If you have hearing loss, you may need to wear hearing aids. They vary in price and size and feature unique technology to help your hearing needs. A few styles range from behind-the-ear (BTE) to receiver-in-canal (RIC). They can also be customized to fit your ears.
Microphone
A microphone is a device that turns acoustic vibrations, or fluctuations in air pressure, into electrical signals for various applications. It is a vital part of hearing aids. A microphone can be either dynamic or directional and is commonly used in telephones, hearing aids, public address systems, two-way radios, and megaphones. It is also used in audio engineering and recording to record voices or other sounds.
Dynamic mics have a simple design that consists of a magnet wrapped around a metal coil. A diaphragm is placed on the interest’s front end and vibrates with the sound waves, which transmit to the coil. The coil transfers these vibrations to an electrical wire that sends the signal to the recording device. Directional microphones amplify sound from a specific direction to a greater level than the sound from other directions, which is helpful when speaking in noisy environments.
Some directional microphones can even remove background noise. Some hearing aids use a small piece of metal called a bone conduction microphone that is fitted behind the ear (mastoid process). This is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with traditional hearing aids, either due to fitting difficulties or discomfort and pain experienced while wearing them. A microphone plays a vital role in the effectiveness of your hearing aids, and having a clear understanding of its functioning can help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect one for your requirements.
Amplifier
The amplifier is a device that boosts the amount of sound energy coming into a hearing aid. The amplifier comprises a microphone, a receiver, and a battery that connects to the hearing aid. The audio signal is processed and adjusted to meet your unique hearing loss pattern before being delivered to your ears through the speaker or receiver. There are many different types of amplifiers.
Some are made from vacuum tubes, while others are based on integrated circuits. These amplifiers are used in hi-fi equipment, radio transmitters and receivers, stereo systems, microphones, and instrument amplifiers. The choice of amplifier hinges on the specific application or objective it is intended to serve. Amplification is essential to traditional hearing aids because it makes them louder and improves the quality of a person’s listening experience. Amplification can also reduce background noise and increase a person’s ability to understand speech.
Typically, amplifiers feature an input that is channeled through a series of successive outputs until the desired level of amplification is reached. This process is often called cascade amplification or multistage amplification. Two main types of adjustable control are used in traditional hearing aids: analog and programmable. Analogue is the oldest and most traditional type of hearing aid.
Receiver
A wide variety of hearing aids exists, each tailored to cater to distinct hearing impairments and individual processing requirements. Understanding the basics of traditional hearing aids is critical to deciding what type will work best for you. In-the-ear (ITE) aids fit entirely inside your ear and are usually used for mild to severe hearing loss.
ITE aids often have special features, such as telecoils or directional microphones. Directional microphones help you hear it sounds better by focusing on sounds coming from a particular direction and can be used to tune out background noise, such as in a noisy restaurant or during a music festival. They are also helpful in preventing feedback, which can cause whistling sounds to occur when you use an old-fashioned hearing aid.
Telecoils pick up sounds from telecoil-compatible telephones and public induction loop systems, such as those found in some churches and theaters, and can be especially helpful for hearing announcements.
Battery
In hearing aids, the battery stores the electricity used to power the device. There is a wide variety of battery types available, including alkaline, nickel-metal hydride, lithium-ion, and lithium-polymer, each boasting distinct characteristics and uses. Disposable batteries power traditional hearing aids in a compartment inside the hearing aid. They are typically replaced when they lose power.
Rechargeable hearing aids use batteries that a charging station recharges. Rechargeable hearing aids are typically more expensive than disposable models, but they offer long-lasting, reliable performance and can save wearers money in the long run. Rechargeable batteries provide both improved convenience and greater safety in comparison to traditional disposable batteries, as they do not contain hazardous substances such as cadmium and mercury. Additionally, they contribute to a reduced carbon footprint, as they can be recycled more frequently.
Some people find that changing hearing aid batteries is a hassle, especially for older adults or children with poor dexterity. Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate that problem by offering built-in lithium-ion batteries. Batteries are essential to traditional hearing aids and can be purchased through most hearing care centers or online retailers. Most hearing health practitioners stock ample batteries in their offices to replace them quickly and easily. They may even offer a battery club or discount program for their patients.
