A hearing aid is a device that can help a person with hearing loss to hear better. It is classified as a medical device in most countries and is regulated accordingly. There are several types of hearing aids to choose from. Here are some options: Bone conduction, In-the-canal with directional microphones, and rechargeable ITC.
Bone conduction
If you suffer from hearing loss, your doctor may recommend using a bone conduction hearing aid. These devices are similar to conventional hearing aids, but they have some additional features. Before opting for this type of device, a pre-implantation test is required to assess whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. It will also help you understand how the bone conduction device works and how it will help you improve your hearing.
A bone-conduction hearing aid uses an implanted magnet to transmit sound across the skin. This type of hearing aid is often suitable for children with conductive or mixed hearing loss. It may also be useful for individuals who suffer from single-sided deafness, which is a profound hearing loss in only one ear.
In-the-canal
In-the-canal hearing devices are custom-molded and fit inside the ear canal. They generally help improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. This type of hearing aid is less noticeable than other hearing devices and is more resistant to wind noise. It is also easier to use when speaking on the phone. However, it may not be ideal for every person with hearing loss.
Another type of in-the-canal hearing aid is the completely-in-the-canal (CIC) model. These hearing instruments are smaller and more discreet than the other two ITE models. They also offer more customization options, such as a skin-tone casing. These devices can also contain additional features, such as push buttons for volume and program changes. However, these hearing devices can be more cumbersome to wear, and they may not be a good choice for people with poor dexterity.
In-the-canal with directional microphones
In-the-canal hearing aids that utilize directional microphones have several advantages. The two microphones are placed near each other and use software algorithms to generate directionality. However, directional microphones suffer from circuit noise and decrease the sensitivity. It is important to use hearing aids that use directional microphones with care.
Directional microphones are particularly useful for those who have trouble identifying speech in noise. The directional microphones have two or more openings separated by a certain distance. This allows the hearing aid to focus on the sound that is closest to the wearer and reduce noise that comes from other sources. 법인전환
ITC with rechargeable battery
The rechargeable battery in an ITC hearing aid can be an advantage for some people, especially those who travel. Rechargeable hearing aids can be set into a desktop charger at night, and you can wake up the next morning to a fully powered hearing aid. Some of the rechargeable models include the Signia Pure Charge&Go X model, which offers acoustic-motion sensors and Bluetooth connectivity. Rechargeable batteries take about three to four hours to fully charge.
The life cycle of the battery depends on how well the hearing aid is stored. Exposure to extreme temperatures can degrade the battery even before it is used. This means that you can’t keep your hearing aid in a drawer while the battery recharges.
ITC with directional microphones
Directional microphones differ in their sensitivity according to the angle of sound wave incidence. They are more sensitive to sounds coming from the front and less sensitive to sounds coming from the back. They have great potential for improving the S/N ratio. The following are some advantages of directional microphones.
Directional microphones can improve the sensitivity of a hearing aid for sounds coming from the front. They can also provide better amplification of high frequencies. These devices can also take advantage of the shadow effect provided by the ear pinna.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are becoming more popular in hearing aids. In the past, hearing aid batteries lasted for weeks or even months, but now their life span is only a few days. Fortunately, there are rechargeable batteries to save the day. These batteries come in a variety of capacities, just like a gas tank in an automobile.
The best batteries to use in a hearing aid are those that are silver-zinc. Lithium-ion batteries can damage the hearing aid by running too hot and are not able to recharge itself. If you’re unsure about which type to buy, consult a hearing aid specialist to help you find a battery that fits your device.
Getting used to a hearing aid
Wearing hearing aids is a big step and it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to get used to them. Not only will you be learning about the different controls, but you will also be adjusting to new sounds and stimuli. Your hearing care professional will guide you through the process and help you adjust to the device. The initial period will be a challenge, but it will get easier over time.
First of all, it’s important to remember that you’re still going to be wearing the device for the first couple of weeks, and your brain may need time to adapt to the new sounds. To make this transition easier, wear the hearing aid all the time and avoid any situations where it might get wet. Your audiologist will be able to advise you on how to adjust it to your own hearing loss.