Behind-the-ear and open-fit hearing aids each offer distinct benefits in assisting hearing loss. Behind-the-ear aids amplify a wide range of frequencies and have space for extra volume and memory controls. Open-fit aids don't require ear molds, and are more lightweight and aesthetically pleasing. To decide which aid is best, those with hearing loss should base their decision on these and other factors.
Considerations
Behind-the-ear (BTE) and open-fit hearing aids are two of the many amplification choices for people with hearing loss. People who think they may have hearing loss should visit an ear, nose and throat doctor or audiologist for a hearing screening and proper hearing instrument evaluation and fitting. The best option to treat hearing loss depends on a variety of factors, including frequency range and degree of loss.
Conventional Behind the Ear Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are characterized by a casing worn behind the ear, from which a clear tube connects to a custom-fitted ear mold that seals off the user's ear canal. BTE aids are prescribed for people with mild to profound hearing loss.
BTE Pros and Cons
BTE aids work well for a both high and low frequency amplification. The custom ear mold allows for high volume and minimizes feedback; this makes conventional BTE aids ideal for people with severe hearing loss. Because the body of the aid is bigger, there is room for many features including directional microphones, programmable memory buttons and volume controls. Most BTE aids also have telecoils, through which an aid detects an electromagnetic signal, giving the user background noise-free listening capabilities while using the telephone.
Traditional BTE aids are more visible than open fit models. For users who have high-frequency loss but good low-frequency hearing, the ear mold may create a muffled sensation called occlusion, making the user's voice sound unnaturally loud in his or her head.
Open Fit Hearing Aids
The open-fit design is relatively new, having been offered to patients since 2005. The aid is characterized by a small casing worn behind the ear, linked to a thin, string-like tube. Instead of an ear mold, a small, generic tip sits in the ear canal.
Open-Fit Pros & Cons
Open-fit aids are more lightweight and less noticeable visually than standard BTE models. Because there is no ear mold needed no occlusion occurs. Since the aids are light and the ear canal is not sealed off, many wearers find open fit aids more comfortable.
These aids work best for moderate losses in high frequencies; those with losses that require high volumes or low frequency amplification would benefit more from aids with ear molds, to prevent feedback. Their small size makes changing batteries or adjusting controls difficult for those with dexterity issues. Additionally, many are not large enough to accommodate extra features like telecoils or volume dials.
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