BTE Hearing Aids UK - The pros and cons of Behind the Ear hearing aids

Behind the Ear BTE Hearing Aids 

Exploring the different hearing aid styles available

What are Behind the Ear hearing aids?

What does BTE mean in hearing aids?  Behind the Ear hearing aids have grown in popularity, but what is a Behind the Ear hearing aid?  Behind the Ear hearing aids or BTE is one of the most popular hearing aid types available, due to their powerful amplification capabilities and versatility. 

Their design includes a case that sits behind the ear and contains the receiver and microphones which detect and then process sounds.

These amplified sounds are then sent through a small plastic tube over the top of your ear (which also serves to hold the receiver casing in place) into an ear mould that transmits the sounds to your ear.

Behind the Ear Hearing Aids Pros and Cons

 What are the advantages of BTE hearing aids?

Bluetooth BTE hearing aids

Are Behind the Ear hearing aids better? This hearing aid style offers Bluetooth connectivity and can easily connect to smart devices wirelessly, which is also needed to support the technology needed to better support your hearing needs.

BTE hearing aids give you powerful amplification and advanced technologies

Because Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids are slightly larger in size than some other hearing aid types and also due to their separate Behind the Ear casing they are able to provide higher levels of power and increased technological features than some smaller hearing aids.

They are able to contain the larger size battery types and so can support greater levels of amplification and provide the power needed for the inclusion of some really cutting-edge technology.

Super power BTE hearing aids

The above means that not only are Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids suitable for those with more severe levels of hearing loss, but also for those people who want their hearing aids to really perform.  View BTE hearing aids for severe hearing loss here

There’s a Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid for everyone

Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids are one of the most versatile hearing aid types due to their outside-of-the-ear design. This means that they can provide enough power to support even quite severe hearing loss and include enough technology to support the requirements of even the most active and dynamic of lifestyles.

Whatever your lifestyle or hearing loss type, there is likely to be a Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aid to suit you.

Behind the Ear hearing aids have a great battery life

Due to Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid’s design having the casing that houses the battery sitting externally behind the ear, it means that if necessary they can hold the larger size 3 batteries.

BTE rechargeable hearing aids

The above means that Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids can provide you with some of the best battery life of all of the hearing aid types available.  BTE hearing aids are available in both disposable and rechargeable battery models. 

Behind the Ear hearing aids are simple to use

Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids can be controlled either via a series of buttons or switches on the casing itself, or this can be replaced/combined with a variety of external controllers, such as smartphone apps or dedicated remote controls.

This variability of the design means that there is likely to be a Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aid to suit almost everybody.

There are affordable Behind the Ear hearing aids out there

Due to their classic design and slightly larger size, Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids can often be some of the easiest to manufacture and so can be one of the most affordable varieties of hearing aids – obviously, this depends on the exact model that you choose.

However, if you choose to buy your hearing aid from us then you will only pay one price regardless of the style of hearing aid that you choose.

Behind the Ear hearing aids are easier to clean and are comfortable

As Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids are slightly larger and also as they sit largely outside of the ear, it means that they are much easier to clean (and also change the batteries) than some of the much smaller types of hearing aids.

Most users find the BTE hearing aid style more comfortable, as they don’t sit far inside the ear canal.

BTE hearing aids offer fewer feedback issues

The microphone and receiver are positioned far away from each other when compared to ITE hearing aids, which ultimately reduces the risk of feedback.

BTE open fit hearing aids

There are also open fit BTE hearing aids available, which means the thin tube sits in the ear canal providing better air ventilation.

Cons of Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

What are the disadvantages of Behind the Ear hearing aids?

• Reduced sound quality

When you compare this style to that of the ITE or ITC hearing aids, the BTEs can sometimes not have the capacity to offer high levels of sound.

• Wind noise

BTE hearing aid devices are more likely to have complications with wind noise when used in open spaces. 

• Less discreet

If discreet options are important to you, then the BTE style might not be right for you.  They sit directly outside the ear, therefore they are more liable to be noticed by other people.  That being said, modern BTE hearing aids are much smaller than those of the past.

Behind the Ear Hearing Aid Care

How to clean BTE hearing aids

5 BTE hearing aid cleaning tips

Cleaning BTE hearing aids is essential to maintain their functionality and hygiene. Here are five tips to help you keep your BTE hearing aids clean:

1.  Daily wipe down: Use a soft, dry cloth or tissue to gently wipe down the exterior of the hearing aids. This removes surface dirt, oils and moisture that can accumulate during the day. Ensure your hands are clean before handling them.

2.  Brush the microphone and speaker ports: Use a soft-bristle brush or a hearing aid cleaning tool to carefully clean the microphone and speaker ports. These small openings can collect debris, which can affect sound quality. Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate components.

3.  Change wax filters: BTE hearing aids often have wax filters or guards in place to prevent earwax from entering the device. Check these filters regularly, and if you notice wax buildup, replace them following the manufacturer's instructions.

4.  Inspect tubing and earmold: If your BTE hearing aids have tubing and earmolds, inspect them for signs of blockage or damage. Remove the tubing and clean it with warm, soapy water, then let it dry thoroughly before reattaching it.

5.  Store properly: When not in use, store your BTE hearing aids in a protective case or container provided by your audiologist. This helps protect them from dust, moisture and physical damage.

Why is hearing aid maintenance important?

Remember to follow the specific cleaning and maintenance instructions provided by your hearing healthcare professional or the manufacturer to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your BTE hearing aids.

Regular cleaning and care can extend the life of your hearing aids and keep your hearing experience at its best.  Ask your audiologist for a BTE hearing aid cleaning kit so you can clean your devices at home at a time that suits you.

Explore other types of hearing aids by clicking on the links below:

►Receiver in Canal RIC hearing aids

►In the Ear ITE hearing aids

►Invisible in the Canal IIC hearing aids

►Completely in the Canal CIC hearing aids

►In the Canal ITC hearing aids