Hearing aids have brought relief to thousands of sufferers of hearing loss, amplifying what they are hearing to a level they can comprehend and their lives often improve dramatically thanks to them. The tiny amplifier, speaker and microphones contained in a single device are responsible for improving he lives of thousands of hearing loss sufferers.
They can dramatically improve the quality of the wearer's life and allow them with a normal level of comprehension to the things going on around them. Only a few sufferers of hearing loss however get a chance to wear such a device and benefit from them. It is possible to treat some cases of hearing loss through medical treatments alone, without the need for devices, but unfortunately the vast majority of cases will only be improved through their use.
Since they were invented, hearing aids have changed quite dramatically and now there is a wide range to choose from. Most hearing aids can be divided into two types by how the person wears them.
Canal Aid devices are placed inside the ear canal and are not visible when they are worn. Canal aids are customized to fit the size and shape of the inner ear perfectly, adding to the comfort of this device. Canal aids are generally used by patients with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
If a hearing aid is worn inside the outer ear then it is referred to as an 'In the Ear' device. In the ear devices are more visible than canal aids but often go unnoticed. People with hearing loss ranging from mild to severe can benefit from these devices and they are also easier to remove and replace than the canal aid types. 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.
Behind-the-Ear hearing aids consists of an earmold that fits snugly behind the ear, with a hook that goes over the top and connects to the rest of the aid that sits just inside the outer ear. The sound is collected and amplified in the earmold section and then travels to the separate speaker. These are the most visible types of devices but can be of benefit to patients with very severe hearing difficulties. Users of these devices though are more likely to hear feedback caused by the separate speaker.
Today, both digital and analog audio technologies are used in hearing aids. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages.
Analog hearing aids produce electrical signals which are then amplified. It is possible to set these devices for each specific wearer. Many of these types of devices can be adjusted by the person wearing the device to suit their current situation and the background noise levels they are exposed to.
Digital aids are more expensive than analog devices, but the digital technology offers more flexibility in programming and adjustments. The digital devices can achieve a much higher quality of sound reproduction. The devices can adapt to their environment and the sound levels adjust depending on the noise levels making them more comfortable and more convenient for the wearer.
The newer devices have been improved in terms of how comfortable they feel and the improvement to people's hearing. Audiologists can advise anyone looking for a new hearing aid on the different devices available and help them to find one that suits their own particular needs. Getting the right device can make great improvements to the person's quality of life by helping them hear more and be able to live a normal and more fulfilling life.
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