The In the Ear hearing aid (ITE) was the next hearing aid style to be developed after the BTE hearing aid. Rather than making a custom earmold that attached to the hearing aid, an impression was taken of the ear and the hearing aid was built into the earmold. Initially, this hearing aid was only appropriate for mild hearing losses. All losses that were greater than mild were still fit with a BTE type hearing aid. As technology advanced, the circuits in the ITE improved to the point where an ITE hearing aid could fit almost any type or degree of hearing loss. There are some individuals with a profound loss that do well with ITE hearing aids, although most individuals with profound loss still use BTE style hearing aids. This style of hearing aid is not appropriate for infants or very young children. Some children are able to wear an ITE. The size of the ear, the classroom setting, as well as other individual needs will determine the suitability of this style. As the ear grows, the hearing aid casing will need to be remade to accommodate the changes in the fit.

When comparing ITE hearing aids to BTE hearing aids the advantages are that they do not interfere with eyeglasses, are easier to insert, and do not bounce around. The disadvantages are; they are more likely to have moisture and ear wax problems because of there placement in the ear canal.

When comparing ITE hearing aids to their smaller custom styles such as In the Canal (ITC) and Completely in the Canal (CIC) hearing aids, the basic decision is cost versus cosmetics. Although there are some acoustical benefits associated with the smaller hearing aids, most people purchase the smaller stlye for the improved cosmetic factor.