Gone are the days when people with hearing problems were forced to wear bulky, unattractive boxes on their heads. Modern hearing aids come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some of them are just a small insert stuffed with microelectronics, which is placed in the patient's ear canal and is practically invisible to others. These are ITE hearing aids.
Benefits of in-the-ear devices
Although BTEs are still the most commonly used hearing aids, ITEs are slowly gaining in popularity. More recently, they have lost much behind the ear in power and sound quality. Of course, it is not easy to fit all the elements necessary for high-quality sound processing into a miniature model.
However, microelectronics is developing by leaps and bounds, and modern mini-devices are able to reproduce surround clean sound and are almost not inferior in characteristics to larger models. At the same time, in-the-ear and in-ear hearing aids have a number of undeniable advantages:
- Aesthetics. It is almost impossible to notice such a device, even being at a close distance from a person. Depending on the model, it is placed in the auricle or deep in the ear canal.
- Comfort. The inner hearing aid is gently fixed by the tissues of the ear and allows you to lead a very active lifestyle: dance, move freely and even play sports. Behind-the-ear, under such loads, can simply fly off the head.
- Versatility. Modern devices can be used with a wide variety of hearing damage, including serious ones. Some of them send a signal almost to the eardrum itself.
They have few disadvantages. Occasionally, patients can feel the IAC when chewing actively. The devices are tiny and therefore inconvenient for people with fine motor impairments and very poor eyesight. They have a more delicate body and are easily damaged, therefore they require careful handling.
The service life of ITEs is significantly shorter than that of external models. Partly because they operate in humid environments, partly because of the micro-size of the batteries, which need to be replaced periodically. When deciding to buy just such models, it is advisable to take these factors into account.
Types and best producers
According to the method of installation, internal hearing aids are divided into two large categories: in-the-ear (they close the ear canal from the outside, located in the auricle) and intracanal (installed deep in the ear canal). What type of device is right for you, it is better to consult a specialist. This largely depends on the causes of hearing loss, and to some extent - on the structure of the auricle.
It is advisable to buy any hearing aid from trusted manufacturers. They guarantee high product quality and sound clarity, as well as have a network of service centers that can provide quick repair or maintenance of the device. Professional consultants will be able to competently tell about the features of each model and help in choosing.
It is better if the in-ear hearing aid is custom-made.
Then an impression of the ear canal is preliminarily taken, and the shape of the device fully corresponds to it, which ensures maximum comfort for the user. But you can also pick up standard models.
Good manufacturers usually have entire lines of internal hearing aids. Here are some well-known companies whose products you should pay attention to:
- The Phonak Core series are the smallest but very powerful devices that can compensate for even severe hearing loss. They have a variety of configurations, digital sound processing, excellent noise reduction system. The company is Swiss, the quality is appropriate - the devices work like a clock, almost flawlessly. The only drawback is the rather high price - starting from $ 400.
Bernafon Simbio series is also a Swiss manufacturer, representing a whole line with a name derived from the word "symbiosis". A feature of these devices is automatic adjustment to environmental conditions, depending on which the devices include an automatic sound control system. Has the ability to configure several programs, taking into account all the individual wishes of the user.- Widex Clear series - small acoustic devices from economy to premium class, including models for children. This hearing aid is in-ear, conveniently located in the auricle and has a multi-channel sound control system, remote control, and several customizable programs. The power of the devices allows you to compensate for even serious hearing loss and to capture human speech at a distance of several tens of meters. The optimal combination of price and quality.
- Otikon Agil line is a whole family of quality hearing aids of various sizes - from in-ear to behind-the-ear. This manufacturer has completely focused on surround, realistic sound and has ensured that the reproduced sound is directly processed by the cerebral cortex. This means that the patient can be in a relaxed state and he does not need to listen and transform additional sound. The cost is above average.
Siemens Intuis series - this line is the "golden mean" between expensive ultra-modern in-ear devices and high-quality devices at an affordable price. Excellent noise cancellation system and 4-channel volume control, the choice of one of four user programs. Multiple microphones allow you to clearly pick up sounds from a wide variety of directions. There are pediatric modifications and the possibility of external implantation. The price is quite affordable.
Bernafon Simbio series is also a Swiss manufacturer, representing a whole line with a name derived from the word "symbiosis". A feature of these devices is automatic adjustment to environmental conditions, depending on which the devices include an automatic sound control system. Has the ability to configure several programs, taking into account all the individual wishes of the user.
Siemens Intuis series - this line is the "golden mean" between expensive ultra-modern in-ear devices and high-quality devices at an affordable price. Excellent noise cancellation system and 4-channel volume control, the choice of one of four user programs. Multiple microphones allow you to clearly pick up sounds from a wide variety of directions. There are pediatric modifications and the possibility of external implantation. The price is quite affordable.There are other good manufacturers, of course. But when making a choice, beware of fakes. Very often, cheap Chinese fakes are sold on the Internet, which at best consist of a microphone and a simple amplifier. In addition, their bodies are made of low-quality materials. With prolonged use, such devices not only further damage hearing, but can also lead to the development of skin diseases.
If the hearing aid is in-the-ear, it means that it is constantly in an aggressive warm-humid environment, therefore the quality of the housing materials is very important. In bona fide manufacturers, it has a special coating that protects the device from moisture and heat, and the user's skin from pathogenic bacteria and irritation.
Cheap models are made of plastics, often carcinogenic. That is why choosing the right manufacturer is so important - it is a guarantee of your health and safety.
