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In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are designed to fit partially in the ear canal, which makes them less visible and often more comfortable for users. However, due to their smaller size, they may lack certain features that are available in larger in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, particularly directional microphones and telecoils.

Directional microphones enhance the ability to hear sounds coming from a specific direction, which is particularly useful in noisy environments. This feature is typically more feasible in ITE aids because of the extra space available for larger components. Telecoils, which help users connect to induction loop systems in public places such as theaters and churches, also require a certain amount of physical space that might be limited in ITC designs.

While sound amplification, wireless connectivity, and battery life can vary between different models of hearing aids, the specific challenge of integrating directional microphones and telecoils in the smaller casing of in-the-canal hearing aids is a common limitation, making this feature often absent in such designs.