Behind the ear

A behind-the-ear hearing aid, also called a BTE hearing aid, hooks over the top of the ear and rests behind the ear. BTE hearing aids can connect to different earpiece styles. Many BTE hearing aids use a tube to connect the hearing aid to a custom earpiece called an ear mold that fits in the ear canal.

This type helps people of all ages with almost any type of hearing loss. But people with a lot of hearing loss may need to choose this style because it can hold the largest receiver and give the most volume.

A behind-the-ear hearing aid:

• Has been the largest type of hearing aid. But some newer models are smaller and hard to see when worn.
• Has directional microphones, which let the user focus on sound coming from one direction in a noisy place.
• Can make sound louder than other styles.
• May pick up more wind noise than other styles.
• May come with a battery that the user can recharge.