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Behind the Ear Hearing Aids (BTE): Pros & Cons

Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids are the world’s most common hearing aid type. They consist of a small case that sits behind your ear. This houses the receiver and microphones which pick up and process sounds. These amplified sounds are then sent through a small plastic tube over your ear and into a (sometimes custom-made) ear mould. Because the receiver sits outside of the ear it is not as limited in size (although BTE hearing aids can still be very small and discreet) and so can hold bigger batteries and deliver more processing power than some of the smaller hearing aid types.

There are a number of advantages and disadvantages to Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids. Have a look at our list below and see if you think this type of hearing aid could be right for you. To find out more about Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids contact our expert team today.

Advantages of Behind The Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

• Versatile - Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids are probably one of the most versatile types of hearing aids on the market, there are varieties that will suit all types of hearing aids from mild to severe.
• Powerful - due to their outside-of-the-ear design, Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids can hold bigger batteries (such as the larger size 3 type) which allows them greater processing power and higher levels of amplification. This not only means that they are suitable for people with more severe levels of hearing loss, but also can accommodate greater levels of technological power allowing more advanced functionality, allowing for the incorporation of some really clever features.
• Battery Life - again due to the behind-the-ear design, BTE hearing aids can fit larger batteries and so often have some of the longest time spans between battery changes, which can not only be much more convenient but in some instances can be cost-saving too.
• Ease of Use - depending on the exact model that you choose, Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids can be controlled either by a series of buttons and sliders on the aid itself or via a variety of external controllers, such as dedicated remote controls or via smartphone apps.
• Easier to Clean - because a lot of BTE hearing aid sits outside of the ear, and also because they are slightly larger, it can make them much easier to keep clean than with some of the smaller in-ear varieties.
• Affordable - obviously this depends on the model that you choose, but some entry-level BTE hearing aids can be very affordable and can be a great option for people who only have limited hearing requirements.

Disadvantages of Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

• Conspicuous - because of their outside-of-the-ear design and larger casing, Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids are some of the most obvious and easily seen. So if discretion is one of your main deciding factors, then a Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aid might not be the best choice for you. However many of the BTE ranges of hearing aids are actually quite small and they also come in a variety of colours to match your hair/skin tone.
• Wind Noise - due to their position outside of the ear, some Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids can be affected by wind noise, making it much more difficult to hear when you are outside in windy conditions. However many of the Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids now feature technology that can isolate and reduce the sound of wind noise.
• Less Comfortable - some people find that wearing a Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aid is less comfortable than some of the smaller-sized hearing aids that fit within the ear itself. However, it is precisely this larger size which means that BTE hearing aids can provide higher levels of power, functionality and battery life.

To find out more about Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids and many of the other hearing aid types available contact our experts today and arrange for your free hearing test with one of our network of qualified local audiologists.

To View full details of other types of Hearing Aid in more detail, learn more by clicking on the links below

Open and Receiver in Canal Hearing Aids (Open / RIC)
In the Ear Hearing Aids (ITE)
In the Canal Hearing Aids (ITC)
Completely in the Canal Hearing Aids (CIC)
Invisible in the Canal Hearing Aids (IIC)
Super Power Hearing Aids

Author: Paul Harrison