What are behind the ear hearing aids?

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

Hearing aids behind the ear are the most widely used types of hearing aids on the market today. Recently, they have become smaller (the same is true for in-the-ear hearing aids), more adaptable, and much more powerful.

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

Hearing aid finder: See what type suits you

Take 1 minute to find out what hearing aid models suits your preferences.

What is your level or hearing loss?
What is your level or hearing loss?
What is more important for you in a hearing aid?
What is your preferred type of battery?

Your result

Based on your answers the following hearing aid types would suit your needs:

  • miniRITE R

*The result of the test may only be used for guidance and is not meant to replace a more accurate measurement of your hearing abilities and needs by one of our hearing care experts.

Would you like to visit us for a hearing aid trial?

Your result

Based on your answers the following hearing aid types would suit your needs:

  • miniRITE R

*The result of the test may only be used for guidance and is not meant to replace a more accurate measurement of your hearing abilities and needs by one of our hearing care experts.

Would you like to visit us for a hearing aid trial?

Your result

Based on your answers the following hearing aid types would suit your needs:

  • miniRITE
  • BTE Plus/Ultra Power
  • In-the-canal (ITC)

*The result of the test may only be used for guidance and is not meant to replace a more accurate measurement of your hearing abilities and needs by one of our hearing care experts.

Would you like to visit us for a hearing aid trial?

Your result

Based on your answers the following hearing aid types would suit your needs:

  • miniRITE
  • BTE Plus/Ultra Power

*The result of the test may only be used for guidance and is not meant to replace a more accurate measurement of your hearing abilities and needs by one of our hearing care experts.

Would you like to visit us for a hearing aid trial?

Your result

Based on your answers the following hearing aid types would suit your needs:

  • miniRITE R

*The result of the test may only be used for guidance and is not meant to replace a more accurate measurement of your hearing abilities and needs by one of our hearing care experts.

Would you like to visit us for a hearing aid trial?

Your result

Based on your answers the following hearing aid types would suit your needs:

  • miniRITE R

*The result of the test may only be used for guidance and is not meant to replace a more accurate measurement of your hearing abilities and needs by one of our hearing care experts.

Would you like to visit us for a hearing aid trial?

Your result

Based on your answers the following hearing aid types would suit your needs:

  • miniRITE
  • Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC)
  • Completely-in-the-canal (CIC)
  • In-the-canal (ITC))

*The result of the test may only be used for guidance and is not meant to replace a more accurate measurement of your hearing abilities and needs by one of our hearing care experts.

Would you like to visit us for a hearing aid trial?

Your result

Based on your answers the following hearing aid types would suit your needs:

  • Halfshell/full shell
  • miniRITE

*The result of the test may only be used for guidance and is not meant to replace a more accurate measurement of your hearing abilities and needs by one of our hearing care experts.

Would you like to visit us for a hearing aid trial?

Step 1 of 6

Behind-the-ear hearing aid styles

Learn about and compare the different styles

Receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids

The RITE and the smaller 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.
  • Able to connect to smart devices via Bluetooth.
  • Often connected to a small dome for ventilation.

Book a demonstration See model examples

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

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

  • Able to connect to smart devices via Bluetooth.
  • Suitable for all types of hearing loss. 
  • Suitable for all ear and ear canal sizes.
  • Able to accommodate high-tech features (due to larger size).
  • Telecoil, volume and programme controls are easy to manipulate.
  • Larger battery size provides more power.

Book a demonstration See model examples

Image shows behind-the-ear hearing aids with other objects

What is the best behind the ear hearing aid ?

Oticon has won several awards for its ground-breaking hearing aid technology. The newest Oticon More™ hearing aid allows you to hear more details, understand more and remember more with less effort.

  • Discreet miniRITE style.
  • Bluetooth and smartphone connectivity.
  • Rechargeable.
Hearing aid trial Oticon More

Open-fit for behind-the-ear hearing aids

The open fit hearing aids sit behind the ear similar to the receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid. They are connected by a thin, almost invisible wire to a speaker. An open fit hearing aid keeps the ear canal open, so sound can enter the ear more naturally.

This allows you to hear background noises easier while the main sound, like voices, are fed through the hearing aid. Battery size is larger than in the ear hearing aids and are available with convenient rechargeable batteries. These types of hearing aids do not require an ear-mould.

Pros and cons of hearing aids behind the ear

Learn about what to expect from hearing aids behind the ear

Pros

Cons

Comfortable
Because they do not sit deep inside in-the-ear canal (ITE), some users find them more comfortable. 
Might be more visible
Since behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are tucked behind the ear, they might be more noticeable than smaller in-the-ear hearing aids. 
Rechargeable batteries
They are available with both disposable and rechargeable battery options.
More likely to pick up wind noise: The behind-the-ear (BTE) placement means that these devices are more likely to pick up wind noise, but recent technology provides solutions for counteracting the issue.
Bluetooth connectivity
They can connect wirelessly to smart devices with Bluetooth.
 
Suitable for severe hearing loss
They can cater to more severe hearing loss levels than some other hearing aid types.
 
Longer battery life
They include larger batteries, allowing for a longer battery life.
 
Easier to keep clean
Since only the ear mould 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 in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids.
 
More open-fitting
The thin tube that sits in the ear canal provides ample air ventilation.
 

Brian Daly, Hearing Aid Audiologist

“I consider myself a lucky one to have figured out what I love to do!”

My name is Brian Daly, and I’ve always been interested in audiology. I had “Glue Ear” as a child, which was treated by grommets. This had a profound effect on my hearing ability, and I felt pretty isolated. I want to protect people from that awful feeling helping them hear better, which is why I choose a career in audiology.

Advancements in technology and A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) are positively improving treatment options for patients. For example, new hearing aids enable a hearing experience on par with natural hearing, which is remarkable in today's "noisy world". These technologies give me tremendous confidence in my ability to help patients and improve their quality of life.

Hearing loss "cuts you off” from family, friends and life, affecting wellbeing, mental health and cognition. Therefore, I strongly suggest you don't delay treatment for hearing loss. Timely intervention enables effective treatment to improve long-term hearing ability, preventing or slowing further decline—moreover, the cost of hearing aids increases as hearing declines.