Custom Hearing Aids vs Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids–Which is Right For You?

August 27, 2024, in Hearing Aids

Custom Hearing Aids vs Behind the Ear Hearing Aids: Which is Right for You?

If you’re in the market for hearing aids near me in Athens, Georgia, you might be wondering about the differences between custom hearing aids and behind the ear hearing aids. At Athens Hearing, we understand that choosing the right hearing aid is a crucial decision that impacts your daily life. Let’s explore these two popular types of hearing aids to help you make an informed choice.

Behind the Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids: Powerful and Versatile

Pros:

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are a popular choice for many reasons:

• Superior Battery Life: BTE hearing aids typically offer longer battery life due to their larger size, meaning less frequent changes or charges.
• Multiple Microphones: The larger casing allows for more advanced technology, including multiple microphones for better sound directionality.
• Better Waterproof Ratings: BTE devices often have superior water resistance, making them more durable for active lifestyles. And last longer
• Versatility: These devices can be fitted with custom earmolds, combining the benefits of BTE technology with a personalized fit. Also as you lose hearing we can increase speaker size without having to buy a new hearing aid. Also if the speaker goes out we can fix the device in the office in 2 minutes.

Cons:

• Location of device: it sits behind the ear, and although not easily visible it bothers some patients

Custom Hearing Aids: Discreet and Comfortable

Pros:

Custom hearing aids offer their own set of advantages:

• Aesthetic Appeal: These devices fit entirely within the ear canal, making them nearly invisible.
• Comfort: Custom-made to fit your ear’s unique shape, these aids can provide a more comfortable fit for some users.
• Natural Sound Quality: The placement within the ear can result in a more natural sound experience for some users, already utilizing the ear’s natural shape to provide directionality.

Cons:

• Repairs are a pain: most repairs need to be done at the manufacturer in order to maintain warranty. This means you have to go into loaner devices, we offer them at no charge, but most providers do not.

• Less tech: Depending on the size of your ear canal you may lose rechargability and Bluetooth connection which means you lose a lot of features such as GPS (if you lose them) streaming, and the cost of batteries.

• Changes in canal: If you have dental work done your ear canal can change shape, sometimes it just changes shape with age. This means if you plan to wear it for 5 or more years you may need to get new sets more frequently than you would with other options. It is custom to your canal when you got it, not your canal in 5 years.

Comparing Functionality and Durability

While custom hearing aids excel in discretion, they do have some limitations compared to BTE models:

• Battery Life: The smaller size of custom aids often means shorter battery life.
• Technology Limitations: Less space for advanced features can result in fewer options for sound processing and connectivity.
• Durability: Custom aids are more exposed to earwax and moisture, potentially reducing their lifespan.

The Best of Both Worlds: BTE with Custom Earmolds

For those seeking the advanced features of BTE hearing aids with a more secure fit, consider adding a custom earmold to a BTE device. This option combines the power and versatility of BTE aids with the comfort of a custom fit. And the molds are able to be extremely discreate. 

Making Your Decision

When choosing between custom and BTE hearing aids, consider:

• Your lifestyle and activity level
• The severity of your hearing loss
• Your comfort with technology
• Your aesthetic preferences

Remember, the best hearing aid for you is one that you’ll wear consistently. At Athens Hearing, we offer a comprehensive comparison chart to help you understand the features of different hearing aid styles.

Common Questions About Custom vs BTE Hearing Aids

Q: Are custom hearing aids more expensive than BTE models?
A: Not necessarily. The price depends more on the technology level than the style.

Q: Can I switch from custom to BTE hearing aids easily?
A: Yes, our audiologists can help you transition between styles if your needs change. It just has to be done within 30 days. And there is no cost to change. We offer a satisfaction guarantee on everything we do. Our services are free for life, this only works as a business if our patients are happy.

Q: Which type is better for severe hearing loss?
A: BTE hearing aids are often recommended for severe hearing loss due to their power and versatility. Customs are certainly an option still.

Your Next Steps

Choosing between custom hearing aids and behind the ear hearing aids is a personal decision that depends on your unique needs and preferences. Give us a call, everyone who works at our company is extremely knowledgeable and have been at my company for a long time. They can give you good advice even if you are going to another provider. We are here to help.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free hearing test with Athens Hearing today. Our expert audiologists will guide you through the process, ensuring you find the ideal hearing aid for your lifestyle and hearing needs. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back – take the first step towards better hearing today!