | Yes |
| Volume control | no |
| Protection against dust and dirt | Yes |
| functions | noise cancellation, feedback suppression capability, wireless services |
| Battery | type 312 |
Advantages and disadvantages
The best IT type hearing aids (“Konha”)
Type “Conha” or IT – the most noticeable of all devices in this group. “Concha” is translated from Latin as a shell. That is, these are devices that are inserted into the auricle itself. They almost completely cover it, have almost equal capabilities with a group of behind-the-ear devices, and are suitable for the most severe degrees of hearing loss.
1. INTUIS IT TM + PBS + VC (R)
A digital device, an in-the-ear hearing aid of the “conha” type, belonging to the middle price category. Helps to compensate for mild, moderate and severe forms of hearing loss (1-3 degrees). It is made according to individual sizes after taking an ear impression, it can work on two types of batteries – 13 or 312. The design is equipped with a double microphone, a program switch button is also placed on the case and there is a separate volume control.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 4 |
| Number of programs | 4 |
| Program switch button | Yes |
| Volume control | Yes |
| Protection against dust and dirt | no |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression capability |
| Battery | type 13 or 312 |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Phonak Virto Q50 13
The in-the-ear device of the “conha” type, created on the basis of the Phonak Quest platform, belongs to the “Standard” functional class. Powered by digital technology with wireless functions, has a maximum gain of 40 to 70 dB, which solves mild to moderate hearing problems (grade 1-2), uses battery type 13.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 12 |
| Number of programs | 3 |
| Program switch button | no |
| Volume control | no |
| Protection against dust and dirt | Yes |
| functions | noise cancellation, feedback suppression capability, wireless services |
| Battery | type 13 or 312 |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Siemens Motion 101 IT+TM+VC+PBS(R)
This is a digital hearing aid of the “conha” type, which is small in size and runs on 13 batteries. The device helps to compensate for mild, moderate and severe hearing loss (1 – 3 degrees). The case has a volume control, is equipped with a button for switching programs and a dual microphone.
Key Features:
| Sound processing type | digital |
| Number of channels | 6 |
| Number of programs | 3 |
| Program switch button | Yes |
| Volume control | Yes |
| Protection against dust and dirt | Yes |
| functions | noise reduction, feedback suppression capability |
| Battery | type 13 |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose an in-the-ear hearing aid
The process of selecting a hearing aid is different from choosing any device, even for medical purposes. And the point here is that it is not enough to know the characteristics of each device, such devices should always be selected by a doctor. For example, in the presence of a very narrow ear canal or anatomical defects, in-the-ear devices may simply not be suitable.
Pros and cons of in-the-ear types of hearing aids
When using in-the-ear devices for hearing correction, there are both undoubted advantages and certain disadvantages. They need to be carefully weighed before purchasing these types of devices, since their cost is quite high.
Among the main advantages are:
- The transmission of sound from the reproducing system to the eardrum takes place with the least loss, since everything is located nearby, therefore, less power is needed for good sound.
- Devices are practically invisible to others.
- They are comfortable to wear if they are sized strictly by the doctor.
- Due to the narrow walls of the ear canal, an additional amplification of the signal occurs, so they are more effective than behind-the-ear models.
- The sound is more natural than other types of hearing aids.
However, these models of hearing aids have significant disadvantages. These include:
- Inability to correct severe hearing loss (grade 3-4).
- The devices are quite difficult to maintain and operate.
- If contaminated with earwax, the device may fail.
- Very tiny batteries are used, which require fairly frequent replacement.
- The ear canal is less ventilated due to the tight insertion of the device.
- If there are diseases of the outer ear, the device will have to be abandoned.
Popular questions and answers
We asked otorhinolaryngologist, audiologist Alexandra Gershevskaya to answer our questions about the intricacies of choosing intra-ear hearing aids.