Hearing Aids: Overview
A hearing aid is a small, electronic device that you wear in or behind your ear. Hearing aids work by collecting sounds from the environment through microphones, processing the sounds to help separate what you want to hear from the background noise, and then directing this processed signal into your ear using a speaker. Hearing aids come in three basic styles: Those that fit behind-the-ear, those that fit inside the outer ear, and those that fit within the ear canal. The hearing aid that will work best for you depends on the type and severity of your hearing loss. You and your doctor or hearing professional should select a hearing aid that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Hearing Aids: Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
Digital hearing aids amplify sounds by utilizing a computer chip to convert incoming sounds into digital information… (musical tones) then analyzing and adjusting the sound based on an individual’s hearing loss and listening needs. Digital hearing aids are available with various levels of technology, each designed to fit your lifestyle and listening needs. Your doctor or hearing professional will help you choose the hearing aid that’s right for you.
Hearing Aids: Extended Wear
If you’ve put off getting help for your hearing because you don’t like the look of hearing aids, then invisible hearing aids may be for you. Invisible hearing aids are hidden deep inside of the ear canal about 4mm from the eardrum. Since these hearing aids sit so closely to the ear drum, they provide incredible sound that feels much more natural when compared to traditional hearing aid devices. Designed to be worn 24 hours a day, these remarkable devices are even worn in the shower and when you sleep. Invisible hearing aids do not require any surgery and can be easily removed once the batteries runs out using a small magnet. The battery life for these devices is typically about 2 to 4 months and when the battery dies the entire device is replaced. Invisible hearing aids are not for everyone. Candidacy is limited by the type of hearing loss you have and the physical size and shape of your ear canal. But if you are a candidate, an invisible hearing aid can be an excellent hearing solution. If you or a loved one suffers from hearing loss, learn more about invisible hearing aids and how they can benefit you.
Hearing Aids: Other Considerations for Hearing Aids
Some people are concerned that hearing aids will make them look older or change how they are perceived. People try to compensate for a hearing loss by guessing at what is being said, or by using visual cues to make up for their loss of hearing. Wearing a hearing aid is much less noticeable than routinely asking people to repeat themselves. The truth is that a properly fit hearing aid can greatly enhance your ability to interact with others. By wearing a hearing aid daily and maintaining it, you will likely notice significant improvements in your quality of life. The first step is to talk to your doctor or hearing professional about your hearing.
Hearing Aids: Two Are Better Than One
In most cases, it’s better to have two hearing aids rather than one. Wearing two hearing aids allows more information to reach your brain and makes it easier to hear speech against background noise. With two hearing aids, you will enjoy more balanced hearing, and you will be more able to tell where a sound is coming from. In much the same way you would wear two corrective eyeglass lenses to treat a vision problem; it makes sense to fully address hearing loss in both ears with two hearing aids. Talk to your doctor or hearing professional about your options.