Have you experienced mild hearing loss? You will usually discover this after taking a hearing test with an audiologist. Using a hearing test, they will be able to discover the extent of your hearing loss. The answer to this question will determine the treatment that is available to you. If you find that you have mild hearing loss, there are a few possibilities to consider. Let’s look at these and decide which one would be right for your needs.

In the ear (ITE)

An ITE hearing aid sits entirely into the ear and comes in full and half shell varieties. These devices will be custom-made to fit your specific ear anatomy, allowing for the most comfort and optimal listening experience.

ITE hearing aids are medium-sized compared to other designs and as such can include a lot of the typical tech including Bluetooth. You might also find these devices have different settings that can be used depending on the environment that you are in. While ITE hearing aids are not completely invisible, they are also not particularly noticeable. The only way people could tell you were wearing them is if they were looking directly down your ear.

In the canal (ITC)

ITC hearing aids fit inside the canal. As such, they are the tiniest models available and completely hidden. No one will be able to tell you’re wearing these unless they actually see you take them out! These devices can be equipped with Bluetooth and other important technology and their location in the canal means less feedback noise and a superior listening experience. These devices are small, however, so they are not ideal if you have dexterity issues.

Behind the ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids offer a number of unique features across the spectrum. Their size can range from mini to slightly larger and they come in multiple shades and colors. These devices fit behind the ears so while they are not hidden, they are still fairly subtle. A plastic tube connects the main part of the device to the earpiece.

The whole device fits on with a metal or plastic hook that slips over the ear. While you might think you’d notice this quite a lot, the devices have become lighter over the years to the point where you can barely feel them at all.