Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are hearing devices that fit over the top of the ear. Small, thin tubing connects to the over the ear portion, runs down the front of the ear, and connects to the custom fit ear piece. The ear piece, is custom made and often called an ear mold. It fits deeply into the outer ear canal.
BTEs fit a very wide range of hearing impairments, from mild to profound. BTEs are also a great option for persons of all ages. Children especially benefit from BTEs, in a cost effective manner. Young children who are still growing truly gain from the ability to remake the custom ear mold alone without having to send in the aid when the ear changes size. Old ear molds or a temporary ear mold may be used until the newer ear mold comes in and is fit. This makes this option more affordable and kid-friendly.
A variety of hearing aid and ear mold designs may be available, based on your hearing health needs and personal style. The hearing aid casing can even be purchased in more bold, vibrant colors! The custom ear molds come in a large variety of styles, materials, and colors. Colors range from invisible, to skin tone, to purple, and green with gold swirls. Recommendations may be made by your audiologist and/or hearing health care provder to ensure the hearing aid and ear mold best suit your hearing impairment.
It is important to ensure that the tubing connecting the over the ear portion to the ear mold must remain soft and damage free, in order to properly convey sound to the ear with good sound quality. This tube will harden naturally over time, may become brittle or discolored. Tubing should be replaced every 3-6 months. If you note any stiffness or damage prior to 3 months, do not hesitate to call your hearing healthcare provider.
Ear molds should be regularly cleaned and kept free of debris and wax buildup. Tools should have been provided with your hearing aid to pick and brush away any debris. The custom ear mold can be removed, if need be, to be washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed, and air dried. Some hearing aids may use a thin glue to connect this portion to the tube. Ask your hearing healthcare provider before removing the ear mold on your own.
Call a local hearing healthcare professional for an appointment to determine your BTE hearing aid candidacy today!
Mike Walker, BC-HIS is currently the president of The Hearing Center. He opened the first office in June of 1990, in Brush, CO followed by the Fort Collins office in July. A few years later he opened offices in Cheyenne, WY, Loveland and our latest office in Greeley, CO. He graduated from Minnesota State College and has become Board Certified in Hearing Instruments of Sciences. He is licensed in the state of Colorado as well as Wyoming. He has served on the Colorado Hearing Society Board of Directors as well the President for several years. He also is a member of The International Hearing Society.
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