Contents
- Editor’s Choice
- Top 9 BTE hearing aids of 2022 according to KP
- How to choose a behind-the-ear hearing aid
Behind-the-ear hearing aids are popular with many people who are hard of hearing. Although they are larger than in-the-ear and in-the-canal, they are cheaper, easier to maintain and have a number of undeniable advantages that make these models one of the most popular.
Otolaryngologist, doctor of the highest category Evgenia Tsygankova says that behind-the-ear hearing aids are very diverse – these are classic models, which are desirable to be combined with individual earmoulds, these are “open prosthetics” devices with microtubules and lightweight earmolds for external auditory canals. This is a very special group of hearing aids with a remote receiver, the power of which is determined by the choice of the receiver, and they can be used to correct almost any hearing loss.
Editor’s Choice
Bernafon Inizia 1 CPx
This is a compact behind-the-ear digital hearing aid. It can be performed in several styles according to the individual needs of the patient. Inside the device is a channelless digital processor. The device has two levels of filtering noise interference, the signal is processed digitally. There is a programmable setting, there are three programs to choose from. The device allows you to correct both moderate and severe degrees of hearing loss. Additionally, it can be equipped with an FM adapter and a direct audio input. It is possible to use with the phone.
Main characteristics
| Power | up to 138 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 75 dB |
| Показания | severe and deep hearing loss (IV-III degree) |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 4 |
| Programs | 3 |
| Setting | programmable |
Advantages and disadvantages
Top 9 BTE hearing aids of 2022 according to KP
1. ReSound Vea 80
The compact behind-the-ear device helps to significantly improve hearing, increase speech intelligibility even in the noisiest places and rooms. There are simplified models of the budget class and more advanced ones with built-in wireless technology. There is a built-in noise reduction system, the case is made in a classic style with buttons for selecting standard programs and a volume control.
The signal processing is digital, it has 4 channels and 3 programs, the setting is carried out by a doctor, it is programmable. The device helps with the most severe degrees of hearing loss.
Features
| Power | up to 136 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 70 dB |
| Показания | deep hearing loss (IV degree) |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 4 |
| Programs | 3 |
| Setting | programmable |
Advantages and disadvantages
2. Phonak Cassia micro P
A miniature behind-the-ear hearing aid that helps correct moderate and mild hearing loss. The device combines modern technology and affordable price, has a modern design, is convenient and easy to use. This is a digital hearing aid with a multi-channel sound processing system, has a noise suppression system. The type of setting is programmable, it has a system for recognizing speech and high-frequency sounds.
Features
| Power | up to 124 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 56 dB |
| Показания | moderate and severe hearing loss (II-III degree) |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 4 |
| Programs | 3 |
| Setting | programmable |
Advantages and disadvantages
3. Siemens INTUIS S DIR
Behind-the-ear digital hearing aid, which has a fairly compact size. It is used to correct moderate to severe hearing loss. The device has 4 channels and 4 built-in programs, programmable settings, an external noise suppression system, eliminates whistles and squeaks. The device has a simplified system for talking on the phone, and a special coating of the body protects against moisture and dirt inside the device. There is also a system of directional microphones.
Features
| Power | up to 124 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 55 dB |
| Показания | moderate and severe hearing loss (II-III degree) |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 4 |
| Programs | 4 |
| Setting | programmable |
Advantages and disadvantages
4. Oticon Get BTE
A small behind-the-ear hearing aid developed in Denmark is only able to compensate for mild to moderate hearing loss. This is a digital product with 4 channels and 4 built-in programs, customized by the doctor. It has an ergonomic design, compatible with FM devices, TV and phone. There is also a choice of control system.
Features
| Power | up to 126 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 60 dB |
| Показания | moderate and severe hearing loss (II-III degree) |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 4 |
| Programs | 4 |
| Setting | programmable |
Advantages and disadvantages
5. East-Audio «East U-01»
Domestic behind-the-ear hearing aid, which is used to eliminate mild and moderate hearing loss. It belongs to the category of analog devices, so the sound quality is somewhat worse than in more advanced digital models. The Istok U-01 models have a telecoil. The method of setting the device is trimmer, carried out by regulators on the body.
