The New Miniature BTE
3
The New Miniature BTE Just a few short years ago, behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids were not the style of choice for those who require hearing aids. In fact, less than 20% 1 of people who wore hearing aids prior to 2000 chose the behind-the-ear style. Who could blame them? The old-style BTE’s were large, bulky and not very aesthetically pleasing. These issues enhanced the stigma that hearing loss is an old- person’s ailment and a handicap. Technological advancements have improved the number of BTE wearers to more than 60%, 2 and with better, smaller choices, surveys indicate that more people with mild hearing losses are now benefiting from BTE hearing aids 1 . Along with a smaller case size, today’s behind-the-ear hearing aids are more stylish and functionally versatile. The first miniature BTE wasn’t much to look at with very few case color choices. Although it was smaller than its ancestors, it was very limited in terms of its offerings for user controls. In other words, it had very few “bells and whistles”. Though it was smaller, the functionality limited how the wearer could manipulate sound in the environment. As the number of manufacturers offering miniature BTE’s increased and the types
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Transcript of The New Miniature BTE
The New Miniature BTE
Just a few short years ago, behind-the-ear
(BTE) hearing aids were not the style of choice
for those who require hearing aids. In fact, less
than 20% 1 of people who wore hearing aids
prior to 2000 chose the behind-the-ear style.
Who could blame them?
The old-style BTE’s were large, bulky and not
very aesthetically pleasing. These issues
enhanced the stigma that hearing loss is an old-
person’s ailment and a handicap. Technological advancements
have improved the number of BTE wearers to more than 60%, 2
and with better, smaller choices, surveys indicate that more
people with mild hearing losses are now benefiting from BTE
hearing aids1.
Along with a smaller case size, today’s behind-the-ear hearing
aids are more stylish and functionally versatile. The first
miniature BTE wasn’t much to look at with very few case color
choices. Although it was smaller than its ancestors, it was very
limited in terms of its offerings for user controls.
In other words, it had very few “bells and whistles”. Though it
was smaller, the functionality limited how the wearer could
manipulate sound in the environment. As the number of
manufacturers offering miniature BTE’s increased and the types
of technology and sound processing available in the hearing aids
expanded, satisfaction with the BTE improved.
In fact, overall satisfaction ratings are significantly higher (85%
vs 76%) than traditional custom styles, even though there are no
significant differences in perceived benefit or value1.
With technological advancements, behind-the-ear hearing aids
are an exceptional choice for nearly anyone, regardless of the
degree or configuration of hearing loss. If you are experiencing
hearing loss or currently wear hearing aids, talk to your
audiologist about the new mini BTE to see if it is a good option for
you.
1 Kochkin S: MarkeTrak VIII Mini-BTEs tap new market,
usersmore satisfied. Hear J 2011:64(11):17-24
2 Kirkwood D: Resilient hearing aid industry records rising sales
despite a troubled economy. Hear J 2009;62(12):11-16.
For More Information on Hearing Aid Forum,
Call North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab At: (847) 737-4270
Or
Visit Us At:
http://hearing-aids-highland-park-il.com
