Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids: Danavox Mini, Standard, Power and Super Power

AudiologyOctober 13, 20267 min read

Behind-the-ear hearing aids in our Danavox catalogue come in four categories: Mini BTE, Standard BTE, Power BTE and Super Power BTE. In total the catalogue lists 38 behind-the-ear hearing aids across seven of its eight families, plus one BTE-style CROS transmitter, which is not a hearing aid. The category, the battery and the family are chosen together with your audiologist after a hearing test.

A behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid sits in a case behind the ear and sends sound into the ear, often through a tube and an earmould. According to the NIDCD, BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss. That wide range is why the catalogue divides BTE models into categories designed around different amounts of amplification. This article explains which families include each category and which batteries they use. For a comparison of BTE with other styles, see our guide to hearing aid styles compared.

Behind-the-ear hearing aids by category

The names follow the order Mini, Standard, Power and Super Power. As the names suggest, the categories are designed for different levels of amplification, and our hearing aids page describes Super Power BTE models as built for greater amplification and considered when a hearing test shows more severe hearing loss. The catalogue does not publish output figures for each category, so the category that suits you is matched to your audiogram rather than chosen from the name.

Mini BTE (3 models)

Only one family in our catalogue has a Mini BTE: Danavox Barani.

XA567-DWT (Select, 12 channels)
XA767-DWT (Advanced, 14 channels)
XA967-DWT (Premium, 17 channels)

All three use size 312 zinc-air batteries. The catalogue notes list a programmable push button, a telecoil and IP68 certification.

Standard BTE (11 models)

KLAR: XC377-DW and XC477-DW, size 13 zinc-air batteries, Essential and Essential Plus levels.
Barani: XA577-DWT, XA777-DWT and XA977-DWT, size 13 zinc-air batteries, Select, Advanced and Premium.
Boreal: XD577-DWC, XD777-DWC and XD977-DWC, rechargeable, Select, Advanced and Premium.
Brisa: XF577-DWC, XF777-DWC and XF977-DWC, rechargeable, Select, Advanced and Premium.

Power BTE (14 models)

KLAR: XC388-DWH and XC488-DWH, size 13 zinc-air batteries.
Barani: XA588-DWT, XA788-DWT and XA988-DWT, size 13 zinc-air batteries.
Anthe: XA588-DWHT, XA788-DWHT and XA988-DWHT, size 13 zinc-air batteries.
Boreal: XD588-DWC, XD788-DWC and XD988-DWC, rechargeable.
Brisa: XF588-DWC, XF788-DWC and XF988-DWC, rechargeable.

The catalogue notes mention a metal hook for the KLAR and Anthe Power models, and an optional metal hook for the Boreal and Brisa Power models.

Super Power BTE (10 models)

KLAR: XC398-DW and XC498-DW, size 675 zinc-air batteries.
Anthe: XA598-DWT, XA798-DWT and XA998-DWT, size 675 zinc-air batteries.
Astro Core: XH398-DWHC and XH498-DWHC, rechargeable, Essential and Essential Plus.
Astro Pro SP: XG598-DWHC, XG798-DWHC and XG998-DWHC, rechargeable, Select, Advanced and Premium.

Anthe is described by Danavox as offering "super power performance for high levels of amplification", and Astro Pro SP as the world's smallest rechargeable Super Power hearing aids. Both are manufacturer statements. If your results point towards this level, our article on hearing aids for severe to profound hearing loss covers it in more depth.

What about the CROS transmitter?

Brisa also includes XF177-DWC, a rechargeable CROS transmitter in a BTE style. It sends sound from an ear without usable hearing to the hearing ear, and it is not a hearing aid, so it is not counted among the 38 models above.

Batteries: 312, 13, 675 or rechargeable

Looking across the catalogue, the battery follows the category and the family:

Mini BTE: size 312 zinc-air (Barani).
Standard and Power BTE: size 13 zinc-air in KLAR, Barani and Anthe; rechargeable in Boreal and Brisa.
Super Power BTE: size 675 zinc-air in KLAR and Anthe; rechargeable in Astro Core and Astro Pro SP.

So if you prefer a rechargeable BTE, the catalogue offers Standard and Power models in Boreal and Brisa, and Super Power models in Astro Core and Astro Pro SP. If you prefer disposable batteries, KLAR, Barani and Anthe use zinc-air batteries in all their BTE models. Ask your audiologist how the choice affects your routine, especially if handling small batteries is difficult.

Controls, telecoil and other features

Most BTE models list a push button and toggle, and many list a telecoil. In Boreal and Brisa the notes specify a telecoil in BTE 77 and 88 models and DAI in BTE 88. Astro Pro SP lists a telecoil, TapControl and exchangeable microphone filters. Every family in the catalogue is described as IP68-rated, which means resistance to dust and water, not suitability for swimming.

Connectivity differs by family, so check the family page for the model you are considering. Our hearing aid catalogue lists each family with its connectivity details.

Who might a behind-the-ear hearing aid suit?

The final decision is made after a hearing test, but BTE styles are often discussed when:

The hearing test shows a greater degree of hearing loss, so a Power or Super Power category may be needed.
Handling matters: a larger device can be easier to hold, clean and insert, which helps people with limited finger movement or eyesight.
A custom earmould is needed: the fitting may include ear impressions for custom moulds when needed.
A child needs hearing aids: decisions for children belong to the audiologist and ENT after a paediatric assessment.

A BTE is more visible than smaller styles, although the hearing benefit should come before discretion. If you wear glasses, a hijab or a headscarf, mention it at your appointment so comfort around the ear is considered.

How the category is chosen

Hearing test: shows the type and degree of hearing loss in each ear, and whether anything needs medical attention first.
Category and family: the audiologist matches the BTE category to your results and discusses battery type, technology level and connectivity.
Fitting and programming: the hearing aids are programmed to your results during a Danavox hearing aid fitting.
Follow-up: fine-tuning visits as you get used to the sound.

The style and battery type are among the things that change the price, along with technology level, one or two hearing aids and accessories. We do not publish prices; you can request a quote for a specific model or book an assessment.

Frequently asked questions

How many behind-the-ear hearing aids are in the Danavox catalogue?

The catalogue lists 38 BTE hearing aids: 3 Mini BTE, 11 Standard BTE, 14 Power BTE and 10 Super Power BTE. Brisa also has one BTE-style CROS transmitter, which is not a hearing aid.

Which Danavox families have Super Power BTE models?

KLAR, Anthe, Astro Core and Astro Pro SP. The KLAR and Anthe models use size 675 zinc-air batteries, while the Astro Core and Astro Pro SP models are rechargeable.

Are there rechargeable behind-the-ear hearing aids?

Yes. Boreal and Brisa have rechargeable Standard and Power BTE models, and Astro Core and Astro Pro SP have rechargeable Super Power BTE models. The Mini BTE models in Barani use 312 batteries.

Is a BTE only for severe hearing loss?

No. According to the NIDCD, BTE aids are used for mild to profound hearing loss. The category within BTE is what changes with the degree of loss, and your audiologist chooses it from your hearing test.

Book an appointment

If you are considering a behind-the-ear hearing aid, the first step is a hearing test. You can book an appointment online or call or WhatsApp us on +968 9171 8373. We are in Bousher, Muscat, opposite Oman Mall, and no referral is needed for a hearing test. Our Danavox fitting service covers selection, programming and follow-up.

Sources

NIDCD (NIH) — Hearing aids
Danavox — Hearing aids
Model specifications: Danavox portfolio as published in our hearing aids catalogue on this site.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from a qualified professional.

Hearing Aid Selection, Fitting, Programming & Follow-up