Comparing In-the-Ear (ITE) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

After your audiologist has prescribed hearing aids for you, one of the first decisions you’ll have to take is regarding the style of the hearing aids. You will need to decide which style of hearing aids you actually want to go for. Typically, hearing aids can be classified into two main categories: BTE hearing aids and ITE hearing aids. Since adjusting to a hearing aid is a step-by-step process, you’ll have to ensure the first step of the process (choosing the style of the hearing aid) is performed properly. Ultimately, the style of hearing aid you choose will determine your success or failure with them.

Although your healthcare provider will advise you about the best type of hearing aids for you, learning to live with the hearing aids is a personal process. Thus, there are a few more factors you will have to consider before making the final decision.

The severity of your hearing loss

If you have a mildly severe to acute hearing loss, meaning that the scores on your hearing test are around the 60 dB mark or lower, you should stick with the BTE hearing aids. Although ITE hearing aids are more powerful than their BTE counterparts, ITE hearing aids are still weak when it comes to catering to hearing loss of the severe kind. Since hearing loss only gets worse with time, you would want to ensure that your hearing aid will last for a long time. Overall, BTE hearing aids are more powerful and will provide you with a strong range in case your hearing loss gets worse.

Other medical conditions you suffer from

If you are a victim of arthritis or experience trouble handling small objects, ITE hearing aids are probably the most suitable option for you. Although they are small as well, BTE hearing aids can be tricky to handle because they are composed of two parts (the hearing aid itself and the earmold which fits inside the ear). Therefore, if you have poor control on your fingers or find small objects hard to handle, a single ITE hearing aid may be the better choice.

Preferences regarding hearing aid appearance

Today, most people tend to go for more discreet hearing aids. Thankfully, there are a number of options in both BTE and ITE hearing aids that are not protruding at all. In the end, there is no clear winner between the two types of hearing aids. Your choice will depend foremost on the severity of your hearing loss and on the style you feel you will be comfortable with in the long run.