BTE - Behind the Ear

Behind the ear, also known as BTE, hearing
aids are far and away the most commonly
used type of hearing aid. These hearing aids
are also what most people picture when hearing
aids are mentioned. The electronics which make
a BTE hearing aid function are housed in a plastic case which fits behind the ear and has a tube that connects it to an ear mold which fits in the ear canal.

They are designed to accommodate the entire spectrum of hearing losses, from the mild to the severe. Although they are more conspicuous then hearing aids that fit entirely in the ear canal, they have a number of benefits that appeal to a wide variety of hearing impaired individuals. In addition, BTE hearing aids come in a number of sizes, shapes and colors. So some behind the ear models are much less conspicuous then others.

Since behind the ear hearing aids are larger then their completely in the canal, or CIC, counterparts, they can more easily house a bigger amplifier and much stronger battery and therefore may be especially beneficial to individuals with a more severe hearing loss. BTE hearing aids are also rather versatile in that they come in the most traditional analog style as well as in the recently popularized digitally powered style of hearing aids.

When budgetary constraints are an issue, behind the ear
devices definitely win out over hearing aids which fit
completely in the ear canal. Due to their larger size, other
groups of people to whom BTE hearing aids have more
appeal then CIC models include the elderly, arthritis
sufferers and others with fine motor control disabilities and
related issues.

Finally since CIC models necessitate the wearing of a heavier device in the canal then just the lightweight ear mold attached to BTE hearing aids, there tends to be less ear canal irritation with the former.