What is a hearing aid?

 What is a hearing aid?

A hearing aid is a small electronic device that amplifies environmental sound. This makes all the environment sound louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate and participate in daily activities. A hearing aid can help people hear more in both quiet and noisy situations.

A hearing aid consists of three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and receiver. The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves into electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the power of the signals and then sends it to the receiver.

How can hearing aids help?

Hearing aids are useful in improving hearing and communication of people who have hearing loss who suffer from any disease of any part of the ear. Hearing loss can result from illness, aging, or injury from certain medications. However, there are practical limits to the amount of amplification a hearing aid can provide.

How can I find out if I need a hearing aid?

If you are asking your friends to repeat the sentence over and over again. If you are moving your head to hear the sound with your better ear. Then you have hearing loss. A hearing aid may be of benefit, see your doctor, who may refer you to an ENT or audiologist. An ENT is a doctor who specializes in disorders of the ear, nose and throat and will investigate the cause of hearing loss. An audiologist is a hearing health professional who diagnoses hearing loss and will perform a hearing test to assess the type and degree of loss.

Are there different styles of hearing aids?

hearing aid styles

1. BTE

2. RIC

3. ITC- CIC

 1. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids have a hook worn behind the ear and attached to an earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The electronic parts are held behind the ear. Sound travels through the ear and into the ear through the hearing aid. BTE aids are used for mild hearing loss in people of all ages. There are two types of batteries used in this number 13 and number 675.

 2- Receiver in the Ear (RIC) A new kind of BTE aid is an open-fit hearing aid. Small, open-fit aids fit snugly behind the ear, with only a narrow tube inserted into the ear canal, allowing the canal to remain open. For this reason, open-fit hearing aids may be a good choice for people who experience a buildup of earwax, as these types of aids are less likely to damage such materials. The battery used in this is 312 no.

In-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit snugly inside the ear canal and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The case that holds the electronic components is made of hard plastic. ITE aids are not usually worn by young children because the casings need to be changed frequently as the ears grow. battery used in it 10 no

4. Canal aids fit into the ear canal and are available in two styles. In-canal (ITC) hearing aids are made to fit the size and shape of a person's ear canal. A complete canal (CIC) hearing aid is hidden in the ear. Both types are used for mild to moderate severe hearing loss.

Do all hearing aids work in the same way?

Hearing aids work differently depending on the electronics used. The two main types of hearing aids are analog and digital.

1. Analog Analog aids convert sound waves into electrical signals, which are amplified. Analog/Adjustable Hearing Aids are custom manufactured to meet the needs of each user. The aid is programmed by the manufacturer to the specifications recommended by your audiologist. Analog/programmable hearing aids have more than one program. With volume buttons the volume has to be adjusted by the user according to the environment sound. 

2. Digital Digital aids convert sound waves into a numerical code, similar to a computer's binary code, before amplifying them. Because the code also includes information about the pitch or loudness of the sound, the aid can be specifically programmed to amplify some frequencies more than others. An audiologist can program assistance using a computer, and you can change the program for different listening environments—from a small, quiet room in a crowded restaurant to large, open areas, such as a theater or stadium. . Gives audiologists more flexibility in adjusting the aid to user needs and certain listening environments.

Which hearing aid will work best for me?

The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the type and severity of your hearing loss. If you have hearing loss in both ears, two hearing aids are usually recommended, as the two aides provide a more natural signal to the brain. Listening in both ears will help you understand speech and identify where the sound is coming from.

You and your audiologist should choose a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Price is also an important consideration as hearing aids range from hundreds to several thousand dollars. Similar to purchasing other equipment, style and features affect cost. However, don't use price alone to determine the best hearing aid for you. Just because one hearing aid is more expensive than another doesn't necessarily mean it will be better for your needs.

A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing. With practice, however, a hearing aid will increase your awareness of sounds and their sources. You'll want to wear your hearing aid regularly, so choose one that's convenient and easy for you. Other features include warranty, cover schedule and cost for maintenance and repair, options and upgrade opportunities and services and the hearing aid company's reputation for quality and customer service.

What questions should I ask before buying a hearing aid?

Before buying a hearing aid, ask your audiologist these important questions:

- Which features would be most useful to me?

 -What is the total cost of the hearing aid? Do the benefits of new technologies outweigh the higher costs?

- Is there a trial period to test the hearing aid? (Most manufacturers allow a 3- to 6-day trial period, during which aid can be returned for a refund.) Is the fee non-refundable if aids are returned after the trial period?

How long is the warranty? Can it be extended? Does the warranty cover future maintenance and repairs?

Can the audiologist make adjustments and provide servicing and minor repairs? Will lender assistance be provided in case repairs are required?

What instruction does the audiologist provide?

How can I adjust my hearing aid?

It takes time and patience to use a hearing aid successfully. Wearing your aids regularly will help you adjust to them.

Get familiar with the features of your hearing aid. With your audiologist, practice putting in and taking the aid out, cleaning it, identifying the right and left aids, and replacing the battery.

How can I take care of my hearing aid?

1 Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of your hearing aid. Make it a habit:

2 Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.

3 Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid.

4 Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing the hearing aids.

5 Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.

6 Replace the dead battery immediately.

7 Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets.

Are there new types of aids available?

Although they work differently than the hearing aids described above, implantable hearing aids are designed to help enhance the transmission of sound that is entering the inner ear. A middle ear implant (MEI) is a small device that is attached to one of the bones of the middle ear.

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