Nowadays, people with hearing difficulties have more hearing aid choices available to them than at any other time.One of the most popular types is the behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, which like any other device has specific strengths and weaknesses. If you are serious about investing in hearing aids for yourself or for someone close to you, the information in this brief article can help you decide whether a behind-the-ear hearing aid might be a good choice.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are among the most easily recognizable listening devices.
These devices feature a banana-shaped plastic case that rests behind the ear which connects to a smaller component that is placed within the outer ear. The most important parts of the hearing aid are found inside this case. This case contains the battery, the electronics that allow the device to function, and the controls that let wearers to cycle through different features and programs. The “ear mold” is the portion of the hearing aid that is worn inside the ear. This component is tailored for each individual, allowing it to comfortably conduct the sounds picked up by the case into the ear canal.
There are numerous benefits associated with using a BTE hearing aid. The larger casing holds larger batteries, which can provide superior amplification and longer battery life. More room in the outer shell also means that the manufacturer can include additional features such as Bluetooth technology, telecoil and directional microphones. Additionally, the larger outer shell makes BTE hearing aids simpler to handle than smaller ones, which makes exchanging batteries and cleaning the device easier for individuals with more limited dexterity and eyesight.
The biggest disadvantage of a BTE hearing aid is its visibility. It’s incredibly hard to disguise the fact that you’re wearing a hearing aid if you opt for a BTE. Some outer shells can be tinted to match the user’s skin tone, which can help make the BTE less noticeable. Noise from wind can also be an issue with BTE hearing aids, though many of them now have software and hardware features available to reduce or eliminate this issue.
If you feel that the benefits of BTE hearing aids outweigh the drawbacks, this type of device may be for you. Consider speaking with your audiologist to find out more.