ITE Hearing Aids, advice?

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chelseylora

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I just had an 'over the weekend' demo of the Oticon BTE hearing aids. They seemed to help a great deal, but one of the problems I seem to be having is that my hair covers the speakers. I figured I could wear my hair up more often, but this is a lifetime investment and can't wear my hair up every single day. I'm looking into getting ITE hearing aids, because the CIC & ITC styles are so small. I'm not too concerned with the physical appearance.
Do any of you currently use them? Were there any problems? Is there a brand/style I should stay away from?
I have a recent moderate hearing loss in both ears and need advice. I've read a lot in these forums and everyone gives such knowledgable responses. I'd much rather have personal feedback, rather than read the reviews/info on the internet.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys!
 
I have long hair and I have bte hearing aids. Just make sure your hair isn't stuck b/w ur head and the aid..What is the cause of your hearing loss and is it progressive? If it's progressive I would stay away from anything other than a bte due to power. If your loss gets worse an ITE won't help for very long as they don't have as much power than a bte. They also have different types of bte's, I would try different bte's before you go with an ITE, but that's just my opinion, lol i've only had behind the ear aids. I wear phonak.
 
I agree with Alicia.

When I started wearing hearing aids at age 15 for a moderately-severe loss, my audi never told me about ITEs, CICs or ITCs. I'm glad this was the case because I found several advantages to BTEs such as being able to add more amplification if my hearing changed (which it did), being able to connect directly to devices like FM systems and portable CD players/iPods and larger controls. BTEs are also less expensive and do not require as much repair as the aforementioned hearing aids. If I were you, I would opt for BTEs.

By the way, I've had wonderful experiences with Oticon analog aids. I had a pair of Oticon 380Ps for 15 years. They worked perfectly despite daily use 16-17 hours/day and never required a single repair. From what my CI audi told me, they still work which means that they've been functional for the past 19 years.
 
Oh yes i totally forgot that BTE's are really good too for direct audio input. Now u can have wireless fm systems that work with bluetooth for your cell phone, tv, iPod/mp3, and the movie theatres and what not..you can't do that with any other aid's that are not bte's. Also bte's come in cool colors, if u want, and such. I have see thru clear aids so u can see the hardware inside!
 
Chelsea, generally you want to stay away from ITE aids. They don't have enough power for more then a mild loss. Like you'll be able to hear with them, but not as well as you can with a BTE.
 
AliciaM said:
Now u can have wireless fm systems that work with bluetooth for your cell phone, tv, iPod/mp3, and the movie theatres and what not..
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I completely forgot about Bluetooth capabilities. That's also another convenient feature of BTEs! :)
 
Wow! Thanks for your responses, they really helped a lot. The more I've been researching the ITE aids, the more I see they may not be the right choice. And Alicia, my hearing loss is believed to be progressive, so I'm really glad you brought the power level to my attention. I'm not sure what caused it, the Doctor thinks it's genetic.
I actually liked the BTE, because they were fairly comfortable (since they were a demo, I'm not sure if they were the right size). And I know the risk of them being damaged is a lot less than the ITE's.
I'm going to Costco today to check out what they have. Hopefully they can help me!
And thanks again guys! You're wonderful!:)
 
chelseylora said:
I'm going to Costco today to check out what they have. Hopefully they can help me!
Click to expand...

If I were you, I would see an audi instead. Some of the technicians at Costco do not understand the technicalities of hearing loss or how to adjust a hearing aid accordingly.
 
Yes I agree with hearagain costco may not be the best choice. But my loss is progressive too and genetic and I had one hearing aid for less than a year til it was maxed out so i definitely would go the BTE route instead of ite esp if ur gonna have to upgrade and ITE's break more due to wax, moisture, etc where as bte's don't have as many probs. Good luck! You can try out diff sized bte's every company has a bit diff shaped bte's i prefer phonaks and love mine but just shop and demo a few. Good luck:)
 
Don't worry about your hair, it shouldn't have any effect on the quality of sound you receive from BTEs. I've had my hair in all sorts of ways in the years I've worn HAs, all BTEs, and it's never been a problem.

Also, the others are correct, BTEs are the way to go, they have so many extra benefits such as fm connection and direct audio input. If you have a progressive loss don't even consider ITEs, BTEs can easily be adjusted to cope with your hearing loss as it deteriorates, and do go to a properly qualified audiologist.
 
I had seen an Audiologist to get diagnosed, and have all of my paperwork/test results. The problem I have with that Doctor is that she seems to be charging at least $2,000 more than anyone else and seems to be pushing only the top of the line brands. I'm only shopping around for now. I'm not sure if I really want to go through Costco, but they won't tell me anything unless I come in. I'm honestly hoping to find an Audiologist who seems more like a Doctor, rather than a salesman. If that makes sense.
 
I would suggest that you find an audi who works at a university or a school for the deaf. Try to stay away from hearing aid dealers since the only thing most of them want to do is sell you a hearing aid.
 
hair problem

i have worn ha for over 15 years - ite - and never had a problem with my hair being over my ears - didn't know that it might be a concern
 
what about power - i was told by several manufactors that i need ite so i could have enough power - my ite have bluetooth so i though i had picked the right ones
 
Go With BTE's

I DEFINITELY like BTE's much better! I wore ITE's and they were "okay" for that time in my life, but they ultimately "bit the dust" because of earwax. Anyway, good luck with your search!:wave:
 
padams i don't get why they'd say ITE has more power. BTE's havethe most power hearing aid wise unless u are getting a body worn.
 
AliciaM said:
I have long hair and I have bte hearing aids. Just make sure your hair isn't stuck b/w ur head and the aid..
Click to expand...


I'm growing out my hair and the only thing these aids seem to be really good for these days is keeping my hair out of my face! They are like really expensive barrettes! :giggle:
 
I note that you said they are a lifetime investment. That is not true. They have a limited lifespan, so you should start saving for your next set as soon as you leave with your new set.
 
I wore ITE aids analog for years, have been trying my darndest to adjust to digital. Truied BTE and just couldn't cope. Now have an ITE digital which is ok, still experiencing overstimulation and yes the audi thinks BTE would be better for my diminishing hearing, but I just couldn't do it. Guess I will be spending some $$ as you guys are right, the ITE will not last as long as my hearing goes....sighs, bloody expensive things they are.

Never had an issue with my longer hair, I wear it up and down.
 
chelseylora said:
I just had an 'over the weekend' demo of the Oticon BTE hearing aids. They seemed to help a great deal, but one of the problems I seem to be having is that my hair covers the speakers. I figured I could wear my hair up more often, but this is a lifetime investment and can't wear my hair up every single day. I'm looking into getting ITE hearing aids, because the CIC & ITC styles are so small. I'm not too concerned with the physical appearance.
Do any of you currently use them? Were there any problems? Is there a brand/style I should stay away from?
I have a recent moderate hearing loss in both ears and need advice. I've read a lot in these forums and everyone gives such knowledgable responses. I'd much rather have personal feedback, rather than read the reviews/info on the internet.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks guys!
Click to expand...

Did you go to an audiologist or a HA dealership? I would never go to a dealer
as they will only show you their brand of HA! I use an audiologist and he find the HA that work best for my hearing lost. I can't wear ITE HA , they're not powerful . I a have high frequency hearing lost , it 65 % so I really can't
hear high frequency . I am using an Oticon HA now and it work fine for me. I wore my hair long and short and I never notice my hair blocking the sounds.
 
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