These hearing aids sit behind the ear. The sound comes through a wire, thin tube or tube that runs over the top of your ear and into your ear canal.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are the most common type of hearing device.

  • What is it like to have behind-the-ear hearing aids?

    Modern behind-the-ear hearing aids are very small. They are so light and discreet that they’re almost unnoticeable.

    When people get hearing aids, they start noticing sounds that they haven’t heard for a long time. They can also feel less tired and possibly become more active.

    See Oticon's best behind-the-ear hearing aids

    Controlling behind-the-ear hearing aids

    Most behind-the-ear hearing aids have a button to control them with.

    You use this to adjust the volume and select different programs. Programs are to help you hear well in different situations. Although most noise control is automated, it can help to have a special program for when you are in very noisy places, or when you watch TV. Volume control and programs are set by your hearing care professional when you have your hearing aids fitted.

    To turn on or off hearing aids that sit behind the ear, you typically open the battery drawer, which disconnects the power.

    Rechargeable hearing aids don’t need to be turned off. You simply put them in their charger at night.

    For the behind-the-ear hearing aids with Bluetooth, you can control the hearing aids using a hearing aid app for compatible iPhones and other smartphones.

Behind-the-ear hearing aid review

When Peter got behind-the-ear hearing aids, they changed his life.

Watch Peter describe the positive impact his new Oticon Opn S 1 miniRITE R hearing aids have had on his life and how it helped him reconnect with his family.

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What kinds of behind-the-ear hearing aids are there?

It can be confusing to find which hearing aid is best for you, but don’t worry. It is very simple once you understand the basics. Here they are.

  • Which kind of hearing aid do I need?

    Our hearing aids are behind-the-ear hearing aids or in-the-ear hearing aids.

    To choose the best type of hearing aid for you, try our quick and easy guide here.

    Start our quick guide

  • Where to buy hearing aids?

    The best behind-the-ear hearing aids are only available through audiologists and audiometrists. Audiologists and audiometrists are hearing care professionals. They are trained to test your hearing and fit you with the right kind of hearing aids.

    Find a hearing care professional near me

The best behind-the-ear hearing aids are digital hearing aids, with a minicomputer to process the sound.

Unlike some over-the-counter hearing aids, Oticon hearing aids don’t just amplify all of the sound. First, they reduce the noise – and only then do they send high-quality sound to your ears.

See Oticon’s behind-the-ear hearing aids


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Bluetooth hearing aids

Behind-the-ear hearing aids can be Bluetooth hearing aids. This means they can connect to other devices wirelessly.*

You can stream sound into your hearing aids from your TV, use your hearing aids to make phone calls, and much more.*

See Oticon’s Bluetooth hearing aids

*Additional accessories may be required. Oticon accessories are available separately and are not part of the hearing aid package.

Rechargeable hearing aid batteries

Some behind-the-ear hearing aids give you the option of rechargeable batteries.

A rechargeable hearing aid means you don’t have to change the batteries every week or so. You simply put your hearing aids in their charger at night and wake up to full power for the day*.

See Oticon’s rechargeable hearing aids

*Lithium-ion battery performance varies depending on hearing loss, lifestyle and streaming behaviour. Oticon rechargeable hearing aids are not compatible with disposable batteries. The charging dock is an additional accessory required for the hearing aids to function.

Free online hearing test

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