Flexible Appointments
Highly Qualified
Personalised Care
BEHIND THE EAR (BTE) HEARING AIDS
What are BTE hearing aids?
One of the most popular types of devices are behind-the-ear hearing aids. BTE — which stands for “behind the ear” . BTE aids behind your ear or pinna. A small tube then routes the sound down into your ear canal. These might look similar to NHS hearing aids but they work quite differently, unlike NHS hearing aids there is also a receiver that sits close to the eardrum. BTE hearing aids are available in many sizes, shapes and color options. You can choose one that matches your skin tone or hair color.
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Behind The Ear (BTE)
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Receiver In Canal (RIC)
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Open Ear (OTE)
TYPES OF HEARING AID
Which BTE aid is right for me?
There are many types of Behind-the-ear hearing aids offering different benefits. Make an appointment with our audiologist to find out which hearing aid is right for you. Here are some of the most common types:
Receiver in Canal Hearing Aids (RIC)
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Small size
Small, discreet and quick to fit. Typically smaller than BTE styles. Perfect for first-time hearing aid wearers.
Suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss
RIC’s loudspeaker or “receiver” is positioned at the end of a thin wire, placed near the ear drum. The generated sound travels a short distance resulting in low transmission loss and longer battery times.
More comfort with open fit
Open-fit hearing aids use a thin plastic “micro” tube that goes into the ear canal without sealing it, reducing the blocked feeling sometimes experienced with other types of hearing aid.
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Don't know which hearing aid is right for you? Talk to us
It is important to note that the suitability of an in-the-ear hearing aid depends on the individual’s hearing loss, ear anatomy, and lifestyle preferences. Before getting a hearing aid, it is crucial to undergo a thorough hearing assessment by an audiologist who can help determine the most appropriate hearing aid style for your specific needs.
THE PROS AND CONS
Exploring Behind The Ear hearing aids
Pros of BTEs
They can effortlessly connect to smart devices, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
BTE aids are suitable for addressing a wide range of hearing loss levels.
They can comfortably fit ears of various sizes and ear canal dimensions.
Their larger size allows for the incorporation of high-tech features, improving hearing aid performance.
BTE aids feature easily manageable controls for telecoil, volume adjustments, and program settings.
With larger batteries, they provide extended usage on a single charge.
Cons of BTEs
BTE aids can be uncomfortable for people that also wear glasses.
BTE hearing aid devices are more likely to have complications with wind noise when used in open spaces.
BTE hearing aids can be more noticeable, particularly for people with no or short hair.
Highly Trained & Qualified
The professionals at Pinnaclear have 20 years experience with a BSc. Audiology from Aston University and qualifications from University College London.
Flexible Appointments
We We understand that you might not always be able to make it to clinic, so offer home visits to those less mobile.
Comprehensive Care
At Pinnaclear you'll receive excellent treatment and recommendations that are right for you. We're independent so we have the time to tailor your ear care to your needs.
Latest Technology
Oue helath professionals have a passion for ear health and keeping up with the latest in hearing aid technology.
20 Years of
clinical experience
Licensed and certified with First Class BSc (Hons) in Audiology
Trained in microsuction earwax removal & behavioural therapy for tinnitus
Experience working within the NHS and private sector
Rated Excellent
Very professional service, I had a lot of ear wax and also a funny sensation in one ear which Hafiza took the time to explain and show me what was going on. Professionally cleaned, my ears and I are very happy 🙂
Raneesha Manoharan
Rated Excellent
Great service, well explained, well delivered, very pleased with outcome. I would recommend to anyone.
Lee Goulden
Rated Excellent
Very happy with the service at Pinnaclear. Hafiza was absolutely lovely and explained everything clearly before, during and after the treatment. Extremely pleased with the result and can now hear clearly again. Thank you
Tracey Carey
Why our customers choose us
An PinnaClear we aim to provide an audiology service that offers a personalised and holistic approach to hearing health. We combine cutting-edge technology with experienced professionals to provide accurate treatment plans to empower individuals to fully engage in their daily lives with optimal hearing clarity.
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Why do I get ringing in my ears?Ringing in ears (or head) is also known as tinnitus. This is a sound that usually occurs inside, without an external sound source. Tinnitus can occur for a number of reasons but the most common reason people experience tinnitus is due to reduced hearing levels. The first step would be to arrange a hearing assessment.
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Do I need to soften my earwax before getting them cleaned?Unlike syringing, most people don't need soft wax for microsuction earwax removal to be successful. However, using a softening agent such as olive oil can mean a quicker and more comfortable microsuction earwax removal procedure.
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What are the common hearing loss signs and symptoms?Patients usually report difficulty in hearing conversation, particularly in busy social settings. Quite often, family and friends notice hearing difficulties first. If you feel your hearing is deteriorating, then a hearing assessment will indicate the degree of hearing loss. The audiologist will then advise on the best treatment plan for you.
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Can I get an invisible hearing aid?Hearing aids have advanced massively over the years; they are available in a range of colours and sizes. The type suitable for you will depend on a number of factors such as the shape of your ear canal and the degree of hearing loss. Your audiologist will advise on the best type of hearing aid for you, book an appointment today.
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What is microsuction earwax removal?Microsuction earwax removal is the removal of stubborn earwax using a suction device. The procedure is performed by trained professionals and involves wearing some magnifiers to make it easier to view the wax and eardrum.
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Do I need to soften the wax with olive oil before microsuction?Unlike syringing, softening earwax the same way isn’t necessary. However, it can mean the procedure is more comfortable, particularly if the wax is stuck against the ear canal.
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What is the best way to clean your ears?Ears will naturally withdraw any earwax. If you do not have any pre-existing medical ear conditions you can use a little bit of olive oil to help soften any earwax and clean your ears. If you have earwax that is causing your hearing aid to whistle or cauging you discomfort then it is best to get your ears cleaned professionally.
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How much does ear cleaning cost?The current charges at PinnaClear are £50 to £70, depending on the location and whether it is one or both ears that need cleaning. Home visits vary depending on the distance needing to be travelled.
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Is microsuction earwax removal safe?As with any medical procedure, there are always risks involved. These risks are minimised by providing an accurate medical history and booking in with an experienced, fully trained professional.
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What is the difference between going to Specsavers and coming to PinnaClear?The main difference is the level of training and experience. Quite often, the staff at Specsavers are minimally trained as hearcare assistants or hearing aid dispensers and will usually work off a checklist. At PinnaClear, all services are offered by a senior audiologist with several years of NHS and private audiology work.
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Will the wax come out by itself if I just use olive oil?Olive oil ear drops can help to soften any ear wax so that it can naturally work its way out. If there is too much earwax or the wax is hard and impacted against the ear drum, the olive oil will soften the wax and help with professional microsuction ear wax removal.
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Do hopi ear candles work?There is a misconception that hopi ear candles help to draw wax out of the ears, however, several studies have shown that this is not the case and instead hopi candles leave residue inside the ears, increasing risk of infection. There is also an increased risk of burning the ear with incorrectly performed procedures. This is also an unregulated procedure which means the risks can vary greatly.
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Is it ok to use cotton buds?The skin inside our ears is very sensitive and cotton buds peel away at the protective layer in our ears. If there is wax it can become impacted as you push wax deeper against the ear drum. This can reduce your hearing and cause pressure inside your ears.