Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

This hearing aid is traditionally the most powerful and rests on the back of the outer ear.

The most familiar hearing aid style, Behind-The-Ear (BTE) aids, are housed in a durable case that rests on the back of the outer ear. These aids are suitable for the widest range of hearing loss, including profound hearing loss. While the larger size BTEs allow for more power and features, the smallest ones, mini BTEs, are practically invisible when worn.

Description

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are versatile devices suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, and are available in various sizes.

With the BTE models, sound is transmitted into the ear through a very discreet tube, which leads into a customized earmold. Because they are larger, BTE models have more space for electronic components than other types of hearing aids, giving them more room to house additional features and deliver advanced performance for a wider range of hearing loss types. Additionally, BTEs are comfortable, easy to mold, and easy for caretakers to assist with and maneuver.

Advantages

Easy to handle, insert and adjust
Suitable for all levels of hearing loss
Can fit many features
Larger batteries for longer battery life
Space for larger and more powerful batteries
Larger program selection buttons that are easier to operate
Open fitting
Connection to radios and TV sets via an audio shoe, wireless reception via induction, radio and infra-red signals, or Bluetooth

Disadvantages

More visible than smaller models
More sensitive to wind
Less suitable for people who wear eyeglasses
Prevents use of the natural functions of the concha
Less discreet

Structure of a BTE hearing aid

The latest hearing aids are small and delicate. This makes them highly discreet. The housings are available in various colors. Water, sweat and dust-resistant models are available for athletes. There are even specially designed hearing aids for swimmers. These work down to a depth of one meter.

All hearing aids feature the same main components. A behind-the-ear hearing aid, for example, has the following functions:

Microphone – Picks up sounds and converts them into electrical signals
Amplifier – Increases the volume of the microphone signals and filters out irrelevant sounds
"Loudspeaker“ – Converts electrical signals into acoustic signals
Speech processor – Adjusts signals to the wearer's individual hearing needs
Volume regulator – Lets the wearer control the volume
Ear hook – Connects the hearing aid and the sound tube
Audio input – Picks up signals from other external devices
Disposable or rechargeable battery for the power supply – While disposable batteries can be changed several times, rechargeable batteries last for up to 24 hours with just one charge

The hearing aid is connected to the ear via a sound tube, which ends in a fixing piece, or earpiece/ear shell (earmold). A variation on the classic BTE hearing aid is the external receiver model (receiver-in-canal, or RIC), in which the loudspeaker sits inside the ear, thus transmitting sound directly to the eardrum.

Other behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

External receiver model (receiver-in-canal, or RIC)

The smallest behind-the-ear models are equipped with external receivers and usually also offer wireless functions.

Micro-behind-the-ear models

These hearing aids are smaller than normal BTE models and suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss. They can be worn comfortably behind the ear and come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and styles.