Hearing aids

Definition

A hearing aid is a device that amplifies or makes the sounds louder so that a person with hearing loss can listen, communicate, and participate more fully in daily activities.

In-the-ear hearing aid

Parts

A hearing aid has three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker.

Mechanism of action

• Hearing aids are primarily useful in improving the hearing and speech comprehension in those with a type of hearing loss called sensorineural hearing loss.
• The damage that leads to hearing loss can occur as a result of disease, aging, or injury from noise or certain medicines.

Sound amplification

• A hearing aid magnifies sound vibrations entering the ear.
• The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier.
• The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.
• Surviving hair cells detect the larger vibrations and convert them into neural signals that are passed along to the brain.

Hearing aid

Professional help

• An otolaryngologist is a physician who specializes in ear, nose, and throat disorders and will investigate the cause of the hearing loss.
• An audiologist is a hearing health professional who identifies and measures hearing loss and will perform a hearing test to assess the type and degree of loss.

Styles of hearing aids

5 types of hearing aids. Behind-the-ear (BTE), Mini BTE, In-the-ear (ITE), In-the-canal (ITC) and Completely-in-canal (CIC)

Choosing the right hearing aid

• You and your audiologist should select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
• Price is also a key consideration because hearing aids range from hundreds to several thousand dollars.
• A hearing aid will not restore your normal hearing but can help some when used properly.

See Also

• Hearing loss

Hearing aids Resources
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