ITE
According to NIDCD, sits entirely in the outer part of the ear.
In-the-ear hearing aids: small, discreet and built to measure
Devices that sit in the ear or in the ear canal. Nearly invisible in many ears, and the size is set by the hearing loss and the shape of the canal.
In short: An in-the-ear device brings all the components together in one shell that sits inside the ear. There are four main designs: IIC sits deep in the canal, CIC almost entirely inside the canal, ITC at the opening of the canal and ITE in the outer part of the ear. Small designs such as IIC and CIC are nearly invisible in many ears, but visibility depends on the shape of the ear and on the model. The size depends on the hearing loss: the milder the loss, the smaller the device can be. We are experts in taking ear impressions, and the size is set after a hearing test and an ear impression.
Updated: 02.11.2026 · Written by the G-Sound editorial team
The four designs
ITC
According to NIDCD, fitted to the size and shape of the ear canal.
CIC
According to NIDCD, sits almost entirely inside the ear canal.
IIC
According to Oticon, placed deep in the ear canal. Appears in the Oticon Own and Own SI families.
The photos are examples of custom devices from Oticon. All photos are shown at the same size, so they do not reflect the proportions between the designs and are not to scale.
These terms describe a design, not a model. Each manufacturer offers different designs, and not every series has all of them. With us, in-the-ear devices are offered, for example, in the Oticon Own, Oticon Own SI and Oticon Zeal families, according to Oticon. Details by model are further down the page.
Where each design sits
Comparing the designs
The table sums up what the sources we checked say. A cell without a source stays open for checking at the appointment, and we do not guess in it.
| ITE | ITC | CIC | IIC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where it sits | In the outer part of the earNIDCD | In the canal, by its size and shapeNIDCD | Almost entirely inside the canalNIDCD | Deep in the canalOticon, Own SI IIC |
| Handling | In the Oticon Own ITE FS, according to Oticon: a device that is easy to handle, with room for large manual controlsOticon, Own ITE FS | Canal devices are small, so they are sometimes harder to adjust and to removeNIDCD | Removed with a small removal cordOticon, Own IIC | |
| Power source in the Oticon models we checked | Not detailed on the pages we checked. Ask at the appointment, by model | Own and Own SI: replaceable size 10 batteryOticon, technical data sheets | ||
| Bluetooth in the Oticon models we checked | Own: Bluetooth or telecoil, one of the two depending on the configurationOticon, Own ITC / ITE | Not in the Own SI feature list, and not marked for Own. Do not assume Bluetooth without checking the modelOticon, family page and technical data sheet | ||
How visible each design is depends on the shape of the ear, the colour and the fit, and no design guarantees that it will not be seen. Sources and check dates are listed at the bottom of the page.
What each size offers, and what to consider
Small designs (CIC, IIC)
They sit inside the canal, with no part behind the ear. According to Oticon, Own SI devices are comfortable even with a hat, a mask or glasses. On the other hand, according to NIDCD, they have less room for a battery and for extra components such as a telecoil, and the size limits the power.
Larger designs (ITC, ITE)
They have more room for components. According to NIDCD, a telecoil can sometimes be fitted in an ITE, and according to Oticon, in the Own ITC and ITE you can choose Bluetooth or a telecoil. They are more noticeable in the ear, and sometimes easier to put in and take out.
Considerations and limits for the professional check
No design is ruled out just because of its type. These are the topics checked at the appointment, and the decision is made according to the check:
- Shape of the canal: whether the shape and size of the canal allow a deep design
- Test results: the power needed affects the possible size. According to NIDCD, the size of canal devices limits the power, so whether a given design is suitable is decided only after a test
- Age: according to NIDCD, in-the-ear devices are usually not intended for ears that are still growing, because the shell needs replacing as the ear grows
- Handling: putting in, taking out, changing the battery and dealing with small parts, especially when sight or finger movement is difficult
- Wax and moisture: the whole device sits in the canal, so the filter is part of the routine
- Phone, TV and accessories: whether the model and configuration support the connection that matters to you
The four types in brief: what, for whom, and how much shows
| Type | What it is | Usually considered for | How much shows |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIC | The smallest of the designs. Sits deep inside the ear canal | When the canal allows a deep design, and the power needed suits a small device | Nearly invisible in many ears |
| CIC | Sits almost entirely inside the canal | For those looking for a small device, when the canal and the test allow it | Usually only a little of it shows, and sometimes almost nothing |
| ITC | Fitted to the canal and fills its opening | When you want a small device with more room for components and handling | Shows a little at the opening of the canal |
| ITE | Fills the outer part of the ear | When easy handling, room for components or higher power matter | Visible in the ear |
A general table, not by brand. What suits you, and in which design, is decided after a hearing test and an ear impression. Visibility depends on the shape of the ear, the model, the colour and the fit, and no design guarantees that it will not be seen.
