subject: Advice On Hearing Loss And The Use Of Hearing Aids [print this page] By using a hearing aid people who have suffered hearing loss can regain more clarity of what is going on around them by amplifying the sounds the can hear. They amplify any sounds by the means of a tiny microphone and speaker to a level that the wearer can hear.
By using them, people with hearing loss can go on to lead more fulfilling lives taking the struggle out of life. However, many people often miss out on these benefits. With improvements in medical treatments around ten percent of hearing loss sufferers can benefit from medical treatments without the need for a hearing aid.
There are now many different styles and types of hearing aid devices available to suit different wearers. The devices available can be easily grouped by the differences in how they are worn.
The most discrete devices, those which are inserted into the wearer's ear canal, are known as canal aids. They can be adjusted to ensure a comfortable fit for whoever wears them. Different people with varying degrees of hearing loss can benefit from canal aids.
In-the-Ear hearing aids fit completely inside the outer ear. These are less invisible than ear canal hearing aids but are less visible than devices worn outside the ear. In-the-ear hearing aids are commonly used for mild to severe hearing loss and are much easier to insert than canal aids. An adjustable volume control and the ability to use a telecoil to improve the use of a telephone are two advantages of these types of devices.
Behind-the-Ear hearing aids consists of an earmold that fits snugly behind the ear, with a hook that goes over the top and connects to the rest of the aid that sits just inside the outer ear. The sound is collected and amplified in the earmold section and then travels to the separate speaker. Although more visible than the other types of devices, these can be effective for helping people with more severe hearing problems. The separate speaker and microphone, however, can result in audible high pitched feedback, often described as a whistle.
Hearing aids now are based on one of two different types of audio technologies. Each type has associated advantages and disadvantages.
Analog hearing aids work by producing an electrical signal from sound waves. Analog devices can be tuned to the individual needs of the patient. The wearer is also able to adjust the device depending on their locations and the noise level so that they are effective in open, busy places as well as enclosed rooms.
Hearing aids based on digital audio technology are the more expensive option but allow greater control for the user and can be more tailored to the individual persons needs. Digital devices can result in less interfering background noise due to the higher quality of sound the produce. Many digital devices are able to automatically adjust the volume levels to suit the environment making them easier to wear and more comfortable for the patient.
The more modern devices have been proven to be more practical and comfortable, improving the lives of all of the people that wear them. If you are considering the purchase of a hearing aid, it is important to talk to an audiologist about the best type of aid for your unique needs. By getting the hearing aid that works best for you it is possible to improve the quality of your hearing and give you the opportunity to get on with more without your hearing or your device holding you back.
