Amplifying sound for improved communication
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.
Digital hearing aids
Thanks to the increasingly smaller microprocessors, digital technology is at the forefront of hearing loss solutions. Digital hearing aids give enhanced speech recognition over background noise and, with the use of computers can be programmed to precisely for your individual type of hearing loss.
The ability of your hearing aid dispenser to fine tune and customise a digital hearing aid to your precise needs far exceeds such capability with an analogue hearing aid and you can be given sounds quality similar to a CD. The latest digital technology represents a major advance for most people as the function is completely automatic and there is no need for fiddly controls.
Analogue hearing aids
Analogue signal processing uses more traditional technology and is still widely popular due to cost effectiveness. Analogue hearing aids essentially amplify all sounds (speech and noise) in the same way. This technology is the least expensive and it can be appropriate for many different types of hearing loss, however the most informed technical bodies today recommend digital hearing aids.
Many previous users of analogue hearing aids have converted to a digital aid and found great improvement in understanding speech in difficult situations where there is a lot of noise.
Styles and types 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 your registered hearing aid dispenser, if it has a warranty that will allow you to try it out. Most suppliers allow a 30 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:
Completely In the Canal (CIC)
Customised to fit completely in the ear canal. These are the smallest and most concealing hearing aids available and are used for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
In The Canal (ITC)
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.
In The Ear (ITE)
Customised to fit neatly into the ear and can offer more power than the smaller equivalents. Used for mild to severe hearing loss.
Behind The Ear (BTE)
Used by people of all ages for mild to profound hearing loss this aid is attached to an ear mould and fits comfortably behind the ear.
