Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

Behind-the-Ear hearing aids, commonly called BTE devices, place the microphones, processor, amplifier, and receiver in a case behind the ear. Amplified sound travels through tubing into an eartip or custom earmold. BTEs remain one of the most durable and flexible hearing-aid styles, especially for children, severe hearing loss, challenging ear conditions, and people who need easy-to-handle controls.

How a BTE Hearing Aid Works

Unlike a Receiver-in-Canal device, the speaker stays inside the behind-the-ear case. Sound moves through a clear tube into the ear. Because the main electronics are kept outside the ear canal, the device can be built with more power, larger controls, stronger telecoil and wireless options, and greater resistance to wax-related receiver failure.

Main Advantages

• Suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, including severe and profound loss
• Durable design with larger controls
• Rechargeable and disposable-battery options
• Custom earmolds can provide secure retention and strong feedback control
• Easier handling for many people with reduced dexterity or vision
• Useful for children because earmolds can be replaced as ears grow

Power BTE and Standard BTE

Standard BTEs may use slim tubing and open or closed eartips for mild through moderately severe hearing loss. Power and super-power BTEs use stronger output and custom earmolds for severe or profound loss. The correct level depends on the audiogram, speech understanding, ear anatomy, comfort, and the amount of reserve power needed.

Current BTE Options From Our Main Brands

Phonak offers BTE products across families such as Naída for power fittings and Sky for pediatric use, along with other BTE choices depending on market and technology level. Starkey offers standard and power BTE styles in selected product families. Signia also provides BTE options for users who need more power, telecoil access, or an earmold-based fitting.

Who May Benefit Most?

• Adults with severe or profound hearing loss
• Children and teenagers
• People who need a secure custom earmold
• Wearers who find tiny devices difficult to handle
• People with frequent wax buildup that damages in-canal receivers
• Users who value durability, battery life, and manual controls

Tradeoffs to Consider

BTE devices are generally more visible than RIC or custom styles. They may interfere with glasses, oxygen tubing, hats, or mask loops if not fitted carefully. Tubing can harden or collect moisture and must be replaced periodically. Earmolds may also need modification if they become loose, sore, or prone to feedback.

BTE vs. Receiver-in-Canal

RIC devices are usually smaller and more discreet, and they often provide a more open fit. BTEs may be more durable and powerful because the receiver is protected inside the case. A BTE is often preferable when maximum output, secure earmold retention, or easier handling matters more than size.

Custom Earmolds and Tubing

The earmold is a major part of a BTE fitting. Material, canal length, venting, tubing size, and retention affect comfort, sound quality, feedback, and power. We provide custom earmolds and can replace worn tubing or address fit problems.

Verification and Follow-Up

Powerful hearing aids must be programmed carefully so speech is audible without exceeding comfort levels. Real Ear Measurement helps confirm output near the eardrum, while follow-up visits address loudness, earmold comfort, feedback, and speech clarity.

Care and Maintenance

Keep the case and microphone openings dry, inspect tubing for cracks or moisture, and clean the earmold as instructed. Do not place electronic BTE components in water. If the device becomes weak, whistles, or cuts in and out, tubing, earmold fit, wax, battery, moisture, and programming should all be checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are BTE hearing aids only for severe loss?

No. Standard BTEs can fit many degrees of hearing loss, although power versions are especially useful for severe and profound loss.

Are they rechargeable?

Yes. Rechargeable BTE options are available, along with disposable-battery models.

Why does my BTE whistle?

Common causes include a loose earmold, cracked tubing, earwax, improper insertion, or insufficient feedback margin.

How often should tubing be replaced?

It depends on wear, moisture, and material. Replace tubing when it becomes hard, discolored, cracked, or loose.

Can a BTE connect to phones and television?

Many current BTEs support Bluetooth, apps, telecoils, television accessories, and remote microphones.