Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Overview

Hearing aids are one of the most popular treatments for hearing impairment, and they can make a huge difference in the lives of their users. Tailored to the precise specifications of the individual, their leading role is to amplify sound so that it can be heard more clearly. There is a wide range of hearing aids on the market today, with countless variations in colors, shapes, and sizes. Some are so tiny that they can be placed completely within the ear canal, while other larger types can be placed behind the ear lobe.

Furthermore, due to the rapid advancement of technology, hearing aids come with a range of features that make life much easier for those with hearing loss. These devices are crucial in helping people maintain connections with loved ones and participate successfully in society - which is essential for a happy and fulfilling life.

Hearing Aid Styles

Despite the vast array of hearing aids available nowadays, they are generally separated into two major groups, within which exist a number of variations. These two distinct types of hearing aids primarily diverge in how they are worn by the user and consist of the following:

In-The-Ear (ITE):

ITE hearing aids are designed to fit the shape of the ear canal to maximize invisibility and comfort. Those with mild to moderate hearing loss are best served by ITE hearing aids. There are different kinds of ITE to choose from.

Completely-In-Canal (CIC) fits deep in the ear canal and is almost invisible,
Invisible-In-Canal (IIC) sits in the outer area of the ear canal and is slightly larger
In-The-Canal (ITC) conforms to the curved recesses of the outer ear and is the largest, most visible device.

Behind-The-Ear (BTE):

BTE hearing aids are a good option for people experiencing more profound levels of impairment as they provide stronger amplification of a wider range of frequencies. They also have larger components that enable them to analyze and process information faster. They come in two varieties: Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) and miniBTE. Each is structurally different but shares the same elements, which consist of an earpiece connected to the main unit by a narrow transparent tube.

Hearing Aid Features

Completing tasks and engaging in normal everyday activities can often be exponentially more burdensome for individuals with hearing loss. Fortunately, hearing aids have experienced a lot of technological progression in recent times, affording a host of features that facilitate a great deal of ease and convenience. Though sound amplification is their primary objective, they now offer additional amenities to their users. Some of the most beneficial features include the following:

Feedback Cancellation

Bluetooth Connectivity

Today's hearing aids are outfitted with Bluetooth technology, which allows people to stream audio from any other Bluetooth-supported device directly to their hearing aids without the need for cables. This offers significant advantages over cords, as it removes the hassle of tangles and restricted mobility while simultaneously improving sound quality as audio is played right from the hearing aid speaker.

Rechargeable Batteries

Advancements in battery technology have made it so that hearing aids no longer need to be constantly fitted with new batteries. The majority are now powered by lithium-ion batteries, which enable recharging in the same fashion as all other electronic devices. The most up-to-date models even have the capacity for wireless charging, so all they require is placement on the charging mat when necessary.

Digital Sound Processing (DSP)

Digital Signal Processing is a technology employed in modern hearing aids that makes use of computerized calculations and analyses to distinguish specific sounds, such as speech, from other interfering background noises coming from traffic or construction, for example. This allows users to hear with greater clarity and better understand dialogue. It is also beneficial for listening to music in loud places.

Tinnitus Masking