The size depends on the hearing loss
The size of the device depends on the hearing loss: the milder the loss, the smaller the device can be, and the more severe the loss, the larger it needs to be.
| Size | Design | Where it sits |
|---|---|---|
| Very small | IIC | Deep inside the canal |
| Small | CIC | Almost entirely inside the canal |
| Medium | ITC | At the opening of the canal |
| Large | ITE | In the outer part of the ear |
The size is set by the hearing loss and the shape of the canal.
Experts in ear impressions
We are experts in taking ear impressions. Thanks to the lab, we can build a very small device that fits the ear, even in a very narrow canal. The size is set after a test and an ear impression.
On the team: our lab technician, with 26 years of experience.
Custom earmold for an external device · Aids for putting in a hearing aid, for older adults (in Hebrew)
Looking for a nearly invisible device? Nearly invisible hearing aid: IIC and CIC · Very severe loss? In-the-ear device for very severe loss (in Hebrew)
How the decision is made
- TestHearing test and ear check
- Ear impressionAn impression of the ear, also at home by prior arrangement
- Built to measureAccording to the impression of your ear
- Fitting and tuningThe device is tuned in your ear
- Follow-upAdjustments and checks as needed
If the test shows that a certain design does not suit you, we will present alternatives. Sometimes a receiver-in-canal device with a custom-made part gives a similar fit. Receiver-in-canal vs behind-the-ear (in Hebrew)
Questions worth preparing for the appointment
Is there an invisible hearing aid? Is there a rechargeable in-the-ear device? Does it connect to the phone? It is worth coming with these questions. General answers are in the frequently asked questions further down the page.
The in-the-ear brands we market
G-Sound markets all types of in-the-ear devices: Oticon, Bernafon, NewSound and more.
- Oticon: according to Oticon, in-the-ear devices in the Oticon Own, Own SI and Zeal families. Oticon hearing aids
- Bernafon: Bernafon Alpha in a CIC configuration. Bernafon (in Hebrew)
- NewSound: a range of configurations, including in-the-ear devices. NewSound (in Hebrew)
The in-the-ear models we offer
The details here are taken from Oticon's pages and technical data sheets, and were checked on 24.10.2026. Features change by configuration and technology level, so each model is checked on its own.
Oticon Own
According to Oticon, five configurations: IIC, CIC, ITC, ITE half shell and ITE full shell. The ITC and ITE have Bluetooth or a telecoil, one of the two depending on the configuration. Calls without holding the phone and direct streaming exist only in the configurations with 2.4GHz. For the IIC and CIC, the technical data sheets list a size 10 battery.
Oticon Own pageOticon Own SI
According to Oticon, two configurations: IIC and CIC. According to the technical data sheet, a replaceable size 10 battery, and an optional push button on the CIC only. Bluetooth does not appear in the list of technical features.
Oticon Own SI page
Oticon Zeal
Oticon Zeal is an in-the-ear device from Oticon. Suitability is decided in a hearing test. According to Oticon, it is rechargeable, with Bluetooth LE Audio for streaming and for calls without holding the phone, and reception of Auracast broadcasts.
Oticon Zeal pageFor all the families: Oticon hearing aids. We will give details of further options in a conversation, as needed.
Maintenance
In an in-the-ear device all the components sit in the canal, so daily care focuses on the wax filter, the openings and drying. Filters and wear parts · Cleaning and drying kits (in Hebrew)
If you already have an in-the-ear device and notice that it moves, presses or whistles in the canal, it is worth having it checked. A shell that no longer sits well is checked as part of service and repairs.
Not to be confused with
- Cochlear implant: according to NIDCD, a cochlear implant is very different from a hearing aid. Part of it is implanted surgically under the skin, and it bypasses the damaged parts of the ear. An in-the-ear device is not an implant and does not require surgery.
- Off-the-shelf sound amplifier: a product bought in a shop without a test is not fitted according to a hearing test and the shape of the ear. This page is about hearing aids that are fitted individually.
