If your audiologist believes that you would benefit from wearing hearing aids, they may recommend specific types to you based on your individual needs. There are various types of hearing aid, and it’s always beneficial to explore the options available to you, gather as much information about the different kinds of hearing aids and ask questions before making a decision. One of the most common types of hearing aid is a BTE, or behind-the-ear, hearing aid. If you’re weighing up your options, here are some pros and cons to bear in mind.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids, as you may be able to guess from the name, sit behind the ear. BTE hearing aids are versatile, powerful and easy to look after, but they’re not everybody’s first choice. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect hearing aid, compare different models and types and don’t hesitate to ask your audiologist for advice.

Pros of BTE hearing aids

Versatility: One of the most advantageous aspects of BTE hearing aids is their versatility. BTE hearing aids are suitable for most people who experience hearing loss, and they can cater for mild, moderate and severe hearing loss.

Battery life: BTE hearing aids are among the largest devices on the market, and as such, they can house a larger battery. Battery life is longer than other types of hearing aid, meaning you don’t have to change the batteries as frequently. The larger, more powerful battery also offers greater amplification.

Easy to maintain: BTE hearing aids are easy to care for and clean, as they can be removed very quickly and they are less fragile and fiddly than other models.

Colors and styles: BTE hearing aids come in a range of colors, from bold shades to skin tones, which are designed for increased discretion.

Cons of BTE hearing aids

Visibility: As BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear, rather than inside the ear, they are more visible than most other types of hearing aid. If you’re looking for the most discreet option, this may not be the best choice for you, and your audiologist can recommend alternatives.

External noise: As the BTE hearing aids sits outside of the ear, it is more prone to picking up external noise, for example, wind. Some hearing aids are fitted with features, which are designed to minimize background noise and filter out sounds that are irrelevant.

Size: While the size of BTE hearing aids can offer benefits in terms of power and longer battery life, some people prefer a smaller device.

When you’re deciding which type of hearing aid to go for, it’s always useful to compare the pros and cons and see how they measure up. Everybody has their own preferences, and you may find that the pros of the BTE hearing aid far outweigh the cons. Your audiologist can give you more information about the different kinds of hearing aids, and provide tailored recommendations based on the findings of your hearing tests and your own personal preferences.