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Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are among the most popular and versatile styles of hearing devices available today. They combine powerful amplification, advanced features, and easy-to-use controls, making them ideal for people with mild to profound hearing loss. Modern BTE hearing aids come with user-friendly options such as volume control, program buttons, Bluetooth pairing, remote app connectivity, and manual adjustment settings to give wearers complete command over their hearing experience.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about using the controls on your BTE hearing aids, from adjusting the sound levels to connecting wirelessly with your phone or TV and how The Hearing Centre Singapore can help you make the most out of your device.
Understanding Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids are worn comfortably behind the ear, with a small tube or wire that delivers sound into the ear canal through an earmold or dome. They are known for their reliability, durability, and high power output, making them suitable for all ages and levels of hearing loss.
At The Hearing Centre Singapore, BTE hearing aids are offered from trusted global brands like Signia, Phonak, Starkey, and ReSound. These devices come equipped with advanced technology, including directional microphones, noise reduction systems, and smart hearing features for improved clarity in various environments.
Unlike smaller models that sit entirely inside the ear, BTE hearing aids offer more physical space for intuitive control buttons, volume wheels, and Bluetooth antennas, providing users with easier manual operation and greater flexibility.
Common Features of BTE Hearing Aids
Modern BTE hearing aids feature several types of controls designed to enhance convenience and allow real-time adjustments. The main controls include:
- Volume control
- Program button
- Bluetooth pairing button or functionality
- Remote app integration
- Manual adjustment switches or touch controls
Let’s look at each of these in detail and learn how to use them effectively.
Volume Control: Adjusting Sound Levels Easily
The volume control is one of the most frequently used functions on a BTE hearing aid. It allows users to increase or decrease amplification depending on their listening environment.
Most devices have either a small wheel, toggle switch, or button located behind the ear. Turning or pressing it adjusts the loudness level instantly.
How to Use It:
- When in quiet settings like home or office, you can lower the volume slightly for comfort.
- In noisy areas such as restaurants or outdoors, increasing the volume can help improve speech understanding.
- Avoid setting it too high, as excessive loudness can cause discomfort or distortion.
Some models automatically adjust volume using adaptive sound technology. However, manual control gives you personal flexibility for different listening conditions.
If you’re unsure about the ideal loudness, audiologists at The Hearing Centre can fine-tune your hearing aids to match your specific needs during fitting sessions.
Program Button: Switching Between Listening Environments
The program button allows you to switch between multiple preset hearing programs designed for various situations. These programs may include:
- Quiet mode – for one-on-one conversations or reading
- Noise reduction mode – for crowded places like restaurants
- Music mode – for enjoying rich sound quality when listening to music
- Outdoor mode – for windy or open environments
How to Use It: Simply press the program button once to move to the next mode. Many hearing aids will produce a soft tone or voice prompt (e.g., “Program 2”) to indicate the current setting.
Advanced models from Signia or Phonak allow users to save their preferred programs or adjust them through the companion mobile app for greater customisation.
Bluetooth Pairing: Connecting to Phones and Other Devices
One of the most exciting features in modern BTE hearing aids is Bluetooth pairing. This function lets your hearing aids connect wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, TVs, and even laptops, turning them into wireless audio headsets.
How to Pair via Bluetooth:
- Turn on your hearing aids and make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone or device.
- Open your phone’s Bluetooth settings and select your hearing aid model from the list.
- Wait for the connection confirmation message.
Once paired, you can stream music, calls, and videos directly to your hearing aids for crystal-clear sound.
Bluetooth pairing also allows remote adjustments through apps and offers hands-free calling capabilities in newer models.
Remote App: Controlling Your Hearing Aid from Your Phone
Today’s BTE hearing aids often include a remote app that gives you complete control over your device using your smartphone. Brands like Signia, Phonak, and ReSound offer mobile applications that allow:
- Volume and program control
- Noise reduction and speech focus adjustments
- Battery status monitoring
- Location-based settings
- Remote audiologist support
Benefits of Using the Remote App:
- Make discreet changes without touching the device
- Save your preferred settings for different environments
- Receive firmware updates and real-time assistance
- Remote tuning
The remote app adds an extra layer of convenience, especially for tech-savvy users who prefer managing their hearing aids digitally.