- «Hidden» listening earphones: products marketed for covert listening or for calls are not hearing aids.
What to ask at the fitting appointment
- Which designs are possible in my ear, and why?
- Is the device rechargeable or battery-powered, and which battery size?
- Does the chosen configuration support Bluetooth or a telecoil?
- Which accessories exist for the model: TV, phone, remote control?
- How is the filter cared for, and what happens if the shell needs checking?
More
Hearing aid types and accessories · In-the-ear devices · Oticon Zeal · Rechargeable or battery (in Hebrew) · Filters and wear parts · Special fitting solutions (in Hebrew) · Hearing tests · Recommended hearing aids: how to choose · How much does a hearing aid cost
Sources
- NIDCD — Hearing Aids · checked 24.10.2026
- NIDCD — Cochlear Implants · checked 24.10.2026
- Oticon — Oticon Own and the ITE FS, ITC and IIC configuration pages · checked 24.10.2026
- Oticon — Oticon Own SI and the IIC and CIC configuration pages · checked 24.10.2026
- Oticon — technical data sheets: Own SI IIC/CIC (version 25.1), Own IIC, Own CIC · checked 24.10.2026
- Oticon — Oticon Zeal · checked 24.10.2026
Updated: 02.11.2026 · Written by the G-Sound editorial team. The information is general; the device type, parts and accessories are chosen after a test and according to the model.
More in English
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions: in-the-ear hearing aids
Is there an invisible hearing aid?
No device guarantees that it will not be seen. Designs that sit deep in the canal, such as IIC and sometimes CIC, are nearly invisible in many ears. Visibility depends on the shape of the ear, the model, the colour and the fit, and it is checked after a test and an ear impression.
What is the difference between ITC and CIC?
According to NIDCD, ITC is fitted to the size and shape of the ear canal, and CIC sits almost entirely inside the canal. The difference is mainly in depth and size, and this affects handling and what can fit inside the device.
Is an in-the-ear device right for me?
This is checked in a hearing test and a check of the shape of the ear. Not every canal and not every hearing loss allows every design. The decision is made after the test.
Is the device made to measure?
Yes. An in-the-ear device is usually made to the measure of the ear, so taking the impression is an important step. The size and design are set after a test.
What does the size of the device depend on?
Mainly on the hearing loss and the shape of the canal. The milder the loss, the smaller the device can be, and the more severe the loss, the larger it needs to be.
Can a small device be built for a very narrow canal?
Even in a very narrow canal we can build a very small device that fits the ear. The size is set after a test and an ear impression.
What if the hearing loss is very severe?
A very severe loss needs power, and according to NIDCD the size of canal devices limits it. So larger designs are considered, or a behind-the-ear device with a custom earmold. What suits you is decided after a test.
Is there a rechargeable in-the-ear device?
According to Oticon, Oticon Zeal is rechargeable. For Oticon Own and Own SI in the IIC and CIC configurations, Oticon's technical data sheets list a replaceable size 10 battery. Other configurations are checked by model.
Is there Bluetooth in an in-the-ear device?
It depends on the model and the configuration. According to Oticon, Oticon Zeal has Bluetooth LE Audio, and in Oticon Own in the ITC and ITE configurations you can choose Bluetooth or a telecoil. In Own SI, Bluetooth does not appear in the list of technical features.
Is a smaller device always better?
Not necessarily. A small design sits deeper, but it has less room for components, and it may be less easy to handle. The choice is made according to the test, the shape of the ear and everyday use.
How is an ear impression taken for an in-the-ear device?
An impression of the ear is taken with a method that suits the ear and the chosen design. The details of the process are explained in advance. A test and an ear impression can also be arranged at home, by prior arrangement.
Which brands offer in-the-ear devices with you?
G-Sound markets all types of in-the-ear devices: Oticon, Bernafon, NewSound and more. Oticon: according to Oticon, the Own, Own SI and Zeal families. Bernafon: Alpha in a CIC configuration. NewSound: a range of configurations, including in-the-ear devices.
Please do not send sensitive medical information in a message. We go over the relevant details on the phone.
Want to know which size suits you?
Book a hearing test and an ear measurement, at home or at work, by appointment.
Call G-Sound to arrange a hearing test and an ear measurement.
055-3333338G-Sound is an authorized marketer of Philips hearing aids.