Choosing the Right Hearing Aids

You possibly have considered getting a hearing aid, but you may have concerns about how it will look or whether or not it will actually help. There are many types, designs, and styles of hearing instruments. The price of a hearing aid depends on the special features included, such as microprocessors which filter noise and various programming components. To alleviate your fears, find out what options are available and what to look for in a hearing aid.

Enhance Your Life

Hearing aids are now hi-tech wonders. These devices come in many styles from the very compact sizes that fit inside the ear canal to the larger styles that fit behind the ear. There is also the possibility of using disposable devices, as well. New advanced technology allows you to screen out background noise and amplify only certain frequencies. Hearing aids are a sound investment, and they help you enjoy the sounds of life without annoying hearing deficits. Extensive audiology laboratory research proved that many people benefit from wearing a hearing aid in each ear. Using binaural hearing devices helps improve overall sound quality, increases understanding in noisy situations, and gives clearer speech perception.

Selecting Hearing Aids

Before you purchase a hearing aid or aids, make sure you consult your physician and have your hearing problem checked. Also, you need to see an audiologist. Additionally, you should select a device that fits comfortable, suits your needs, and comes with an extended warranty.  There are three basic types of aids, the Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC), the In-The-Ear (ITE), and the Behind-The-Ear (BTE). The type of instrument you need depends on the individual type of hearing loss and the nature of this particular loss.

• Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC) – This type of hearing aid fits deeply in the ear canal and is hardly visible. Though tiny in size, this instrument is a powerful device that fits a variety of hearing loss needs.
• In-The-Ear (ITE) – This model fits within the outer ear and extends into the ear canal. The ITE hearing aid is beneficial for a variety of hearing loss types.
• Behind-The-Ear (BTE) – This hearing aid is housed in a tiny, curved case that fits securely behind your ear. The BTE model is attached to the earmold with a short, plastic tube. Sound passes from the hearing instrument through the earmold and on into the ear canal.

Circuit Design and Capabilities

Hearing aids are electronic devices that help millions of hearing impaired individuals. Like other technological devices, they can stop working at any given time. You should be aware that hearing aids are worn for extended periods of time, which leads to stress on the electrical components and limits batter power. Hearing aids survive in warm temperatures and moist environments. However, certain substances could damage the device, such as skin oils, earwax, and body acids. Also, these substances may bloc the hearing pathway. Because of this, your hearing aid could cease to function normally. While hearing aid failure is upsetting for you, proper maintenance and preventive strategies keep your instrument reliable and long-lasting.

There are many technical options that allow your hearing aid to function smoothly and efficiently. At present, there are around 600 models of circuit designs with digital programming and other capabilities. There are many more non-digital circuit designs, as well. There are seven categories of these technologies:

1. LINEAR – This design makes all sounds louder.
2. TRADITIONAL COMPRESSION – This feature softens loud sounds, should they occur.
3. ADVANCED COMPRESSION – There are many advanced circuits that make hearing aids more comfortable.
4. ADVANCED DESIGN NON-DIGITAL – This design is unique, more complex, and newer.
5. DIGITAL PROGRAMMABLE – These high technology circuits have 1-13 adjustable compression bands, and most are automatic, using computer methods to program different listening environments. Some models even use remote control power.
6. 100% DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING (DSP) – With this design, audio sounds are digitized before processing. DSPs use computer technology for the fitting process, and they contain microchips within the instrument for further processing.
7. DEEP CANAL – For maximum benefit, this circuit design relies upon the placement of the hearing device. This feature allows it to be near the eardrum to enhance hearing.

Hearing Aid Options

Some hearing aid options enhance your hearing ability in particular situations. These include:

• Directional Microphones – These microphones align on the hearing aid for improved sound pick up from directly in front of you. There is some reduction of sounds coming from behind or beside you, however. This technology enhances your hearing capability in an environment with a lot of background noise.
• Telephone Adapters – This technology, often called T-Coil or telecoil, makes it easier for you to hear when talking on the telephone. The telecoil eliminates external environmental and picks up only the sounds from the telephone. Some hearing aids automatically switch into T-Coil mode when the phone is held up to the instrument, but others require flipping a switch.
• Bluetooth Technology – Many of the new hearing aids can transmit sound from Bluetooth devices, like Bluetooth cell phones. These hearing instruments require an interface that wirelessly picks up the signal from Bluetooth-compatible devices and sends the signal to the hearing aid. This way, you don’t have to hold the phone right next to your ear or hearing aid to perceive the sound.
• Remote Controls – Some hearing aids use remote control technology to allow you to adjust volume and other things without touching your hearing aid. Some remote systems allow you to also activate the directional microphone or decrease external noise.