If you don’t know much about hearing aids but are just looking into trying them out, here is some very basic information to get you started, concerning how hearing aids work, how they fit and what they can do to improve your hearing:
They work by amplification
You probably already know that hearing aids do not restore your hearing. There will still be some challenges, but they are impressive devices that – with a few follow-up audiologist visits and some patience – can improve your quality of life by helping you fully participate again in conversations with friends and family.
It’s been a long time coming for hearing aids to be as technologically advanced as they are today. These devices work through the combination of a microphone, amplifier and miniature loudspeaker to transmit intelligible sound to your ears.
There are many different styles
Behind-the-ear devices
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids are contained in plastic cases that hook over the top of the ear and rest behind it. The device is connected to the ear mold, which is inserted into the ear canal with a clear tube. The case behind the ear picks up and amplifies sound, which is then transported to the ear through the ear mold. Many people wear BTE hearing aids, and they’re usually the best option for children. It’s thought to be capable of more amplification than other hearing aids. BTE devices are the largest and most visible, which is a benefit for older adults because they are easier to handle with arthritic hands. Also, they are suitable for every severity level of hearing loss.
Another, newer BTE option is open fit hearing aids, which can be used to eliminate the “muffled” feeling people sometimes report from hearing aids. This is because hearing aids typically block the entire canal, but open fit devices have a very small wire or tube through which sound travels into the ear canal, leaving the canal mostly open. These types of BTE devices are often less visible, which many people like, but they’re best for people who have only mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss. Plus, due to their small size and minute batteries, they can be difficult to handle for some people.
In-the-ear aids
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, sometimes called “full-shell” devices, are custom made and fill the outer ear. They are made for people with only mild to moderate hearing loss, and they fit most ears.
In-the-canal devices
In-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids and completely in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids are two more options. As the name suggests, they fit nearly or completely into the ear canal in a tiny case, allowing for the most discreet look. These devices are for mild and moderate hearing loss. Some benefits are that they are easier to use with the telephone and they cause less feedback noise due to wind, considering the ear protects them. However, they are too small to have extra features like directional microphones and volume control, they can be difficult to handle due to size and they often don’t fit in smaller ears.
There are advanced features available</https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1546459_820344987991717_1929419780_n.jpg>
Depending on what type you buy, hearing aids have some pretty cool features these days! Today, hearing aids might:
- Have wireless capabilities
- Use directional microphones – yes, more than one – to amplify sound in front of you and minimize background noise
- Be water-resistant
- Have advanced feedback control, to minimize pesky whistling sounds
- Be equipped with telecoils for use with loop listening systems and other devices
- Have automatic volume control
- Utilize a minimizing feature for speaking in windy conditions
- Have a feature that allows hearing in both ears while on the phone through communication between hearing aids, often using Bluetooth® technology
