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Behind-the-ear hearing aids

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Image shows hearing aid placed behind the ear of a man.

What are Behind-the-ear hearing aids?

As indicated by the name, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have a design that allows the main body of the hearing aid to sit hidden behind the ear. A clear, discreet wire or tube is then connected to an ear mold or dome and placed comfortably inside the ear canal.

BTE hearing aids are the most popular types of hearing aids on the market today. Recently, they have become smaller, more adaptable, and much more powerful.

In-the-ear hearing aids

Image shows illustration of an ear with a hearing aid
Versatile
They come in various styles and colors, are suitable for mild to profound hearing loss, and can include a wide range of features.
Image shows illustration of an ear with a heart
Comfortable
Placed partially behind and in your ear, they provide a comfortable listening experience and are easy to adjust.
Image shows illustration of a battery
Powerful
With both rechargeable and disposable options available, they can house large batteries (thereby increasing battery life.)

Behind-the-ear hearing aid styles

Learn about and compare the different styles

Receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids

The RITE and miniRITE hearing aid is placed discreetly behind the ear and is connected by a thin wire which places the speaker or receiver inside the opening of the ear or ear canal.

  • Suitable for most types of hearing loss
  • Smaller and less noticeable than traditional BTE hearing aids
  • Rechargeable battery options available
  • Bluetooth enabled connection to other devices wirelessly1
  • Natural sound quality and more comfortable fit

Book free, 30-day trial See model examples

Behind the ear hearing aid

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

A clear tube connects the main body of the hearing aid (nestled behind the ear) to an earmold or dome that fits inside the ear canal.  The following features make BTE hearing aids a versatile option: 

  • Suitable for most  hearing losses 
  • Suitable for most ears
  • Bluetooth enabled connection to other devices wirelessly1
  • Able to accommodate high-tech features (due to larger size)
  • Telecoil, volume and program controls are easy to manipulate
  • Larger battery size provides more power

Book a FREE* hearing check See model examples

Image shows woman wearing behind-the-ear hearing aid
Image shows behind-the-ear hearing aids with other objects

What is the best hearing aid behind the ear?

Oticon has won several awards for its groundbreaking hearing aid technology. The newest Oticon More™ hearing aid allows you to experience the sound scene in balance and clartiy whilst supporting how your brain naturally works.

  • Discreet miniRITE style
  • Bluetooth enabled connection to other devices wirelessly1
  • Rechargeable
Book a FREE* hearing check Oticon More

Features of behind-the-ear hearing aids

Learn about what to expect from hearing aids behind the ear
Bluetooth connectivity
Bluetooth enabled connection to other devices wirelessly(1)
Easier to keep clean
Since only the ear mold or dome comes in direct contact with the ear canal, they are less vulnerable to moisture and wax build-up.
Fewer issues with feedback
This benefit is achieved by the microphone and receiver being placed farther away from each other than in some ITE hearing aids.
Longer battery life
They include larger batteries, allowing for a longer battery life.
More open-fitting
The thin tube that sits in the ear canal provides ample air ventilation.
Comfortable
Learn about what to expect from hearing aids behind the ear.
Rechargeable batteries
They are available with both disposable and rechargeable battery options.
Suitable for severe-profound losses
They can cater to more severe hearing loss levels than some other hearing aid types.

Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aid FAQ's

Nimi Daya Naran head shot
Nimi Daya Naran - Audiologist and Head of Medical Services & Graduate Development ANZ
 BA(Psych), M.Clin.Aud., MAudSA(CCP)

Nimi is an experienced Audiologist whose clinical career and dedication to the Audiology industry has afforded her many opportunities, where she has had the ability to specialise in paediatrics, adult rehabilitation, complex adult rehabilitation and tinnitus. Through these specialities she recognised her passion for clinical excellence and educating others. 

Today, she draws on that experience in her work as the Head of Medical Services and Graduate Development. Her current role allows her to raise hearing health awareness amongst general practitioners. As well as contribute to the development of clinicians in their early career, to ensure they have a strong clinical foundation as they begin their journey in the Audiology industry. She has also developed initiatives to improve clinical service delivery and client care. More recently she has established the Audika Specialist Referral Network, an initiative to ensure clients who could benefit from implantable technology are given access to these services. As well as ensuring these clients are supported throughout their implant journey.  
1additional accessories may be required.
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