The Behind-the-Ear (BTE) instrument has two components, the hearing aid and the ear mold. The hearing aid is worn behind the ear and connects to a custom-made earmold that fits in the patient's ear. The earmold is created from an impression of the outer ear and ear canal. The impression is taken in the audiologist's office and is then sent to the manufacturer for production. As the outer ear changes or grows (especially in children), new earmolds will need to be obtained to maintain a proper fit. This type of hearing aid is suitable for all types and degrees of hearing loss and for persons of all ages. It is the most appropriate style for infants and young children.

The Behind the Ear style hearing aid has been available for a much longer time than the smaller custom products. The hearing aid sits behind the ear and is held in place by a hook that fits over the ear. It is attached to a custom earmold worn in the ear. The amplified sound travels through the hook into the tube of the custom earmold and down into the ear canal. As with all hearing aid styles there are advantages and disadvantages.

Some of the advantages include:

• Better quality control due to production line assembly.
• Less repair because the aid is not in the ear and exposed to ear wax and moisture.
• More flexibility changing the acoustical characteristics using different earmold styles.

Some of the disadvantages include:

• An active person might find the hearing aid bounces around too much.
• A person who wears eyeglasses may find that the hearing aids interfere with their eyeglasses.
• Earmolds and tubing need to be replaced periodically.