A behind-the-ear hearing aid (BTE) is a hearing aid that is worn behind the ear. They are the most common type of hearing aid and are suitable for all kinds of hearing loss.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are very important for patients, let us learn more about behind-the-ear hearing aids.
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What are BTE Hearing Aids? How BTE Hearing Aids Function Pros and Cons of BTE Hearing Aids Different Styles of BTE Hearing Aids How to choose a BTE hearing aid manufacturer? |
What are BTE Hearing Aids?
A BTE hearing aid (Behind-the-Ear) is a hearing aid that is worn behind the ear. They are the most common type of hearing aid and are suitable for all kinds of hearing loss.
BTE hearing aids consist of a small body that contains all electronic components and batteries. The body usually sits behind the ear and is connected to the earmold by a tube or wire. Earmoulds are plastic or silicone molds that are placed in the ear canal to transmit sound to the ear.
How BTE Hearing Aids Work
BTE hearing aids work as follows:
1. A microphone converts sound into electrical signals.
2. Amplifiers amplify electrical signals.
3. The sound processor processes the electrical signal to remove background noise and enhance the speech signal.
4. The speaker converts the electrical signal into sound.
The microphone of a BTE hearing aid is usually located in the housing of the hearing aid and captures the surrounding sound. A microphone converts sound into an electrical signal, which is then sent to an amplifier. Amplifiers amplify electrical signals to compensate for hearing loss.
The sound processor is the core component of the BTE hearing aid. It is responsible for removing background noise and enhancing speech signals. Sound processors use various techniques to achieve this, such as:
• Noise Cancellation: The sound processor analyzes the sound signal, identifies background noise, and removes it.
• Speech Enhancement: The sound processor recognizes speech signals and amplifies them.
• Directionality: The sound processor recognizes the direction of sound and amplifies it from a specific direction.
Speakers convert electrical signals into sound and transmit the sound to the ear. Speakers are usually located inside the ear mold of the hearing aid and transmit sound directly into the ear canal.
BTE hearing aids can be adjusted in various ways to meet the individual needs of the user. Users can use buttons or dials on the hearing aids to adjust volume, program, and other parameters. A hearing aid can also be adjusted by a hearing aid practitioner using special software.
Pros and Cons of BTE Hearing Aids
Advantages of BTE hearing aids
BTE hearing aids are the most common type of hearing aid and are suitable for all kinds of hearing loss. They have the following advantages:
• Powerful: BTE hearing aids can provide louder and clearer sound, suitable for patients with moderate to severe hearing loss.
• Strong adjustability: BTE hearing aids can be adjusted according to individual hearing loss and needs to ensure the best hearing effect.
• Various functions are optional: BTE hearing aids can be equipped with various functions, such as wireless connection, speech recognition, noise reduction, etc., to meet the needs of different patients.
Powerful
BTE hearing aids are usually more powerful and can provide the volume and clarity needed by patients with moderate to severe hearing loss. They help patients hear small sounds such as birdsong, wind and footsteps.
Strong adjustability
BTE hearing aids can be adjusted to individual hearing loss and needs. Users can use buttons or dials on the hearing aids to adjust volume, program, and other parameters. A hearing aid can also be adjusted by a hearing aid practitioner using special software.
Multiple functions are optional
BTE hearing aids can be equipped with a variety of features, such as wireless connectivity, voice recognition, noise reduction, and more. The wireless connection function allows users to connect hearing aids with smart phones, TVs and other devices to realize functions such as wireless calls and listening to music. Speech recognition can help users understand others more easily. Noise Cancellation removes background noise and improves voice clarity.
Disadvantages of BTE hearing aids
BTE hearing aids also have some disadvantages:
• Larger size: BTE hearing aids are bulkier than other types of hearing aids and may not be as discreet as some other types of hearing aids.
• Periodic replacement of earmolds may be necessary: Earmolds will need to be changed periodically to ensure proper fit in the ear canal.
Different Styles of BTE Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids can be divided into the following types according to shape, power and function:
• Traditional BTE: Traditional BTE is the most common type of BTE hearing aid. They are fully functional and cater for all kinds of hearing loss.
• RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) hearing aid: The receiver of the RIC hearing aid is located in the ear canal, and the body is located behind the ear. They are smaller and more stealthy than traditional BTEs.
• ITE (In-the-Ear) hearing aids: All electronic components of ITE hearing aids are located in the ear canal. They are the most discreet type of hearing aid, but also the most expensive.
Conventional BTE is the most common type of BTE hearing aid. They are fully functional and cater for all kinds of hearing loss. Traditional BTE usually has the following characteristics:
• The body is large and sits behind the ear.
• The receiver is located in the ear canal.
• It has various functions, such as wireless connection, voice recognition, noise reduction and so on.
RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) hearing aids
The receiver of a RIC hearing aid is located in the ear canal, while the body is located behind the ear. They are smaller and more stealthy than traditional BTEs. RIC hearing aids typically have the following characteristics:
• The body is small and sits behind the ear.
• The receiver is located in the ear canal.
• It has various functions, such as wireless connection, voice recognition, noise reduction and so on.
ITE (In-the-Ear) hearing aids
All electronic components of ITE hearing aids are located in the ear canal. They are the most discreet type of hearing aid, but also the most expensive. ITE hearing aids typically have the following characteristics:
• Both the body and the receiver are located in the ear canal.
• It has various functions, such as wireless connection, voice recognition, noise reduction and so on.
How to choose a BTE hearing aid manufacturer?
BTE hearing aids are the most common type of hearing aid and are suitable for all kinds of hearing loss. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a BTE hearing aid manufacturer:
• Brand reputation: Choose a manufacturer with a good brand reputation to ensure the quality and performance of your hearing aids.
• Product Selection: Choose from manufacturers who offer hearing aids in different types, features, and prices that can meet your individual needs.
• After-sales service: Choose a manufacturer that provides high-quality after-sales service to ensure that you get help when using your hearing aids.
Steps for Choosing a BTE Hearing Aid Manufacturer
• Gather information: Learn about the brand reputation, product selection, and after-sales service of different manufacturers. You can get information from sources such as the Internet, magazines, and audiologists.
• Talk to an audiologist: An audiologist can give you information about different manufacturers and help you choose the right hearing aid for you.
• Try hearing aids: Before buying hearing aids, you should try hearing aids from different manufacturers to find the one that works best for you.
Here are some trusted BTE hearing aid manufacturers:
Oticons
ReSound
Starkey
Widex
Conclusion
BTE hearing aids are an effective option for people with hearing loss. By carefully considering your own needs, you can choose a hearing aid that suits you and improve your hearing quality and quality of life.
