What are hearing aids?
A hearing aid is a small electronic device that helps people hear clearly in both quiet and noisy environments. It is worn either in or behind the ear and works by amplifying sounds to enable a person with hearing loss to listen, communicate and participate effectively in daily activities. Since each individual’s needs may vary, audiologists often personalize hearing aids to address the unique needs of each client. Wireless accessories and apps have also emerged which help the user to hear and adapt to different environments and situations with the best sound quality.
How do they work?
Hearing aids consist of three parts:
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Microphone: Picks up sounds that are converted into electrical signals.
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Amplifier: Magnifies the electrical signals.
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Speaker: Converts the electric signal back into an acoustic signal to deliver to the ear via the normal hearing pathway.
A digital signal processor is employed for the conversion into acoustic sound, which allows volume changes, noise reduction, and other features to help improve communication. The hearing aid can also be connected to a software program to adjust amplification across various frequency channels, noise reduction, and improve speech intelligibility.
Who can benefit with hearing aids?
Due to the improvement in hearing aid technology, individuals of all age groups suffering from a wide range of hearing problems of conductive, sensorineural and mixed types, can benefit with an appropriate hearing aid.
Styles of hearing aids
Hearing aids come in a variety of styles:
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Behind the Ear (BTE): This device is worn behind the ear and is connected to the ear canal via an ear tube or an earmold.
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Receiver-in-the-canal (RIC): Similar to the BTE, this has an externally worn component that sits behind the ear, but unlike a BTE, the receiver is placed in the ear canal and not in the external component. This allows greater amplification of higher frequencies.
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Completely-in-the-canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-the-canal (IIC): These are smaller styles of hearing aids that are not noticeably visible when placed inside the ear. These styles are custom fit hearing aids that need to made according to individual ear canal measurements.
Program highlights
Our program at MHII offers the following benefits to patients:
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Awareness and education regarding all the suitable hearing aid models.
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Evaluating the hearing aid company that best suits the patient.
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Offering a trial period to help patients try out the hearing aid, allowing them to experience better hearing in their natural setting.