Manual Adjustment: Traditional Yet Reliable Control
Despite the rise of digital connectivity, manual adjustment remains important for many BTE hearing aid users. Physical controls, like small push buttons or dials, provide immediate tactile feedback and reliability even when your smartphone isn’t nearby or charged.
Manual controls are especially useful for:
- Elderly users who prefer simple operation
- Individuals with limited access to smartphones
- Quick on-the-go adjustments in outdoor environments
Audiologists at The Hearing Centre can demonstrate how to use manual controls effectively during the hearing aid fitting process to ensure smooth operation.
Understanding Indicator Sounds and Light Signals
Most BTE hearing aids provide beep tones or LED light indicators to help users understand the device status, such as:
- Power on/off signals
- Program or volume change notifications
- Low battery alerts
- Bluetooth pairing confirmation
Learning these signals can help you operate your hearing aids confidently without constantly checking your phone or app.
Battery and Power Management
Battery management is crucial for keeping your hearing aids performing optimally. BTE hearing aids may use disposable zinc-air batteries or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Tips for Better Battery Life:
- Turn off your hearing aids when not in use.
- Keep them in a dry, clean storage case.
- Avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures.
- For rechargeable models, place them in their charging case overnight.
If you experience reduced battery performance, visit The Hearing Centre Singapore for a battery test or replacement.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
Regular maintenance ensures that your hearing aids stay in excellent working condition. Proper cleaning, storage, and professional servicing can prevent common issues like wax buildup, sound distortion, or control malfunctions.
Maintenance Tips:
- Wipe your hearing aids daily with a dry, soft cloth.
- Keep the microphone ports and control buttons free from debris.
- Schedule regular checkups at The Hearing Centre for professional cleaning and calibration.
Why Choose The Hearing Centre Singapore for Your BTE Hearing Aids
With over 20 years of experience, The Hearing Centre Singapore is one of the most trusted providers of premium hearing solutions in the region. The clinic offers:
- Comprehensive hearing tests, including pure-tone audiometry and ABR/ASSR
- A wide range of hearing aids from brands like Signia and Phonak
- Personalised hearing aid fittings and adjustments
- Repair and maintenance services
- Expert audiologists committed to improving every patient’s hearing journey
Whether you’re a first-time user or upgrading to the latest BTE model, their specialists provide tailored guidance and hands-on training on how to use your device’s controls confidently.
Conclusion
Learning how to use the controls on your behind-the-ear hearing aids empowers you to manage your hearing more effectively in daily life. With functions like volume control, program switching, Bluetooth pairing, remote app connectivity, and manual adjustments, you can easily fine-tune your listening experience for comfort and clarity.
At The Hearing Centre Singapore, expert audiologists provide comprehensive assessments, professional fittings, and continued support to help you get the most from your hearing aid technology. Whether it’s a Signia, Phonak, Starkey, or ReSound model, their team ensures every device is configured for your lifestyle and hearing goals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can check your hearing aid’s model specifications or consult your audiologist. Most newer BTE models include Bluetooth features for wireless connectivity.
Yes, many modern hearing aids come with dedicated apps that allow you to change volume, programs, and other settings discreetly through your phone.
Clean the controls daily with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt or moisture. Avoid using alcohol wipes or water directly on the device.
If the button becomes unresponsive, it could be due to moisture, debris, or a software issue. Schedule a servicing appointment with your audiologist for a quick fix.
Yes. Most Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can pair with several devices, such as phones and TVs, though they can only connect actively to one at a time.
Your hearing aid has a safety limit that prevents excessively loud amplification, but if discomfort occurs, lower the volume immediately.
Yes, they complement each other. You can make quick adjustments manually or fine-tune settings via the app when needed.
Bluetooth streaming can reduce battery life slightly, but modern rechargeable batteries usually last an entire day with regular use.
Some models allow customization through the fitting software. Your audiologist can disable or modify control settings based on your preference.
Yes, certain advanced models include touch sensors that replace traditional buttons for easier and smoother adjustments.
Evlin is passionate about helping people with hearing loss. With years of experience in audiology, she has diagnosed and treated a wide range of hearing conditions across all age groups. She is accredited to conduct comprehensive hearing assessments and provide treatments for patients from newborns to the elderly. Committed to personalized care, she strives to empower patients to fully engage in life with better hearing.
Designation: Clinical Audiologist
Qualification: Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) (Audiology), University of Science Malaysia
Membership: .Society of Audiology Professionals in Singapore (SAPS)