4 FAQs About BTE Hearing Aids

There are many different types of hearing aids available. Depending on your personal preferences and the severity of your hearing loss, you may be given a choice to select from or your audiologist might ask you several questions and decide on the best type of hearing aid for you.

One type of common hearing aid is the behind-the-ear hearing aid, also known as a BTE hearing aid. These sit discreetly behind the ear instead of behind inside the ear, and they play sound in your ear through a small tube that enters your ear. BTE hearing aids typically provide the most amplification (better sound quality) and are recommended for most patients that suffer from hearing loss.

Here are a couple of the most frequently asked questions regarding BTE hearing aids.

1. Who are BTE hearing aids suited for?

BTE hearing aids provide the best amplification out of all the hearing aid types, which means they are best suited for those with severe hearing loss. Because the hearing aids are situated behind the ear, they are also fairly discreet compared to other options. However, they’re also fairly bulky compared to the alternatives.

We would recommend BTE hearing aids for anyone that wants a discreet solution to deal with severe hearing loss or anyone that wants a hearing aid that is easy to clean and manage due to its size.

2. What are the challenges of maintaining a BTE hearing aid?

BTE hearing aids are arguably the easiest to maintain due to their size. They’re much easier to clean and take care of because they aren’t as fragile as smaller hearing aids. Parts can easily be replaced and larger storage cases mean that you won’t lose them accidentally.

3. I want my hearing aids to be discreet, are BTE hearing aids a good choice?

If you’re looking for a discreet hearing aid then BTE hearing aids are a good choice. This is because they sit behind the ear out of sight and there is only a small tube that goes from the hearing aid unit to your ear. They can be hidden in your hair and generally aren’t as noticeable as other styles of hearing aids.

4. Can I change the settings on my BTE hearing aids?

Yes. BTE hearing aids usually come with more settings and options due to their size. They can hold more built-in circuitry, meaning you’ll get more options, better battery life and customizable settings. Keep in mind that you will need to speak with your audiologist if you want to change the settings, and they’ll be able to guide you through how to make adjustments to your hearing aids.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand BTE hearing aids better so that you can make a more informed decision on which style of hearing aid is best for you. Remember that your audiologist will likely make a suggestion based on your health and circumstances, but if you think that a BTE hearing aid will suit you better, then there’s no harm in mentioning it.