According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 466 million people worldwide suffer from hearing loss, yet only 17% use hearing aids. Unfortunately, due to some common myths about hearing aids, many people hesitate to use them. Indeed, hearing Aid is one of the best treatment options for hearing loss. If you are hesitant or curious to know about hearing aids, then this blog is for you. Here, we have shared some important details about hearing aids, their types, and their benefits. Also, we have explained how hearing aids work and improve hearing. Read on to learn everything about hearing aids and how they can help you.
What are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that you can wear in or behind your ear. It is mainly designed to help people with hearing loss communicate and interpret speech effectively. Hearing aids amplify sound and allow you to hear and understand conversations, television, and other sounds.
Currently, on the market, there are many types of hearing aids available in different styles and designs. Each type has its pros and cons. But choosing the best hearing aid for you depends on the degree of your hearing loss, the size and shape of your ear, personal preferences, convenience of use, and new hearing aid technologies. Even with expert help, you can customize the device’s settings and fitting to suit your needs.
Who Can Use Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids can significantly improve hearing capacity for people experiencing these health conditions
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Meniere’s disease (hearing issues caused due to swelling and pressure in the inner ear)
- Sensorineural hearing loss (caused by damage to the inner ear)
- High-frequency and low-frequency hearing loss
- Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss
However, for severe or profound hearing loss, hearing aids might be insufficient. In such instances, consulting a hearing specialist can help determine if cochlear or bone-anchored auditory implants are a suitable alternative.
The Different Types of Hearing Aids
Healthcare providers classify hearing aids into the following types:
Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
- Suitable for mild to profound hearing loss
- Fits behind the ear
- The hearing aid’s body is connected to a thin tube or a customized ear mold.
- Requires manual dexterity for correct insertion and placement
In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
- Fill the entire ear (full-shell) or portion of the ear bowl (half-shell)
- Suitable for those with dexterity problems and difficulty handling small objects
- Commonly recommended for moderate to severe hearing loss
- Easy to handle and insert due to the larger size
Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) Hearing Aids
- Similar to BTE devices, but with a thin receiver wire extending into the ear canal
- The soft tip of the device sits just inside the ear canal without sealing it
- Offers a more natural sound
- Requires manual dexterity
- Appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss
- Suitable for those who want a more discreet design
In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
- Fit deeper into the ear canal than ITE aids
- Less visible
- Smaller in size and uses small batteries
- May be more difficult to handle
Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
- Fit even deeper into the ear canal
- Almost invisible
- Suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss
- Custom-made to fit individual ear canals
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
The major components of a hearing aid are a microphone, amplifier, speaker, and batteries. Here, let us briefly look at how all these components in the hearing aids work to improve hearing.
- Initially, a microphone from the hearing aid captures noises from the surroundings and transforms them into electrical signals. In a modern hearing aid, the amplifier is a computer chip that is specifically designed to process electrical impulses or signals.
- To enhance hearing, the amplifier increases the volume of the electrical signals. In some best hearing aids, the amplifier also cleans up the signal, reduces noise, and boosts speech quality. The amplified and cleaned signals will be then transferred to the speaker and receiver after the digitally processed signal is turned back to electrical impulses.
- The receiver or speaker inside hearing aids turns amplified electrical signals back into sounds before sending them directly to the ear, where natural hearing takes over and the brain receives the impulses.
- To continuously run this process, a battery is required within the hearing aids. This could be a small replaceable battery cell or a built-in rechargeable battery in some hearing aids
Know about Analog and Digital Hearing Aids
There are varieties of hearing aids but they all will not work similarly. Based on the electronics utilized in it, the function of hearing aids differs. Analog and digital are the two primary varieties of electronics used in hearing aids.
Analog Hearing Aids
- Converts sound waves into amplified electrical signals
- Custom-built to meet individual needs
- Programmable for different environments
- Multiple settings for varying situations
- Analog or programmable circuitry can be used in all types of hearing aids
- Generally less expensive than digital aids
Digital Hearing Aids
- Convert sound waves into digital code for precise amplification
- Amplify specific frequencies to suit individual needs
- Adjustable for various environments and needs
- Can focus on sounds from a specific direction
- Suitable for all types of hearing aids
Benefits of Using Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids will be beneficial for you in several aspects. Particularly, by using customized hearing aids, you may
- Enhance speech recognition and understanding in various environments
- Engage more effectively in social situations and relationships
- Participate in activities and hobbies with renewed enjoyment
- Reduce cognitive decline and risk of dementia
- Respond to important sounds
Conclusion
If you or a family member is experiencing hearing loss, buy Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids or consult a hearing health professional for customized Prescription hearing aids. While OTC aids are suitable for less severe cases, Prescription aids are ideal for complex cases and offer personalized solutions to your specific needs and degree of hearing loss. In case, you need professional guidance, book an appointment at Asha Speech and Hearing Clinic. Our experienced audiologists will conduct tests and help you find the perfect hearing aids that match your needs, lifestyle, and preferences.