Behind-The-Ear (BTE) or In-The-Ear (ITE) Difference?

There are some important differences between the Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid styles.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE): This is the most popular and widely worn style. It can incorporate the broadest range of features, its size makes it easy to use and control, and is quite discrete positioned behind the ear. It is designed to hook over the top of the ear, with a small case resting behind it that contains the electronics and battery. A tube connects to an earpiece that fits in the ear and can either contain a small speaker (wired digital) or hearing amplifier.

In-The-Ear (ITE): The ITE hearing aid represents a design that is more discrete and less visible than the BTE style. This device fits in the bowl shaped area of the outer ear and some smaller models are designed to fit in the ear canal. These styles are generally not visible from a face-on perspective. Due to its small size, it allows for fewer features than BTE styles. Its size can make it a bit fussy to fit in the ear and manipulate controls. However, advanced models such as AUDIALnet feature finger tip controls or app controls. Due to ear shape and size, some people have difficulty keeping the device in place.