If you’re one of the millions of Americans who experience some level of hearing loss, you may be wondering what kind of treatments are available to you. Hearing aids are the most common form of treatment, with several options and features available. Hearing loss can range from mild to profound, and the hearing aid best suited for your needs will depend on your hearing test results.

When it comes to treating mild hearing loss, you have several different styles and options to choose from, including these three common ones:

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aids are the most common option for almost any case of hearing loss, from mild to profound. The device sits behind your ear, with a small tube connecting it to an earmold that fits inside your ear canal. BTEs are versatile and suitable for many different types of hearing loss, allowing you to adjust sound levels as needed. Because the main unit sits behind the ear, they provide comfort to individuals looking for a more “open” fit.

In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit in the outer bowl of the ear and provide amplification directly into the canal. ITEs are considered a medium-sized device, making them less visible than the BTE counterpart. ITEs are ideal for those who prefer a more subtle look and want something worn closer to the canal.

In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids

ITC hearing aids are small, discreet devices that fit snugly inside your ear canal. They provide direct amplification and can be customized with a range of features improve sound quality and enhance the wearer’s experience. ITCs are great for those who want something that is almost entirely invisible from the outside. However, due to their size, they may not be ideal for individuals with dexterity issues.

Other Considerations

In addition to selecting the right hearing aid for mild hearing loss, it’s important that you opt for the features that will best address your needs. There are several features to choose from, whether you want Bluetooth that makes it easy to connect to compatible technology or prefer something with multisettings to remember different sound environments. Talk to your audiologist about what device will meet all of your preferences and needs.

Choosing the right type of hearing aid for your needs can be a challenge. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, one of the above types may be better suited for you than the others. It’s important to talk to an audiologist to find out which hearing aid is best for your particular level of hearing loss. With their guidance, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of your device and enjoying improved sound quality in no time!