Key Components Of A Hearing Aid

Gone are the days when hearing aids were made from analog electronics. The devices that are available today are small, discrete and a true work of art. Encompassing tiny parts, hearing aids are like miniature computers.

But regardless of their make, size and style, all hearing aids have four basic components:

1. Microphone
2. Amplifier
3. Receiver
4. Battery

As the key components of the hearing aid, each one has a specific role to play in the functioning of the device.

Here is a breakdown of how each component works:

• Microphone

The microphone is the most important part of the hearing aid. It picks up sounds from the surrounding environment and converts them into electric signals that can be differentiated by the processor.

Microphones come in two forms: Omnidirectional and Directional

Omnidirectional microphones are just what their name suggests-they pick up sounds from all around the person. Most hearing aids are equipped with both microphones for better results.

Directional microphones pick up sounds that occur in front of the wearer, thus enabling the person to listen to conversations with clarity.

• Amplifier

The amplifier or processor increases the power of the signals that are picked up by the microphone. The electric signals are converted into digital signals that are modified by specialized filters and equalizers.

• Battery

The battery is the main power source for the device. A fully charged battery can last from 5 days to 2 weeks. The charge also depends on how long the device is used, battery size, complexity of the user’s environment, and hours of usage.

• Receiver

The receiver or the speaker creates an enhanced sound wave by converting the signals sent from the processor to audible sounds. These sounds are then sent to the user’s ears.

Additional Parts Of A Hearing Aid

Apart from the four main components, hearing aids come with additional parts that are decided by the price, the make, style, user’s needs, and the doctor’s prescription. Each part is cleverly designed to serve a particular purpose to enhance the experience of using a hearing aid.

Let’s explore what the other parts are:

• The Ear Hook

The ear hook is a convenient plastic attachment that allows the device to loop over the ear lobe and stay in place. Ear hooks are found only in BTE or Behind The Ear devices.

• The Vent

All customized hearing aids have a vent that is fitted to allow the free flow of air to prevent infections inside the ear.

• Wax Guard

The wax guard is a vital part that holds the collected ear wax and prevents it from clogging the device.

• Volume control

This option allows the user to control the level of sound by using a switch or button.  Some hearing aid brands have their own apps that allow the user to control the volume from his or her own smartphone.

• Memory Control

Memory control is not an aspect that is available on all devices. Some devices come with pre-programmed memories that the user can switch to suit the given environment. Memory control is also available on apps.

 Investing In A Hearing Aid? Do This First

Now that we’ve cleared the air about “how do hearing aids work” , it is time to explore some important points before deciding to buy a hearing aid.

• Have a thorough check up with your doctor to rule out any reasons that can be rectified with medicines.
• Your hearing ability should be assessed by a reputed  audiologist who will help you choose the right device as per your requirements.
• Avail the hearing aid for a trial period and test if it is suitable for you.
• Do not believe misleading claims that goad you into buying the product.
• The better and more sophisticated the device, the costlier it is. So, choose wisely.

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Many people around the world suffer from hearing loss. While most of them have benefitted from hearing aid, the most commonly asked question is will it restore their normal hearing?

Sorry to disappoint you, the answer is NO. The hearing aid cannot cure your loss of hearing, whereas it will only aid in making you hear clearly. The hearing aid is known to help you in the long term process and will help you lead your life normally. They are considered as the choice of treatment. For instance, just like the glass helps you see and read clearly, similarly, the hearing aid will help you to hear clearly.

But like other tools, hearing aid also must be used carefully and with prior consultation with health professionals. Also, it will take time to adjust to the new mode of hearing. So, one must be patient to help themselves in the long term process.

How do hearing aids work?

In simple words, hearing aids acts as an amplifier. In most of the hearing loss cases, the minute delicate hairs in the ear that acts as a connector to the brain cells fail or insufficiently work which leads to low hearing or loss of hearing. The hearing aids with the help of a microphone picks up the sounds and makes it sound clear. This, in turn, the healthy hair cells helps in transmitting the sounds to the brain just like the working of normal cells.

What will the hearing aids do for me?

The hearing aids not only help in making the sound clear but also exercise the inactive nerve cells. When the cells do not work, they become inactive and lose their strength. They need continuous stimulation to stay healthy. Hence, the hearing aids help the nerves and the cells to be active.

