Your guide to best behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids

The behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid is the most common design for a reason. Its versatility, power and flexibility is unbeatable. With an open-fit design that allows for ventilation of the ear canal, you get the functionality of a powerful hearing aid, with a smaller, more discreet design.

With behind-the-ear hearing aids, most or all elements are centered in a case behind the ear. An earpiece is then placed in the ear, connected to the case with a tube or thin wire. Traditional BTE designs collect the sound and deliver it to a speaker behind the ear.

This sound is then transferred to the ear canal through a tube. Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) designs place the speaker directly in the ear canal.

Modern behind-the-ear hearing aids are packed with advanced features to make everyday life easier. Many of the best behind-the-ear hearing aids now include advanced features like Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, and may even have AI-driven sound processing for processing clear speech in noisy environments.

With flexible designs, BTE hearing aids can be personalized to your lifestyle, whether you prefer simple, reliable amplification or the latest in smart technology.

The BTE hearing aid price may vary based on the technology level, features, and brand of hearing aid. Entry-level models of behind-the-ear hearing aids are more affordable, while advanced models that come with Bluetooth streaming, rechargeability and battery life, and AI sound processing are priced higher.

When considering cost, it’s also important to assess value. The best behind the ear hearing aids not only improve hearing, but also improve quality of life with comfort. Financing options are also available, so you can choose the style and technology that suits your lifestyle and budget.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids offer powerful performance in a compact design with several benefits, but their size can also bring a few drawbacks.

Advantages of BTE hearing aids

• Suitable for any degree of hearing loss - From mild to profound, behind the ear BTE hearing aids are suitable for almost any need.
• Compact yet powerful design - The larger casing of the hearing aid can fit advanced technology and clear sound delivery.
• Longer battery life - Bigger batteries mean longer use between charges or replacements, with many models having a rechargeable feature.
• Easy to handle and maintain - Simple to remove, clean and maintain, making them especially convenient as behind the ear hearing aids for seniors.
• Available in various designs and colors
• Connectivity features - Modern BTE hearing aids include bluetooth streaming and smartphone app controls for the ultimate convenience.
• Long lasting – BTE hearing aids often last longer than smaller in-ear styles because their electronics are less exposed, more easily maintained, and housed in a sturdier shell.
• Less affected by earwax or moisture – Because the electronics sit outside the ear canal, they are less prone to blockage or damage.

Disadvantages of BTE Hearing Aids

• More visible - As they sit behind the ear, they are not as discreet as in-the-ear styles of hearing aids.
• Capture more background noise - The microphone placement sits on the outside which means that it can sometimes pick up more surrounding sounds, and wind noise, however advanced digital models have embedded software to reduce this effect.
• Less comfort with glasses or masks - The bulk around the ear may feel less comfortable, although slim BTE models reduce this issue.

Choosing the right type of hearing aid depends on your lifestyle, comfort, level and type of hearing loss. Behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) offer power and versatility, receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices balance discretion with performance, while in- ear hearing aids (ITE) provide a custom fitted option that’s easy to handle.

A hearing care professional can help you find the best match for your lifestyle and needs.

With behind-the-ear hearing aids, you can opt for custom-fit earpieces or instant fit. Either way, with the proper fitting, you can enjoy a comfortable hearing experience with BTE devices. With that said, any new device will take a bit of time to get used to.

Hearing aids work best when fitted and adjusted properly. Book an appointment to make sure your hearing aids fit right.