Behind the Ear Hearing Aids Are a Good Choice in Many Instances

When a person's hearing has diminished either through age, illness, or accident, the good news is that these days there are more choices in assistive hearing devices that they can choose from than ever before in history. The two most widely used general categories of devices are the "in the ear hearing aids" and the "behind the ear hearing aids," which are also often called BTE units. Some people are surprised to learn that the BTEs are still very popular.

One of the reasons why BTEs have seen a recent spike in popularity is because the more recent models have a bit of a resemblance to some models of Bluetooth earphone headsets. Since these Bluetooth devices are very much in vogue and even are somewhat of a fashion statement these days, having assistive listening devices that are similar in appearance makes them less noticeable.

In most instances people are not eager to display their hearing disability by having a large and obvious hearing aid that is easily visible to casual observers. And, because of this and the fact that some of the "behind the ear hearing aids" are somewhat similar to Bluetooth devices, often the issue is averted. By eliminating at least a portion of the self-consciousness about wearing such a device, people are more likely to use their hearing aids.

BTE hearing aids have been around for many decades and with the advancements in technology not only do they look better, but they are also smaller, and often considered quite unobtrusive. They generally are fitted to the individual who has moderate to severe hearing loss and they can be worn by both adults and children with proper sizing and adjustments.

Another aspect that makes the BTE listening devices a popular choice is that they tend to have better battery life than the "in the ear hearing aids." This is because the battery does not have to be tucked into a tiny device that fits into the ear canal but can be designed as part of the piece that sits behind the ear. With more space for the hearing aid batteries, larger batteries can be used, which will need to be changed less frequently.

BTE listening devices also are available with more options than the smaller hearing aids. Again, with more space in the device, there are more options that can be built into the hearing instrument. Some of these options are even programmable and can be adjusted as the need arises or the situation changes.

Most programmable BTE listening devices are available with self-adjusting, or automatic, sound filtering and volume controls that adopt on-the-fly sound changes in the environment of the user. This helps to deliver the best sound quality to the user while eliminating background noises that should not be amplified, making the important sounds of conversation easier to follow.

It is always important to work closely with your hearing healthcare professional in choosing the right devices to improve your hearing for your particular situation. While "behind the ear hearing aids" are a popular choice, you should discuss your exact hearing loss condition and get input from your hearing doctor before making a final decision about assistive listening devices.