The hearing aids also help you connect with modern technology like Bluetooth devices and smartphones. It also adapts to its surroundings and helps to level the frequency level.

Why can’t hearing aids restore my hearings to normal?

The hearing aids act as a helper and not as a restorer. They will only aid in clearing the sound and will allow the information to pass to the brain which otherwise would be difficult without the aid.

How to get the most of the hearing aid?

It is a slow process to get most of the hearing aid. One will learn slowly as to how to adapt the aid and also how to use it. It is like learning a new language where you will learn slowly and gradually.

Read More About : Does Hearing Aid Cause Hearing Loss?

One of the most common misbelieve about buying a hearing aid is that it worsens the hearing condition of the people. When thinking practically, does it worsens the condition of hearing who wears the hearing aid? No. it is all the tricks played by our brains fuelled by the unknowledgeable people. The hearing aid has only helped the people feel more confident and strong than compared to those who felt inferior without the hearing aid.

Why it is harder to hear after one wears the hearing aids?

It is very simple and is the trick played by our brains. When one loses the hearing gradually, our brain slowly accepts the level of fewer sounds as normal. But when you start beginning to wear the hearing aid, your brain starts to receive new information which it hasn’t received in a long time. This sudden new adjustment makes it look new normal and takes time to accept it. Hence, when people try to hear without the aid, they find it difficult and results in blaming the hearing aid for their loss in the hearing.

So, Hearing aid does not cause hearing loss

Yes, your hearing aid does not cause hearing loss but has helped you in hearing more clearly making your life comfortable. It can no way damage your hearing for it will be adjusted according to your condition. The hearing is suffered because of a few health issues or when being exposed to loud noises for a longer period of time. If the program of your hearing aid has been adjusted right and perfect, it can no way harm your hearing. But one must make sure that the hearing aid is of the perfect size, shape, and type for the person.

Do hearing aids slow or stop hearing loss?

The hearing aid can help in slowing down the progression of the hearing loss. To stay healthy the nerves need continuous stimulation. When you lose your hearing, the nerves in the auditory tend to lose its value and lower the working process. As a result, it weakens the nerves in the brain and makes it more difficult to hear. With the help of hearing aid, it will keep the auditory nerve active and delay the process of hearing loss.

What is the work of hearing aid to the brain?

It simplifies the hearing sound which makes it difficult without hearing aid. It keeps the auditory nerve active and exercises them. This way, it aids the brain by keeping its nerve healthy and active.

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The importance and reflectance of the different types of hearing aids

There are many types of hearing aids available in the market. The concept of all the hearing aids is the same, and the only thing differing them is the name given to them by their respective manufacturers. The different types have been designed based on the customization demands from different patients. The technical term used for differentiation is suitability. The suitability of the hearing aid varies on various factors like hearing impairment, size, and shape of the ear canal, the condition of the channel, and the dexterity and vision control of the patient.

The different types of hearing aids

Invisible in canal or (IIC) hearing aid

The IIC type of hearing aid is too small, and the surgeons fit the hearing aid based on the customization and the size requirement of the patient. People who suffer mild or medium hearing loss use this hearing aid. These types of hearing aids can be difficult for patients who are suffering from vision problems.

Completely in canals or (CIC) hearing aid

They are small and compatible with all sizes of ear canals as they can be personalized and can fit themselves entirely inside the ear canals. They are cosmetically handy as they have fewer chances of visibility. People who have problems with vision, dexterity, and excess sweating can stay away from the completely in the canal hearing aid.

In the canal (ITC) hearing aid

The in the canal hearing aid is a larger one, and the size of it supports a large battery for the long-life. People who suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, which is severe, are recommended to use this hearing aid, which can provide longevity in the output as it possesses a considerable battery life.

In the ear half-shell hearing aid

People who want a smart hearing aid can use the ITE – HS one as it has a large size than ITC and can provide features like output and volume control, directional microphones, and much more exciting stuff.

In the ear full-shell hearing aid

They are the most significant type of hearing aid on earth, and the size makes them entirely suitable for mild to severe hearing loss. They have several programming buttons with considerable battery life. They are cosmetically less visible but can create problems for people who have an excess of wax production in ears.

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