Introduction
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices designed to assist individuals experiencing hearing loss by amplifying sounds and improving overall auditory clarity. In this blog, we will explore the basics of hearing aids, discuss the various types and styles available, delve into how they work, and provide insights on choosing the right hearing aids to meet individual hearing needs.
What are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are small electronic devices worn in or behind the ear that makes some sounds louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities can help people hear more in both quiet and noisy situations.
A hearing aid has three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker, compensating for reduced hearing ability.
Hearing Aid Types and Styles
Hearing aids vary a great deal in price, size, special features and the way they're placed in your ear. The following are common hearing aid styles.
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Behind-the-ear (BTE)
As traditional hearing aids, behind-the-ear hearing aids consist of a hard plastic case worn behind the ear and connected to a plastic earmold that fits inside the outer ear. The electronic parts are held in the case behind the ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the earmold and into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss.
A new kind of BTE aid is an open-fit hearing aid. Small, open-fit aids fit behind the ear completely, with only a narrow tube inserted into the ear canal, enabling 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, since this type of aid is less likely to be damaged by such substances. In addition, some people may prefer the open-fit hearing aid because their perception of their voice does not sound “plugged up.”
Behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) provide sound amplification for those suffering from all levels of hearing loss. This style of hearing aid can also be used in conjunction with other assistive devices and amplification systems, such as telephone and television adapters, induction loop and FM systems.
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In-the-ear (ITE)
An in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid is custom made in two styles — one that fills most of the bowl-shaped area of your outer ear (full shell) and one that fills only the lower part (half shell). Both are helpful for people with mild to severe hearing loss and are available with directional microphones (two microphones for better hearing in noise).
Including features that don't fit on smaller style hearing aids, such as a volume control, the in-the-ear hearing aids may be easier to handle and have a larger battery for longer battery life, with several options for rechargeable batteries. Moreover, they are susceptible to earwax clogging the speaker and may pick up more wind noise than do smaller devices with the more visible in the ear design than smaller devices.
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In the canal (ITC) & Completely-in-canal (CIC)
Canal aids fit into the ear canal and are available in two styles. The in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid is made to fit the size and shape of a person’s ear canal. A completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid is nearly hidden in the ear canal. Both types are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
Because they are small, canal aids may be difficult for a person to adjust and remove. In addition, canal aids have less space available for batteries and additional devices, such as a telecoil. They usually are not recommended for young children or for people with severe to profound hearing loss because their reduced size limits their power and volume.
How Does a Hearing Aid Work?
Hearing aids work differently depending on the electronics used. The two main types of electronics are analog and digital.
Analog aids convert sound waves into electrical signals, which are amplified. Analog hearing aids are custom built to meet the needs of each use and can be used in all types of hearing aids. Analog aids usually are less expensive than digital aids. However, the digital aids convert sound waves into numerical codes, similar to the binary code of a computer, including information about a sound’s pitch or loudness, then the aid can be specially programmed to amplify some frequencies more than others with a more flexibility in adjusting the aid to a user’s needs and to certain listening environments.
Hearing aids are primarily useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension of people who have hearing loss that results from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, called hair cells. This type of hearing loss is called sensorineural hearing loss. The damage can occur as a result of disease, aging, or injury from noise or certain medicines. A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear. Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain. The greater the damage to a person’s hair cells, the more severe the hearing loss, and the greater the hearing aid amplification needed to make up the difference. However, there are practical limits to the amount of amplification a hearing aid can provide. In addition, if the inner ear is too damaged, even large vibrations will not be converted into neural signals. In this situation, a hearing aid would be ineffective.
How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid?
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Visit an Audiologist
If you suspect a problem with your hearing, visiting an audiologist is your first step. It is necessary to be prepared to tell the audiologist if you hear ringing in your ears, if you have any balance issues or if you have trouble hearing conversations, especially when there is noise in the background or others talking. Your audiologist will then evaluate your hearing, explain any problems they find and discuss next steps. If a medical problem is a possibility, the audiologist will refer you to see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor to investigate the medical cause of your hearing and/or balance issues.
The audiologist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your ability to hear. The impact of a hearing loss on your daily quality of life will also be assessed and your audiologist will ask you questions to see to what extent the hearing loss is impacting your personal circumstances and lifestyle.
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Hearing needs assessment
There are many hearing aid options, but hearing aids aren’t always the most appropriate option for everyone. Depending on the severity or type of hearing loss, there are other options to correct hearing loss. If hearing aids are recommended, your audiologist will make sure they fit properly in your ears and are programmed to your listening needs. A comprehensive treatment plan will also help you learn how to care for your hearing aids and how to use them along with other communication strategies to get the highest satisfaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the world of hearing aids involves understanding their functionality, exploring different types and styles, and selecting the right device tailored to individual hearing needs. By seeking professional guidance, conducting thorough research, and considering personal preferences, individuals can embrace the benefits of hearing aids and rediscover the joys of clear and vibrant sound experiences.
