A hearing aid is a compact electronic gadget worn behind or in the ears. It amplifies sounds so that people with hearing constraints can listen and communicate effectively. Hearing aids are made up of three essential parts: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. Its microphone perceives the sound waves and converts them into electrical signals before sending them to the amplifier. The amplifier magnifies the signals and sends them to the speaker. Through the speaker, the ear can listen to a more advanced sound.
Types of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids feature varied designs. But the choice depends on the suitability and comfortability of the user's ears.
In the Ear Hearing Aids
ITEs fit inside the outer ear and are suitable for minor to extreme hearing disabilities. Some ITEs have telecoils which comprise of a coil of wire included within hearing aids and cochlear implants that responds to electronic signals usually generated by an induction loop. This advancement allows it easier for users to follow up on dialogs over the phone.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
BTEs are made up of a tough plastic casing and are normally inserted at the back of the ear. They are linked to the plasticized ear mold, which fits in the exterior part of the ear. Sound signals travel past the earmold and then to the ears. BTEs may also be used by anyone regardless of age.
In canal hearing aids
In canals hearing aids of Onebridge are designed to fit into the ear canals. They are available in two forms; Complete-in-canal (CIC) and in-the-canal (ITC). CICs are primarily concealed by acoustic meatus, whereas ITCs are designed to just fit in acoustic meatus. Canals are tinier than other types of hearing aids and, for that reason, are difficult to remove or adjust. Again, they are not advised for young individuals because their tiny dimensions limit their batteries and volumes.
Are Hearing Aids Worth It?
Hearing aids help enhance speech, listening, and comprehension. This is critical to victims of sensorineural hearing loss, which involves damage to the tiny sensory cells in the ear. Hearing aids enable you to hear sounds that you may not have captured previously before using them. They enhance communication in noisy places like restaurants, rallies, or markets.
Hearing Disorders That Need Hearing Aids
As aforementioned, hearing aids are needed to aid hearing loss. Several hearing disorders require hearing aids.
Sensorineural Hearing loss
This involves damage to the cochlea or acoustic curve due to exposure to meningitis, ototoxic medications, and loud noises.
Mixed Hearing Loss
The disorder involves a mixture of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss. Treatment depends on the extent of the hearing loss.
Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
It involves a problem in the transmission of sound into the brain. This can be due to the damage to the hair cells in the ear.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is imminent when sound is prevented from passing through the outer or middle ear and into the inner ear. Hearing is lost due to fluid or earwax build-up.
Conclusion
Hearing loss is a setback from everyday life, yet it has victimized about 40 million Americans. Some are still functioning like their former selves, and if you wonder how, the hearing aid is the solution. You may want to consider it as soon as the signs of hearing loss depict. However, the hearing aid should be prescribed to you by a trusted audiologist after a thorough diagnosis.
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