Exactly What Are Behind-the-Ear Style Hearing Aids and How Do They Rate Compared to Other Styles?

There are several models of hearing aids designed for individuals that have hearing losses. Although every type and style of hearing aid has its own benefits and drawbacks, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have become among the most common choices.Continue reading for information you can use to decide whether this type of hearing aid is for you.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are some of the most easily identifiable listening devices. These devices feature a banana-shaped plastic case that rests behind the ear which connects to a smaller component which is positioned within the outer ear. The case section of the device is the hearing aid itself. This case contains the battery, the electronics that allow the hearing aid to function, and the controls that let wearers to cycle through different features. The portion that sits inside the ear is called the ear mold. Ear molds are carefully tailored for each person, making them a comfortable way to conduct sounds from the case to the ear.

BTE hearing aids have numerous distinct strengths. First, because of the case’s large dimensions, the BTE holds larger batteries, conferring upon it a longer battery life between charging and offering more powerful amplification abilities. This larger size of the BTE also allows for more additional features, including telecoil, directional microphones and Bluetooth. Last but not least, it is considerably easier to handle BTE hearing aids, making cleaning and battery replacement easier than it is in more compact models.

With regards to disadvantages, the largest complaint against BTE hearing aids is their look. Unlike hearing aids that rest inside the ear, it’s impossible to completely conceal a BTE device. Buyers who are sensitive about this factor can pick cases that match their skin tone to help the hearing aid blend in. The BTE hearing aid is also more sensitive to wind noise, but many units have features that help counteract this tendency.

Depending on your own lifestyle priorities and how you weigh their pluses and minuses, BTE hearing aids may be the right option for you. Consider talking to your hearing instrument specialist to find out more.