Behind the Ear hearing aids (BTE hearing aids) are now the most popular selling hearing aids. The newer BTE hearing aids are about half the size of the older BTE hearing aid models. These new hearing aids actually don't fit behind the ear but on top of the ear. BTE hearing aid models also come with a very narrow opaque tube that connects to the ear canal. They are very hard to see from the front or side unless you are really looking hard. All of the newer BTE hearing aids are digital and can be programmed for almost every hearing loss type and severity. For the mild to severe hearing loss in the higher frequences, BTE hearing aids come with "Open Fit" buds or tips. These buds and tips allow the wearer to hear ambient sounds in the area at the same time they are hearing amplified sounds. For more severe to profound hearing losses, especially in the lower frequecies, BTE hearing aids come with larger amplifiers and custom molds so all of the amplified sounds hit the eardrum. Which BTE hearing aid is best for you will usually depend on how bad your hearing is. For mild to severe hearing loss, the open fit models will probably work: for more severe hearing loss, you should probably choose the BTE hearing aids with custom molds and more powerful amplifiers. |
