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. Their tiny microphones and speakers increase the volume of sounds the wearer hears allowing them to lead a better life.
By using them, people with hearing loss can go on to lead more fulfilling lives taking the struggle out of life. Many people though live their lives without realizing these benefits by not using such devices. With only a small percentage (around 10%) of hearing loss cases benefiting from medical treatment, hearing aids are essential for the majority of sufferers.
When it comes to finding a hearing aid, different people will benefit from the many different types of devices that are now available today. The devices available can be easily grouped by the differences in how they are worn.
Canal aids are the most discrete types of hearing aid, worn out of view within the ear canal itself. So that they work efficiently and are comfortable to wear, Canal Aids can be customized to suit the individual. People that suffer from mild to fairly severe hearing loss often wear this kind of device.
Other devices fit in the outer ear and are refereed to as In the Ear devices. These are more visible when worn than canal aids, but still often go unnoticed. These are worn by people with hearing loss ranging from mild cases to severe cases and are easier to insert and remove than canal aid devices. These devices often have an easily adjustable volume control and can be used with a telecoil in order to improve the users hearing during a telephone conversation.
Some hearing aids consist of an earmold which sits behind the ear and attaches to a speaker in the outer ear over the top. The speaker is separate to the microphone and the amplifier within the earmold behind the ear. Although more visible than the other types of devices, these can be effective for helping people with more severe hearing problems. Users of these devices though are more likely to hear feedback caused by the separate speaker.
Two different audio technologies can be used in hearing aids and the different types have both advantages and disadvantages. The two types of technology are analog and digital.
Analog hearing aids produce electrical signals which are then amplified. Analog devices can be tuned to the individual needs of the patient. These devices often allow the wearer to make minor adjustments to suit their current situation to get the most out of the device.
Digital hearing aids are generally the more expensive option of the two technologies but can allow more flexibility in both the control of the device and the type of sounds that are amplified. These devices also produce top quality sound with minimal background noise. 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.
Today, the hearing aids that are available provide the wearer with a much better hearing and are more comfortable to use and wear than those of the past. 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. The right device can make massive improvements to the wearer's quality of life enabling them to do more with a greater level of interaction.
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