Features
| Power | up to 125 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 54 dB |
| Показания | mild, moderate and severe hearing loss (I-II-III degree) |
| Sound processing | analog |
| Setting | trimmer |
Advantages and disadvantages
6. ReSound Match MA2T70-V
A small behind-the-ear digital hearing aid that is suitable for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss.
There is a volume control, two channels and two programs. It has a trim setting, feedback and noise suppression functions.
Features
| Power | up to 125 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 60 dB |
| Показания | mild, moderate and severe hearing loss (I-II-III degree), |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 2 |
| Programs | 2 |
| Setting | programmable |
Advantages and disadvantages
7. Phonak Bolero Q50-SP
This is a digital type hearing aid, manufactured using modern technology, it has many settings and functions. Has 12 channels and three built-in programs, allows you to compensate for the most severe degrees of hearing loss. It has a system of automatic adaptation to various noise conditions. Can connect to multimedia and phone.
Features:
| Power | up to 133 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 64 dB |
| Показания | deep hearing loss (IV degree) |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 12 |
| Programs | 2 |
| Setting | programmable |
Advantages and disadvantages
8. Oticon OPN 3 miniRITE
Miniature digital device with a basic level of functionality, with 12 tuning bands and 48 channels of sound processing. It has multiband directional microphones, an adaptation control, extraneous sound suppression functions. Equipped with a durable moisture-resistant case, protective coating.
Features
| Power | up to 135 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 65 dB |
| Показания | mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss (I-IV degree) |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 48 |
| Programs | 12 |
| Setting | programmable |
Advantages and disadvantages
9. Siemens STF P T1
A digital device with a small set of functions. It has a rocker control that helps you select one of three programs.
There is a volume control, two processing channels and a noise and feedback suppression system. Suitable for any degree of hearing loss.
Features
| Power | up to 130 dB |
| Maximum Gain | up to 65 dB |
| Показания | mild, moderate, severe and profound hearing loss (I-IV degree) |
| Sound processing | digital |
| Channels | 2 |
| Programs | 3 |
| Setting | trimmer |
Advantages and disadvantages
How to choose a behind-the-ear hearing aid
Otorhinolaryngologist of the European Medical Center, doctor of the highest category, Ph.D. Evgenia Tsygankova told Healthy Food Near Me how to choose a behind-the-ear hearing aid for an adult.
Popular questions and answers
The introduction of quarantine measures and the mask regime have increased the need for the use of hearing aids for people with minor hearing losses. Those who have developed the ability of auditory-visual perception (based on the lips of the speaker) with a gradual slow decrease in hearing have lost this opportunity in public places. In addition, the use of masks impoverishes the speaker’s speech with high-frequency components, which are already in short supply – speech becomes even more illegible. Hearing aid manufacturers have developed a special “mask” adjustment program to fill the full frequency spectrum of speech.
A rare contraindication for the use of behind-the-ear models may be structural features of the auricle. But for most patients, behind-the-ear models are comfortable and effective.
2. Economical power consumption. One battery can last for a period of 10-15 days to a month.
3. Lightweight instrument cases, but at the same time quite durable, which distinguishes these products from their more miniature counterparts. Therefore, behind-the-ear devices are the most durable. They are usually made of durable plastic and come in a variety of colors.
4. Behind the ear hearing aids are easy to use, they have the most comfortable fitting that the patient can do after the hearing aid is initially adjusted by the doctor.
5. Most models are much cheaper than in-the-ear and in-ear devices. But the cost depends on the number of functions and additional settings, the ability to synchronize with smartphones, the availability of modules, etc.
2. Wearing a behind-the-ear hearing aid limits your lifestyle a little. These devices do not always allow you to engage in active sports, the device can subside and be damaged when it falls.