If you have trouble hearing, you may consider buying a hearing aid device. In this article we will discuss what hearing aids are, how they work and how to choose the type that is most appropriate for your specific needs.
What are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are devices created to help people who suffer from hearing impairment. A hearing aid is a small device, easy to use by placing it inside or outside the ear. Hearing aids are designed to provide a better sound quality to people with minor to moderate loss of hearing. On the other hand, people with complete hearing loss and people with severely damaged inner ear cannot benefit from these devices.
Hearing aids are not a new invention but in recent years hearing aid technology has made different types of the devices, each with different benefits and drawbacks. Still, every type of hearing aid device is based on the same principle and contains the same basic elements, microphone, sound amplifier and speaker device.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Basically, every hearing aid device work by catching the sound waves from the environment through the microphone. The sound is than amplified through the sound amplifier enabling the user to hear through the speaker. The first models of hearing aid devices were created to be worn outside the ear. But as these hearing aids were uncomfortable to use scientists have developed variety of different styles of hearing aid products.
How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid?
Ability to hear has a considerable influence on an individual’s quality of life. For people affected by hearing impairment buying a hearing aid must be done wisely as these products are quite expensive. In making a right decision, one should first consult a hearing specialist, also called audiologist. Professional help is required because that way you can be sure what type and severity of hearing loss a person is suffering from. After consulting the audiologist, you will know what options you have considering your finances, needs, lifestyle and the extent of hearing loss.
Another important thing is to be acquainted with the technology. Analog hearing aid devices offer consistent amplification. These products improve hearing but do not help the user to distinguish between important and unimportant noises. Digital hearing aids offer better control of sound because they separate sounds into different channels. There are also different styles of hearing aids such as completely-in-the-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear and behind-the-ear.
Furthermore, you must consider your budget. Analog hearing aids are cheaper but unlike the digital devices cannot increase clarity of hearing and do not provide good sound control. Also, the devices that completely fit into the ear and match the color of skin are generally more expensive because they are the least noticeable in the ear.
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