BTE Hearing Aids

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids stand out for being both versatile and strong.
Contrary to the past, modern hearing aids are small, subtle and considerably better than their older cousins. With all the different hearing aid styles now used, people often turn to the Behind-the-Ear (BTE) model thanks to its many capabilities, reliability and adaptability. Although more people are choosing smaller earpiece-style devices, BTEs are still the top choice for many kids, adults and people with different types of hearing problems because they balance results with convenience.

Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are small and sit curled up behind the outer ear. They are connected either by a tube to an earmold or to a thin wire that goes into the inner ear canal. Having work done by a third party gives multiple key advantages. More importantly, why hearing aids are needed is due to their greater power, so people with average to bad hearing loss can rely on them. With the bigger casing, these hearing aids can include stronger batteries, many directional microphones for less background noise and telecoils to take advantage of sound systems in certain public areas. Also, BTEs usually last longer and resist damage from earwax and moisture more than in-ear devices, because their main parts are not inside the ear canal. Professional ones are easier for some people to manage as they do not need as much finesse to control and maintenance is easier because of their details.

But the exact qualities that benefit BTEs can also be seen as drawbacks by some people. Some people might not like having Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids because they are more visible next to the ear compared to other inner ear models. Though today’s BTEs are better looked and less noticeable and you can find them in many colors, they are still not completely hidden. The insert in the ear called an earmold or dome may sometimes give a feeling of fullness or blockage to new users, but it usually goes away as you adjust to them. Feedback which sounds like a whistle from amplified sound leaking back into the microphone, used to be more of an issue but advances in digital feedback cancellation have helped to solve it.

BTE technology has become better and more popular in recent times due to its many new developments. Much of today’s BTEs have rechargeable batteries which avoids the need for constant battery replacement. Because Bluetooth is now common, people can easily play audio from smartphones, TVs and similar devices through their hearing aids. Adapting and personalizing sound is now possible through artificial intelligence and machine learning which change settings depending on what the user listens to and where they are. It is now possible for audiologists to change settings remotely which eliminates the requirement for a visit.

In short, Behind-the-Ear hearing aids are strong proof of how far amplification technology has progressed. Although they aren’t totally hidden like in-canal hearing aids, they are strong, can do many things, are easy to use and last long, making them very desirable for every type of hearing loss and situation. Because technology keeps getting better, it is certain that BTEs will keep getting more advanced and helpful for those with hearing loss.