Episode 3: BTE Style of Hearing Aid

Posted by Merren In Hearing TV

3of 10 FAQ FOR HEARING TV

​WHICH HEARING AID SHOULD I BUY? (Levels of STYLE OF HEARING AIDS – BTE)

In our last conversation we discussed how “which hearing aid to buy” in terms of technology
level and budget.  Today we are going to discuss the STYLE of your hearing aid.

Within each TECHNOLOGY LEVEL and BUDGET, a model of hearing aid may allow you to
choose a style of hearing aid.  In the next 4 episodes we will discuss the 4 major styles, their
pros and cons.

Today we are looking at the largest STYLE of hearing aid, the BEHIND-THE-EAR or BTE for
short.

The BTE is in two parts: the actual hearing aid which sits behind your ear which is connected
by tubing to a custom-made ear mould.

This hearing aid has been around for many years, but is fitted less often than in your mother
or grandmother’s time.

The ADVANTAGES of the BTE are​:

  • It can provide the best benefit for severe-profound hearing losses, as it can house a large
    battery to drive the sound.
  • The large battery is less fiddly to manage and lasts longer
  • The electronics of the aid are well away from moisture and ear wax, and the earmould can
    be pulled off the hearing aid to be washed.​

The DISADVANTAGES of the BTE are:

  • The aids are larger
  • ….And therefore more visible and uncomfortable to wear.