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HEARING AID |
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A is a device used to help people hear .
Now, however, the most common style is a small device that fits into the wearer's .
Cutting-edge technology allows for hearing aids so small and stylish they can be mistaken for wireless headsets.
Now available with digital sound quility, Bluetooth techonology, Datalearning, Remote control, automatic learning, autometically adjust to enviournment.
Types of hearing aids
There are many types of hearing aids, which vary in size, power and circuitry. Among the different sizes and models are:
Body worn aids
This was the first type of hearing aid, and thanks to developments in technology they are now rarely used.
Body worn aids are capable of large amounts of amplification and were once used for profound hearing losses. Today, they have largely been replaced by BTEs
Behind the ear aids (BTE)
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Recent innovations in BTEs include miniature computerized, digital, invisible, and waterproof BTEs with thin hair-like sound tubes.
In the ear aids (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are custom made to fit each individual's ear. They can be used in mild to severe hearing losses.
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In the canal (ITC), mini canal (MIC) |
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ITC/MIC aids are smaller, filling only the bottom half of the external ear. You usually cannot see very much of this hearing aid when you are face to face with someone. MIC and CICs are usually not recommended if you have good low frequency hearing as the "plugged up effect" may make your voice resonate (the "occlusion effect").
Completely in the canal aids (CIC)
CIC aids are even smaller and often not visible unless you look directly into the wearer's ear. These aids can be used for mild to severe losses.
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Open-fit devices
Recently a new device has come on the market, the "Open-fit" or "Over-the-Ear" OTE Hearing Aid.
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These devices are designed to reduce the "occlusion effect", which is the amplification of your own voice when your ears are plugged up (try sticking your fingers in your ears and talking).
It is almost invisible.
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)
The is a surgically implanted system that uses bone transmission as a pathway for sound to travel to the inner ear.
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A titanium "post" is surgically embedded into the skull with a small abutment exposed outside the skin.
A sound processor sits on this abutment and transmits sound vibrations to the external abutment of the titanium implant.
Bone anchored hearing aids are however some of the most expensive of any kind of aid.
New open fit invisible hearing aid-
Almost invisible and perfect sound quality, integrated Bluetooth, 100% digital haring aid.
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Esteem hearing implant
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Completely invisible |
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Uses the body's natural anatomy to provide optimal hearing |
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Esteem®-Hearing ImplantT is not affected by acoustic feedback |
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The device allows patients to live normal active lifestyles |
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No occlusion effect (nothing in the ear) |
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No maintenance or batteries for up to four years |
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Wireless (F.M.System)
Recent hearing aids include wireless hearing aids.
FM listening systems are now emerging with wireless receivers integrated with the use of hearing aids and cochlear implant.
The voice is transmitted wirelessly to the hearing aids or cochlear implant reducing the effects of distance and
Many theatres and lecture halls are now equipped with that transmit the sound directly from the stage; audience members can borrow suitable receivers and hear the program without background noise
Digital/Programmable:
Audiologist programs the hearing aids with a computer and can adjust the sound quality and response time on an individual basis.
Digital hearing aids can be specially programmed with multiple programs for quiet situations, background noise reduction, music listening, and directionality.
It has computer chip integrated.
What happens in hearing loss?
*When the auditory cortex of the brain does not receive input/stimulation.
This part of the brain may start to lose cells, and the ability to process sound.
This is most common with more severe hearing losses.
Although this cell loss is worse in severe hearing loss,
It is seen in all amounts of hearing loss and is caused by sensory deprivation.
*Damage to the hair cells of the inner ear result in sensorineural hearing loss.
When these hair cells are damaged, a person loses some ability to discriminate between sounds.
This will likely cause decreased ability to understand speech.
Hearing aid price
Hearing aids are often advertised at widely varying prices, from 2400 Rs to 1, 90,000 Rs per hearing aid.
A major factor contributing to the wide variance in price is the number and complexity of hearing aids available.
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