Saturday, December 22, 2012

Basic Information Concerning The Hearing Aids

By Brandi Little


Electroacoustic structures that are used to modify and amplify the sound for the people who wear them are known as hearing aids. These devices may be placed behind or inside of an ear. Similar structures: bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants. The earliest models of these aids were known as ear horns or trumpets. They were cones shaped like funnels that gathered the nearby sound energy and directed it to the ear canal.

There are many models available. The differences between them are primarily in power, circuitry and size. BTE or behind the ear, ITE or in the ear, and completely in canal or CIC, are examples of the most popular models. The BTE versions typically come with a case, tube and ear mold. These structures are meant to fit in an ear and are usually more costly because they must be custom fit.

Invisible-in-canal styles are located deep inside of the ear canal and out of view. These must also be custom fit to each individual ear. The deep placement, as well as the venting, allows for a natural-like hearing experience. Extended-wear models were the first of the invisible units. These are placed inside an ear where they will stay for one or a few months before being removed. Open-fit kinds are small and can fit comfortably behind the ear. This leaves the canal area open.

Most all models are programmable. That is, the wearer of the aid is able to adjust the sound settings with his or her needs. Disposable types have a batter that is long-lasting but cannot be replaced when it no longer works. Once the battery stops, users should purchase a new aid. Bone-anchored models have to be surgically placed. Before the ITE versions were available, eyeglass aids were common. These units were built onto the temple piece of the eyeglasses. This style is not commonly used today.

At a minimum, these come with a circuitry, microphone, receiver and battery. The units are designed to be wireless. Models that are programmable often include controls or remotes through which the wearer can adjust the settings.

It is crucial that wearers understand these units cannot fix the problem of less. Their main purpose is to make sound more accessible to those who suffer from this kind of loss. Some factors do impact how effective the devices are, for instance: those with sensorineural hearing loss are unable to decipher between sounds and primary auditory cortex proves it difficult for a person to receive the necessary stimulation, which causes the brain to lose the cells that are meant to process sound.

In some places, health care programs that are publicly funded give citizens these units at a discounted cost or even free. However, it is not common for health care providers to cover these costs. In fact, people who need aids may have to pay out of their pocket to get them. The price these devices will range based on the features and model. They typically cost between hundreds and thousands of dollars.

Hearing aids are the special devices used to modify and amplify sounds for people who have hearing loss. These structures are available in many different formats and most can be adjusted to fit the needs of the wearer. Aids cannot fix hearing loss.




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