What Are Open Ear Hearing Aids?

Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are one of the most used hearing aids. The circuits of behind the ear hearing aids are housed in the plastic case which easily fits behind the ear and is connected to the ear mould placed in the ear canal through a thin tube.

These hearing aids are suitable for all types of hearing losses though they are somewhat evident than in-canal hearing aids. However, these behind the ear hearing aids have many benefits which appeal to large number of people suffering from hearing deficiencies. BTE hearing loss aids are available in various shapes, sizes and colors to suit individual needs.

As behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are bigger in size than completely in canal type hearing aids as a result of which they can accommodate much bigger battery and amplifier and are therefore helpful to people suffering from severe hearing loss. These hearing aids are more versatile as they come in both analog and digital versions.

These hearing aids are best for budget conscious people as they are cost much less than completely in canal type hearing aids. These behind the ear hearing aids suit well for elderly or those suffering from the arthritis problem.

As completely in canal hearing aids requires wearing much heavier hearing device in the ear canal than just a lightweight ear mould which is attached to external hearing aid placed behind the ears, there is less of irritation in canal as with former.

First commercially made hearing aids were patented in later 1800s before they became available to public. The behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids came in the market about forty years ago.

Before BTE hearing aids came in the market, earlier versions of hearing aids were basic amplifiers which were worn on the body and were much expensive and heavier and consumed lots of battery power. With the invention of transistors in 1953, BTE hearing aids came into existence and were much lighter in weight.

There were further improvements in circuits of hearing aids around 60’s and use of body worn hearing aids dropped sharply. In the 70’s, hearing aids got the programming capability as a result of which they could be easily programmed for different hearing conditions and development continued.

Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids got volume controls around 1990’s and digital hearing aids came in the market around mid 90’s. Nobody is sure about the future of behind the ear hearing aids as possibilities are nearly endless.