Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are the most common and recognised hearing devices. These hearing aids fit behind the ear (thus the name) and are generally custom fitted to the individual.

Behind the ear hearing aids consist of an ear mold, a main shell section and a connecting tube.

The main shell houses the electronics and the battery. The shell sits at the top of your ear and runs down behind it. Like spooning your ear. The latest hearing aids have extremely thin tubes which run from the shell to the ear piece, making these are almost invisible to the casual observer.

How BTE hearing aids work

The sound is captured by a tiny microphone, amplified and then transmitted by the device to the ear through the tube into the ear mold which fits in the users ear.

BTE hearing aid benefits

• Often better at amplification due to size allowing larger amplifier and larger battery, making them better options for people with severe hearing loss
• Available in both digital and analogue programmable styles
• Can be less expensive
• Functional and practical
• Better alternative for children
• More robust

Other considerations for BTE

The main downside of BTE hearing aids are the fact that they are visible and easily seen by other people, if this does not worry you, BTE hearing aids are a comfortable and practical treatment for various forms of hearing impairment. From the wide range and variety of BTE hearing aids, they are the most affordable and commonly used throughout the world.

They are also generally recommended for children because they are robust, and as the child's inner ear canals grow, it does not interfere or cause any problems along with being easier to replace.

This type of hearing aid is usually more powerful alternative to the In the ear (ITE) and In the canal (ITC) hearing aids and can treat a wide variety of hearing impairments.