BTE (Behind-the-ear)

This hearing aid is one of the most versatile styles on the market. It sits behind your ear but usually has a piece that is made custom to fit your ears.  BTEs can fit a wide range of loss but mostly moderate to profound hearing losses. There are, of course, advantages and disadvantages to this style of hearing aid.

Advantages:

• Good for patients with dexterity issues
• Discreetly hidden behind the pinna
• Receiver is behind the ear so it is less prone to wax and moisture build up
• Can have a larger battery for a longer battery life
• Easy to repair in clinic office, but sometimes needs to be sent to manufacturer for repair depending on the issue
• Can be adaptable to different hearing losses that can require more power

Disadvantages:

• Requires a custom mold with tubing which can be more visible
• Does not take advantage of outer ear resonance and collection of sound

Take Note: Patients usually choose the BTE style if they have a severe to profound hearing loss or one that is likely to deteriorate further.  Talk to your hearing instrument specialist about this option, if it is something you are interested in.