Several types of hearing aids
A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that
amplifies and changes sound to allow for improved
communication. Hearing aids receive sound through a
microphone, which then converts the sound waves to
electrical signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of
the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a
speaker.
Different kinds of hearing aids
There are several types of hearing aids. Each type offers
different advantages, depending on its design, levels of
amplification, and size.
Before purchasing any hearing aid,
ask whether it has a warranty that will allow you to try it out.
Most manufacturers allow a 30- to 60-day trial period
during which aids can be returned for a refund.
There are four basic styles of hearing aids for people with
sensorineural hearing loss:
In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids fit completely in the
outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The
case, which holds the components, is made of hard plastic.
ITE aids can accommodate added technical mechanisms
such as a telecoil, a small magnetic coil contained in the
hearing aid that improves sound transmission during
telephone calls.
ITE aids can be damaged by earwax and
ear drainage, and their small size can cause adjustment
problems and feedback. They are not usually worn by
children because the casings need to be replaced as the
ear grows.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are worn
behind the ear and are connected to a plastic earmold that
fits inside the outer ear. The components are held in a
case behind the ear. Sound travels through the earmold
into the ear. BTE aids are used by people of all ages for
mild to profound hearing loss.
Poorly fitting BTE earmolds
may cause feedback, a whistle sound caused by the fit of
the hearing aid or by buildup of earwax or fluid.
Canal Aids fit into the ear canal and are available
in two sizes. The In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aid is
customized to fit the size and shape of the ear canal and is
used for mild or moderately severe hearing loss. A
Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aid is largely
concealed in the ear canal and is used for mild to
moderately severe hearing loss. Because of their small
size, canal aids may be difficult for the user to adjust and
remove, and may not be able to hold additional devices,
such as a telecoil. Canal aids can also be damaged by
earwax and ear drainage.
They are not typically
recommended for children.
Body Aids are used by people with profound
hearing loss. The aid is attached to a belt or a pocket and
connected to the ear by a wire. Because of its large size, it
is able to incorporate many signal processing options, but
it is usually used only when other types of aids cannot be
used.
On the basis of the hearing test results, the audiologist can
determine whether hearing aids will help. Hearing aids are
particularly useful in improving the hearing and speech
comprehension of people with sensorineural hearing loss.
When choosing a hearing aid, the audiologist will consider
your hearing ability, work and home activities, physical
limitations, medical conditions, and cosmetic preferences.
For many people, cost is also an important factor. You and
your audiologist must decide whether one or two hearing
aids will be best for you. Wearing two hearing aids may
help balance sounds, improve your understanding of
words in noisy situations, and make it easier to locate the
source of sounds.
Problems while adjusting to hearing aids
Become familiar with your hearing aid. Your audiologist
will teach you to use and care for your hearing aids.
Also,
be sure to practice putting in and taking out the aids,
adjusting volume control, cleaning, identifying right and left
aids, and replacing the batteries with the audiologist
present.
The hearing aids may be uncomfortable. Ask the
audiologist how long you should wear your hearing aids
during the adjustment period. Also, ask how to test them in
situations where you have problems hearing, and how to
adjust the volume and/or program for sounds that are too
loud or too soft.
Your own voice may sound too loud. This is called the
occlusion effect and is very common for new hearing aid
users. Your audiologist may or may not be able to correct
this problem; however, most people get used to it over
time.
Your hearing aid may "whistle." When this happens, you
are experiencing feedback, which is caused by the fit of the
hearing aid or by the buildup of earwax or fluid.
See your
audiologist for adjustments.
You may hear background noise. Keep in mind that a
hearing aid does not completely separate the sounds you
want to hear from the ones you do not want to hear, but
there may also be a problem with the hearing aid. Discuss
this with your audiologist.
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America Hears, Manufacturer and Distributor of Digital Hearing Aids, Hires New Audiologist
Philadelphia, PA (ContentDesk) March 14, 2006 America Hears (http://www.americahears.com), the premier manufacturer and provider of digital hearing aids over the Internet, announced the hiring of Kelly Malick, MS, CCC-A, as its newest audiologist.
