Finding the right hearing aid for you is essential if you want a high quality of life. The type of hearing aid you select can depend on many things, such as your budget, your lifestyle, and more factors. BTE hearing aids stands for ‘Behind the ear hearing aids’, and they are usually what many people picture when they think of a hearing aid. Here, we’re going to explore whether this kind of hearing aid is right for you.

Behind the ear hearing aids work by transmitting sound to an earpiece through a small plastic tube, which sits in your outer ear canal and sends sound waves to the eardrum. Many of the important hearing aid components, such as the loudspeaker, sit in the main housing behind the ear.

The BTE hearing aid has been the standard for hearing aids for a long time, but advancements in technology means that this is no longer the case, and there are so many more options to choose from. There are more discreet options than the BTE hearing aid, but they may still be a good choice for some people. What are the benefits of a BTE hearing aid?

  • BTE hearing aids can be used by those with severe hearing loss, which isn’t the case with some other options.
  • BTE hearing aids can be suitable for a huge number of users.
  • BTE hearing aids are less likely to experience feedback as the microphone and the receiver are further apart.
  • These hearing aids are more durable and less likely to be affected by earwax and ear wax build up. The majority of the device sits behind the ear away from the canal, which can mean it stays clean for longer.
  • Although these hearing aids might seem like they are old fashioned, they can still be equipped with new technology so that they are up to date.

The only issue some people seem to have with this style of device is the look of it, as some people prefer a more discreet option.

Are BTE hearing aids right for you?

It can be difficult to decide of BTE hearing aids are right for you alone. If you’re completely new to the world of hearing aids, then it’s much better to go and discuss this matter with your audiologist, as they will be able to have a good chat with you about what you need and recommend the best option. You want something that you like the look of, that suits your lifestyle, that works well, suits your budget, and will last. It should be easy to clean for you, and not too much hassle to store away and then use again.

The BTE hearing aid is often found to be more reliable and longer lasting than other kinds of hearing aids, so that is worth a consideration. It is also easier to clean for those who want lower maintenance hearing aids, and you won’t need to worry about going without the latest technology. The only thing to consider is whether you would like something a little more discreet. Weighing up your other options is vital!