Maybe you’ve considered obtaining a hearing aid, but you’re unsure of how it will appear or whether it would actually be helpful. Knowing more about your hearing aid alternatives, what to look for when purchasing a hearing aid, and how to adjust to a hearing aid may all alleviate your worries. Normal hearing cannot be achieved using hearing aids. However, by boosting sounds that you’ve had difficulties hearing, they can help you hear better.
To get sounds from the environment into your ear and amplify them, all hearing aids use the same fundamental components. The majority of hearing aids are digital, and they are all powered by either a standard hearing aid battery or a rechargeable battery.
Small microphones gather environmental noises. Digital code is generated from the incoming sound by a computer chip with an amplifier. Based on your hearing loss, your listening requirements, and the volume of the sounds around you, it analyses and modifies the sound. After that, speakers, which are often referred to as receivers, transform the amplified signals back into sound waves and transmit them to your ears.
One of the most common types of hearing aids are the behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids. In this article, we at Hear Expert have compiled some necessary information you should know about behind the ear hearing aids, if you choose to apply the same for future purposes.
What are behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids?
A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid lies behind the ear after hooking over the top. An ear mould, which is a bespoke earpiece that fits in your ear canal, is connected by a tube to the hearing aid. This kind is suitable for individuals of all ages and those with virtually any kind of hearing loss.
Although some more recent tiny forms are sleek and barely perceptible, a behind-the-ear hearing aid is still generally regarded as the largest sort of hearing aid. It uses directional microphones and offers greater amplification power than other types. It might, however, pick up more ambient noise than other designs. The majority of behind-the-ear hearing aids come with a rechargeable battery.
You can get access to more information on the idea of behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids at our site, Hear Expert.
Features of behind the ear hearing aids
- Reduction of ambient noise- There is some level of noise suppression possible with every hearing aid. Variable noise reduction occurs. Others provide wind noise suppression as well.
- Help of directional microphones- Directional microphones are positioned on the hearing aid so that you may pick up sounds from in front of you more easily while picking up fewer noises from behind or beside you. Some hearing aids have a single-direction focus feature. When there is a lot of ambient noise around you, directional microphones can help you hear better.
- Rechargeable batteries- Rechargeable batteries are used in some hearing aids. You may find maintenance to be simpler as a result of the battery changing need being dropped.
- Incorporation of telecoils- When speaking on a phone that supports telecoils, they make it easier to hear. The telecoil filters out background noise while picking up noises from the hearing-aid compatible phone. In order to improve your ability to hear a speaker, play, or movie, telecoils can also pick up signals from public induction loop systems that are present in some churches and theatres.
- Connectivity through wireless modes- More and more Bluetooth-compatible gadgets, including smartphones, music players, computers, and televisions, can wirelessly connect to some hearing aids. To pick up the phone or another signal and transfer it to the hearing aid, you might need to use an interim device.
- Remote-controlled application- You can change features on some hearing aids using a remote control without ever touching the device. Some hearing aids include a wireless connection to a phone, and the phone has an app that lets you use the mobile as a remote control.
- Direct audio input- You can connect to audio using this capability from a television, computer, or music player.
- Variable programming- Many pre-programmed settings for varied listening situations and requirements can be stored in certain hearing aids.
- Synchronisation of hearing aids- If a person has two hearing aids, they can be set to work together so that any changes made to one hearing aid (such as volume control or programme changes) will also be applied to the other device, making control easier.
Advantages of behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids
Behind-the-ear designs are typically the simplest to recognise among the numerous types of hearing aids available. Amplification is increased and battery life is extended by the larger batteries that fit the larger enclosure. More features, such as directional microphones, telecoils, and Bluetooth, are also possible due to the BTE’s bigger size. Additionally, BTE hearing aids have a bigger case than smaller ones, making it simpler for persons with weaker hand-eye coordination and vision to change the batteries and clean the device.
Disadvantages of behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids
The main issue with BTE hearing devices is how they seem. If you choose a BTE, it is quite difficult to hide the fact that you are using a hearing aid. Users who care about appearance can choose cases that go well with their skin tone to enable them to blend in. Although the majority of BTE hearing aids already have hardware and software options available to lessen or eliminate this worry, wind noise can still be a problem with these devices.
Necessary information you need to ensure before buying a behind the ear hearing aid
- Get informed medical referral– Have a hearing professional examine your hearing (audiologist). A reputable audiologist may be recommended by your doctor if you don’t really know about one. An audiologist will evaluate your hearing, assist you in selecting the best hearing aid, and modify the device to suit your needs. If you have hearing problems in both ears, two hearing aids will work best for you.
- Enquire about trial period and warranty– Typically, a hearing aid comes with a trial period. You might need some time to get acclimated to the equipment and determine whether it’s the correct choice for you. Get the price of a trial, if it is applied to the overall price of the hearing aid, and the amount that will be refunded if you return the device during the test period in writing from the dispenser.
Ensure that the hearing aid comes with a limited warranty that covers both parts and labour. Some dispensers’ warranties could cover services like office visits. - Plan out expenses and future considerations– Hearing aid prices range widely. Additional costs may apply for consultancy services, remote controls, hearing aid accessories, and other hearing aid alternatives. Your audiologist should be informed of your expectations and requirements.
To ensure that your chosen hearing aid will still be effective if your hearing loss worsens, find out if it can be powered up. The average lifespan of a hearing aid is five years, albeit they do not always work perfectly. - Be vigilant of false claims– Hearing aids cannot completely block out background noise or restore normal hearing. Any dispensers or commercials that assert differently should be avoided. In this article, we have highlighted some important information regarding behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids. Along with general descriptions of such hearing aids, we have also included the functions of the same.
This article also goes into the advantages, as well as the drawbacks of such BTE hearing aids. Finally, it throws light upon other necessary information you should keep in mind before investing in a hearing aid. If you wish to learn more about BTE hearing aids, Hear Expert will provide you with access to various databases with the requisite information to help you grow a better understanding of the gadget.