Malick comes to America Hears from AHS/Interton, where she has worked since 1993 as the director of government services. At America Hears, she will be performing fittings of digital hearing aids as well as providing overall assistance to patients.
Im very excited to be working for America Hears, an innovative provider of digital hearing aids, Malick said. I look forward to using the skills Ive acquired over the course of my career in the hearing aid industry to assist America Hears in helping its patients and providing excellent...
Hearing aid > America Hears, Manufacturer and Distributor of Digital Hearing Aids, Hires New Audiologist
Living with Hearing Loss
(NC)-Hearing loss is a significant issue in the lives of many Canadians, but one study suggests that stigmas about hearing aids still persist. In a recent survey conducted by The Canadian Hearing Society, nearly one in four respondents reported personally experiencing some hearing loss. But one in six people polled responded that they would rather live with some hearing loss than wear a hearing aid-a number that jumps to one in five among those who actually report experiencing hearing loss. "People who suspect they suffer from hearing loss often do not want to admit it," says Gael Hannan, a 48-year-old advocate for The Canadian Hearing Society who has lived with hearing loss since age three. "For many, hearing loss is a sign of aging.
People often don't want to acknowledge that they can't understand conversations for fear it will make them seem old or weak."However, there is little question that hearing aids can improve many people's quality of life. "The day I got my hearing...
Living with Hearing Loss
Hearing aid > Living with Hearing Loss
Hearing Expert Reveals Hidden Payoffs of Uncorrected Hearing Loss
Cornelius, NC (ContentDesk) June 22, 2006 -- According to Randy Wohlers BC HIS, President of MyHearPod.com, the first online hearing aid solutions company for baby boomers, "Unfortunately, many boomers refuse to wear hearing aids because they feel hopeless and use their hearing loss to reinforce their pessimism. Some are antisocial, and do not want to be held accountable for their behavior."
Programmable, or digital hearing aids are designed and programmed specifically for each individual. After you have had a hearing examination, your audiologist will determine the level of your hearing loss and what product best suits... The Advantages of Programmable Hearing Aids
Hearing aid > The Advantages of Programmable Hearing Aids
Living with Hearing Loss
(NC)-Hearing loss is a significant issue in the lives of many Canadians, but one study suggests that stigmas about hearing aids still persist. In a recent survey conducted by The Canadian Hearing Society, nearly one in four respondents reported personally experiencing some hearing loss. But one in six people polled responded that they would rather live with some hearing loss than wear a hearing aid-a number that jumps to one in five among those who actually report experiencing hearing loss. "People who suspect they suffer from hearing loss often do not want to admit it," says Gael Hannan, a 48-year-old advocate for The Canadian Hearing Society who has lived with hearing loss since age three. "For many, hearing loss is a sign of aging.
People often don't want to acknowledge that they can't understand conversations for fear it will make them seem old or weak."However, there is little question that hearing aids can improve many people's quality of life. "The day I got my hearing...
Living with Hearing Loss
Hearing aid > Living with Hearing Loss
America Hears, Distributor and Manufacturer of Digital Hearing Aids, Contracts with Licensed Audiologist
Philadelphia, PA (ContentDesk) May 23, 2006 - America Hears, the premier vendor and manufacturer of digital hearing aids, announced that it has signed a contract with licensed Minnesota audiologist Blane Anderson, MA, CCC-A. Anderson joins the America Hears team following a long career with another hearing aid manufacturer. He will oversee the opening of America Hears latest factory outlet store in Burnsville, Minnesota, where he will not only sell America Hears hearing aids, but will also work with state-of-the-art equipment to improve the fitting procedure.
Im very excited to be working with America Hears, which prides itself on utilizing top-of-the-line technology in its hearing aids, said Anderson. At the new location in Burnsville, my goal is to fine...
Hearing aid > America Hears, Distributor and Manufacturer of Digital Hearing Aids, Contracts with Licensed Audiologist
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Hearing aid Several types of hearing aids perfume birthday gift ideas
Hearing aid > birthday gift ideas