Behind-the-Ear (BTE & RIC) Hearing Aids
The most commonly fitted style, and for most people the right starting point. The body sits behind the ear; a thin wire or tube carries sound into the canal.
What are behind-the-ear hearing aids?
Behind-the-ear hearing aids place the electronics in a small housing behind the ear, connected to the ear canal by a thin tube (BTE) or a wire with the speaker in the canal (RIC). They suit the widest range of hearing losses, are the easiest style to handle, and are what most people are fitted with.
This style has room for a bigger battery and stronger components. The microphones sit where they pick up less wind, and the larger size makes them easier to hold, which helps if you have arthritis or limited dexterity.
They also leave the ear canal more open than a custom device, so your own voice sounds more natural.
Pros and cons of BTE and RIC hearing aids
Strengths
- Fits almost any lossFrom mild through to profound hearing loss.
- Easier to handleLarger body, easier to insert, easier to change a filter. A big help for arthritic hands.
- Longer battery lifeMore room means more capacity, whether rechargeable or disposable.
- Less occlusionAn open fitting leaves the canal ventilated, so your own voice sounds normal.
- Cheaper to repairA failed receiver on a RIC can usually be swapped quickly.
Trade-offs
- Visible behind the ear if somebody is looking for it
- Can compete for space with glasses arms and face masks
- The wire or tube is exposed and can be caught
- Custom styles are less visible, if that is your top priority
BTE and RIC questions
Both sit behind the ear. In a traditional BTE the speaker is in the body of the aid and sound travels down a tube; in a RIC the speaker sits in the ear canal on a thin wire. RIC is smaller, more discreet, and now the more commonly fitted of the two, but traditional BTE still wins for very severe losses and for durability.
Modern RIC devices are small and sit tucked behind the ear on a clear wire. Most people do not notice them unless they are looking. If invisibility is the main priority, custom in-the-canal styles go further.
Yes, though the fit takes a bit of care, so we set them up with your glasses on so the two are not fighting each other. Let us know at your fitting if they feel uncomfortable.
Generally yes. Behind-the-ear designs have room for more powerful components and larger batteries, and are the usual choice at the severe and profound end.
Custom in-the-ear styles
Worn inside the ear and built from a mold of your ear.
Schedule your visit with Jordan
Call (956) 576-3593 or send a request and we will get back to you the same business day. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 9 to 5.