In-the-Ear Hearing Aid Fitting

What is an in-the-ear hearing aid?

In-the-ear devices are hearing aids with all their parts in a small shell that sits in the ear canal or in the inner part of the outer ear. They come in different sizes, such as in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-canal (CIC) and invisible-in-canal (IIC); some models are almost impossible to see from outside.

Who are they suitable for?

They are often chosen for mild and moderate hearing loss. Suitability depends on the shape of the ear canal, the degree of hearing loss and manual dexterity (putting in and taking out a small device, changing batteries). We assess this together after a free hearing test.

How the fitting process works

Because an in-the-ear device is custom made, an impression of your ear is taken first. A soft impression material is placed in the ear canal; it sets within a few minutes, is taken out and sent for manufacture. When the device is ready, we check how it sits in your ear, adjust it to your hearing loss and show you how to use it, clean it and change the battery.

In the first weeks

• Wear the device for a few hours a day at first, then gradually for longer.
• It is normal for your own voice to sound different at the beginning.
• If you feel discomfort or pressure, or hear whistling, book a check-up appointment; the settings or the shell can be adjusted if needed.