Nowadays, people with hearing loss have more hearing aid styles accessible to them than any other generation before.Although every type and style of device has its own benefits and drawbacks, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are among the most popular choices.If you are considering buying hearing aids for yourself or for a loved one, the details in this short article may help you decide whether a BTE hearing aid might be a sensible choice.

Of the various types of hearing aids on the market, behind-the-ear designs are usually the easiest to spot. The very first thing you’ll notice is a compact, curved plastic case that rests behind the ear and is attached to a different component positioned inside the ear. The case portion of the instrument is the hearing aid itself. The battery, the electronics, and many of the controls for adjusting the hearing aid are safeguarded by this casing. The “ear mold” is the section of the hearing aid that actually fits inside the ear. Ear molds are carefully tailored for each individual, making them a comfortable way to transmit sounds from the case to the ear.

Compared to other hearing aids, the behind-the-ear type offers numerous distinct advantages. Because this type of device is bigger than other models, it holds larger batteries, allowing for superior amplification and more time between charges. This larger size also allows for more additional features, including directional microphones, telecoil and Bluetooth. These devices tend to be easier to handle compared to their smaller relatives, making cleaning and battery replacement less difficult.

The biggest drawback of a BTE hearing aid is its visibility. The same larger casing that gives the BTE so many advantages over other models which are worn entirely inside the ear also makes it challenging to disguise. People who are sensitive about the appearance can pick cases that complement their skin coloration to help the hearing aid blend in. Wind noise can also be a challenge with BTE hearing aids, though most of them now have hardware and software features available to minimize or eliminate this concern.

If it sounds like the advantages of a BTE hearing aid outweigh its disadvantages, you may have uncovered the best to meet your needs. Speak to your audiologist to learn more about behind-the-ear hearing aids.