Question 1

What are BTE hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

BTE stands for behind-the-ear hearing aids. BTE devices are the most popular hearing aid design on the market, housing the components in a case behind the ear. Their size ensures a powerful sound experience with a comfortable, versatile fit.

Question 2

How do behind-the-ear hearing aids work?

Accepted Answer

With behind-the-ear hearing aids, most or all elements are stored in a case behind the ear. An earpiece is then placed in the ear, connected to the case by a tube or thin wire. Traditional BTE designs collect the sound and deliver it to a speaker behind the ear. This sound is then transferred to the ear canal through a tube. Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) designs place the speaker directly in the ear canal.

Question 3

How much do BTE hearing aids cost?

Accepted Answer

With a wide range of styles, features and brands, behind-the-ear hearing aids can vary greatly in price. An approximate price for BTE hearing aids can range anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000.

Question 4

What is the difference between BTE and RIC hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

While behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids house most, if not all, components behind the ear, receiver-in-canal (RIC), also known as receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or receiver-in-ear (RIE), place the receiver or speaker directly in the ear canal. This speaker is connected to the hearing aid using a tube or wire.

Question 5

What is the difference between BTE and ITE hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

While behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids house most, if not all, components behind the ear and are generally open-fit, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are placed in the concha, covering the entire bowl of the outer ear.

Question 6

What is the difference between BTE and ITC hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

While behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids house most, if not all, components behind the ear, in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids are placed directly in the ear canal, making them much smaller and discreet. Their smaller size, however, makes them less powerful than BTE designs.

Question 7

What are the types of BTE hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

As the most popular hearing aid type on the market, there is a wide variety of styles and designs. These include open-fit designs, binaural hearing aids for both ears, small and sleek designs, digital hearing aids and rechargeable options.

Question 8

How good are behind-the-ear hearing aids?

Accepted Answer

BTE hearing aids are some of the most powerful hearing aids on the market. Their larger size allows them to amplify sounds better and provide a longer battery life. They are also extremely versatile and easy to care for. With that said, BTE hearing aids are prone to picking up outside noise, as the microphones are stored behind the ear.

Question 9

How do I insert behind-the-ear hearings aids?

Accepted Answer

Your Hearing Care Professional can teach you how to properly wear and care for your BTE hearing aids. Start by placing the hearing aid behind your ear. Hold the tube connecting the earpiece to the hearing aid between your fingers, pointing it towards your ear canal. Gently push the earpiece into your ear canal until the tube is snug against your ear.

Question 10

How do behind-the-ear hearing aids stay in place?

Accepted Answer

There may be a variety of reasons your hearing aid doesn't stay in place. Ensure a proper fit with your Hearing Care Professional. Retention cords can also be fastened to your BTE to hold it in place. In addition, there are other types of adhesives and clips that can assist in holding your hearing aids where they should be.

Question 11

How do you wear BTE hearing aids with glasses?

Accepted Answer

While you may be concerned with wearing a BTE hearing aid with glasses, they can both be worn comfortably together. Be sure to place your glasses on first before putting your hearing aids in place. In addition, you should take your glasses off with two hands to ensure you're not shifting your BTE once it's in place. If you're experiencing any problems, talk to your eye care professional and Hearing Care Professional for more advice.

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Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids: FAQ

What are BTE hearing aids?

How do behind-the-ear hearing aids work?

How much do BTE hearing aids cost?

What is the difference between BTE and RIC hearing aids?

What is the difference between BTE and ITE hearing aids?

What is the difference between BTE and ITC hearing aids?

What are the types of BTE hearing aids?

How good are behind-the-ear hearing aids?

How do I insert behind-the-ear hearings aids?

How do behind-the-ear hearing aids stay in place?

How do you wear BTE hearing aids with glasses?

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