Background

The purchase, of a hearing aid is an important decision.  You have been thoroughly tested by your audiologist to  help pinpoint the exact type and severity of your hearing  loss, so that a smart and educated decision can be made about hearing aids.

There are two types of hearing aid styles: behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE). Although most hearing aid

marketing has stressed "size" and "invisibility" of aids, it is important that a prospective hearing aid user understand just which style of hearing aid will help the most to hear better!

    In-the-ear
    (ITE) style hearing aids are fit within the bowl of the ear.  As a result,
    they take advantage of the ear's natural resonance.  ITEs may be better suited
    for certain types of high-frequency hearing loss as long as the loss is not too
    severe.

    ITEs have some disadvantages, however.  Because the aid is placed in the ear, it
    is more susceptible to damage caused by ear wax.  In fact, 80% of all hearing aid
    breakdowns are attributable to ear wax.

    It is also sometimes difficult to increase the volume to high enough levels without
    getting irritating feedback and squealing.  As a result, ITE aids may not be
    appropriate for patients with more severe hearing losses.
   
    Behind-the-ear
    The electronic components of a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid are housed in
    a case that rests behind the wearer's ear.  BTEs tend to last longer because ear wax
    cannot enter the electronics.

    While the ITE hearing aid may seem easier to conceal, the BTE hearing aid may
    be less conspicuous because the electronics can be hidden behind the ear.
    The BTE is much less susceptible to feedback or squealing, so the aid can be
    turned much louder than the ITE.

    Finally, some BTE aids may be more sophisticated than ITE aids because more
    electronic components can be used to process amplified sound.