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 Today, hearing aids are available in a wide range of features, styles, colors and sizes. Don’t let this wide selection overwhelm you when choosing a hearing aid. It is the job of your audiologist to assist you in selecting the best option for your lifestyle. |
| What is a hearing aid? A hearing aid is a battery-powered, electronic device that amplifies sounds loud enough to be heard comfortably by a hearing-impaired individual. A hearing aid consists of a microphone, an amplifier, and a receiver. |
| How do they work? |
|
■ Sound Entry (Input)
The microphone picks up sound (acoustic energy) which travels
through the air. In the amplifier, the acoustic energy is
converted into a series of electrical signals. Once converted,
an analog to digital (A/D) converter changes these electrical
signals into binary numbers or digits (0's and 1's). ■ Processing These binary numbers are analyzed and manipulated by the digital chip (DSP) to perform precise, complex actions. This digital stream of numbers is then converted back into an electrical signal by the digital to analog (D/A) converter. ■ Sound Exit (Output) The receiver changes the electrical signals back into acoustic signals, which are sent down the ear canal to the ear drum. |
| The whole process happens very rapidly: there are several million calculations occurring in the hearing aid per second. |
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| Choosing a Hearing Instrument |
| Selecting hearing aids with the appropriate features will depend on many factors. It is important to consult a hearing healthcare professional who can offer recommendations and advice to help you choose the hearing aid that is best for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Remember that no hearing aid style is better than another: It is simply a matter of choosing the one that's right for you. |
| Before you Choose |
| Before choosing a style that's right for you, you should consider these factors: |
|
■ Degree and
frequencies of hearing loss Not all styles are appropriate for
all hearing losses. ■ Functionality If special features, such as directional microphones, are required, a smaller hearing aid will not be large enough to house this feature. ■ Ear anatomy Some ear canals are very tiny, making it almost impossible to fit a CIC (completely-in-the-canal hearing aid). ■ Lifestyle needs If you enjoy being outdoors, you may require a different aid than someone who enjoys the symphony. ■ Manual dexterity ITC and CIC hearing aids are easy to insert but require steady hands. ■ Cosmetic preferences With the range of sizes, styles and colors available, it is simply a matter of choosing what you prefer. ■ Cost Hearing aids are available in a wide range of prices, so there is something for every budget. |