Hearing aids are small electronic devices that are designed to help people with hearing loss. Hearing aids work via three essential parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. Traditional analog hearing aids simply amplify sound and adapting to different sound environments may be uncomfortable. Modern Digital hearing aids have sound signals that vary and provide more personalisation based on your specific hearing loss.
Components of a hearing aid
Microphone
The microphone is responsible for converting sound waves into an electrical signal. Hearing aid manufacturers design most microphones to be directional and to pick up sounds from a specific direction. This reduces background noise and improves speech intelligibility in noisy environments. Some hearing aids use multiple microphones, allowing them to switch between omnidirectional and directional modes depending on the listening environment. The specific type of microphone used in a hearing aid depends on the your needs and listening environment.
Amplifier
The amplifier actively increases the volume of sound captured by the microphone. The amount of amplification required varies depending on your degree of hearing loss, as well as their specific hearing needs.
Processor
Modern digital hearing aids use signal processing to analyse incoming sound and selectively amplify only the required frequencies you have difficulty hearing. This targeted amplification can improve speech intelligibility and overall sound quality, while minimising the risk of feedback or other distortions.
Receiver
The Receiver converts the amplified electrical signals into sound waves and sends them into the ear canal. The receiver ensures that it delivers the amplified sound to the ear in a clear and accurate manner. The receiver needs to be able to handle different types of sounds, such as speech and music, and deliver them at a comfortable level for the user. It is important to choose a receiver that matches the individual’s hearing loss and personal preferences to ensure optimal hearing aid performance.
Battery
The battery provides the necessary power to all of the components of the hearing aid, including the microphone, amplifier, and receiver. Modern hearing aids typically use small, disposable zinc-air batteries that can last anywhere from 5 to 14 days depending on usage. Rechargeable batteries are also becoming more common in hearing aids, allowing for longer battery life and greater convenience.
It’s important for you to carry spare hearing aid batteries and know how to change them when needed. The battery’s performance can affect the overall performance of the hearing aid. It’s important to ensure that the battery is properly functioning at all times to ensure optimal hearing aid performance.
What is a Telecoil?
A Telecoil is a small copper coil in modern hearing aids that acts as a wireless receiver.
This wireless receiver picks up electromagnetic signals from devices like phones. Then converts them into electrical signals that can be amplified for improved sound quality and reduced interference. They are particularly helpful in situations involving phones and public venues with induction loop systems.
In situations involving phones, electromagnetic signals can interfere with the hearing aid’s microphone. Telecoils allow users to switch off the microphone and receive a direct signal, resulting in improved sound clarity. Induction loop ( or Hearing Loop ) system are typical found at cinemas, concert halls or within public transport services. On compatible devices you can switch to Telecoil mode, resulting in clearer sound at comfortable volumes.
However, not all hearing aids have telecoils, and their suitability depends on your needs. It’s important to consult with a hearing healthcare professional to determine if a telecoil is appropriate.
What is the difference between Bluetooth and telecoil?
Hearing aids use Bluetooth and telecoil as wireless technologies. However, they function differently. Bluetooth allows direct wireless streaming of audio content from compatible devices like smartphones and tablets. Telecoils, pick up electromagnetic signals from compatible sources like hearing loop systems, making them ideal for use in public venues.
What is CROS and BiCROS and how does it help those with Single Sided Deafness (SSD)?
CROS or BiCROS hearing aids improve hearing for those single-sided deafness (SSD).
With SSD, the ear on one side does not respond to sound, making it difficult to hear sounds coming from that side. CROS hearing aids use a transmitter placed on the deaf ear and a receiver on the good ear to transfer sound. The transmitter picks up sounds on the deaf side and sends them to the receiver on the good side. This allows the wearer to hear sounds from both sides.
BiCROS hearing aids are suitable for those who have a hearing loss in both ears, where one ear is not aid-able. The user wears the hearing aid or receiver on the better ear and wears the transmitter or microphone on the poorer ear.
How do hearing aids work with tinnitus?
Hearing aids can provide relief for people with tinnitus, a condition where an individual hears sounds in their ear such as ringing, hissing, or buzzing. Tinnitus is often associated with hearing loss, and hearing aids can help mask the tinnitus sound and improve hearing at the same time.
The amplification provided by hearing aids can make external sounds louder, making the tinnitus less noticeable. Additionally, some hearing aids offer special features such as sound therapy that can help reduce the perceived loudness of tinnitus. Sound therapy can use customised sounds such as white noise, pink noise, or nature sounds to help distract from tinnitus. Hearing aids can also connect to smartphone apps, allowing the user to control the sound therapy features and customise the sound settings.
In summary, hearing aids work by picking up sound from the environment, amplifying it, processing it to meet the person’s individual needs, and converting it back into sound that can be heard clearly by the person wearing the device. With proper use and maintenance, hearing aids can be an effective solution for many people with hearing loss.
