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. 

In-the-ear hearing aids

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.
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)

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 7

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

Open-fit (also called Corda miniFit) is a thin tube mounted on behind-the-ear hearing aids with a dome or micro mould as an earpiece.

An ultra-thin, discreet solution, delivering all the benefits of open fittings:

  • Keeps the ear canal open so that sound can enter more naturally.
  • Filters out background noises.
  • Includes a more powerful battery than most behind-the-ear hearing aids.

Pros and cons of behind the ear hearing aids

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.
 

FAQ about behind-the-ear hearing aids

Caroline Hogan, Hearing Aid Audiologist
I have been working with Hidden Hearing for many years now. We provide a professional, expert service, treating patients with dignity and respect. We earn our patients trust and enjoy lifelong relationships, providing free aftercare services for hearing aid users. I simply love what I do every day. There is such a great pleasure in helping people to hear better.  I have been an audiologist for 11 years and have never once regretted my decision to train as an audiologist.