Coming In Clear: The Basics Of Hearing Aids
The need for a hearing aid can come from many different factors. You may have been a part of a metallic rock band in your youth or simply losing your hearing from old ag, or maybe you are still a young person who has had some type of traumatic ear injury. Whatever the cause, hearing aids are not one size fits all. There are many different types of hearing aids, each aimed at a specific type of hearing loss.
There are two main types of technology used behind the scenes of most hearing aids, namely analog hearing aids and digital hearing aids. Analog hearing aids have a small device in them that converts sound into electrical currents and then amplifies them, making them louder and making it easier to hear them. Digital hearing aids are slightly more complex, which is likely visible in the price difference. They will generally be more expensive because instead of just amplifying the sound, digital hearing aids actually convert sound into complex numerical codes. These numerical codes can give a much more specific indication of where the original sound is located, the pitch of the sound, and the intended volume. Numerical codes such as these make it easier to find the right volume for sound when there are other obstacles. For example, say you are at an acoustic guitar concert, trying to enjoy the music, but there is a couple a few rows behind you who are talking loudly and making a ruckus. Your digital hearing aids should be able to auto adjust and focus on the sounds you want to hear.
Once you have decided which type of technology you would like to employ in your hearing aids, there is also the matter of which type of hearing aids will work best in your current life situation. There are three common types of hearing aids:
Canal. Canal hearing aids are placed entirely inside the ear canal and often go completely unnoticed. Since they are completely inside, however, they can be very difficult to adjust and remove, especially for small children or older adults.
In-the-ear. In-the-ear hearing aids look like a cap on one's outer ear and can be quite effective for young adults and teens. These may not be the best for children, since they will be designed specifically for the ear, and should the ear grow quickly, the aid will promptly stop fitting well.
Behind-the-ear. Behind-the-ear hearing aids are probably the most common due to their cost, but they do not have to be the big bulky ones you grew up seeing on old people. There are many sleek styles these days that are commonly unnoticed due to their small appearance or the fact that they blend very well with surrounding hair.
For more information, contact local hearing aid services.
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