Most people know that hearing aids help their users to hear more clearly, but few people understand exactly how they work. Today’s technology has introduced many advanced features now available in hearing aids, but every hearing aid from the most basic to highly advanced has four common components.
What Are the Parts of a Hearing Aid?
Hearing aids process incoming sounds and then relays those sounds in ways that their wearer can hear more clearly. Sound clarity, volume and quality directly affect speech and other communication requirements, so hearing aids can enhance your quality of life.
Power Source
Without power, a hearing aid won’t work. Until recently, tiny batteries had to be replaced frequently because they usually didn’t last more than 14 days. Units using replaceable batteries are still in use, but the growing trend is for hearing aids to feature rechargeable batteries.
Rechargeable batteries are more convenient than regular batteries. Hearing aid users don’t have to keep a supply of replacement batteries on hand, saving money and the inconvenience caused by making sure you have extra batteries at all times.
Handling tiny batteries can be difficult and frustrating. With rechargeable batteries, that’s no longer an issue because the entire hearing aid is placed in a charger, eliminating the need to handle individual batteries.
Microphone
The first thing every hearing aid does is to pick up sound vibrations using microphones. These sounds are converted into electrical signals. These signals are divided into frequencies or channels.
Amplifier
Because every person’s specific hearing challenges are different, not every kind of sound needs amplification. The amplifier accounts for your individual needs and can separate out background noises while making desired frequencies louder.
Speaker
Sometimes called the receiver, this component converts signals to sound that’s transferred to the wearer using hair cells found in the inner ear. The electrical or digital signals processed by the microphone and amplifier are further enhanced by the speaker before they are delivered to users.
What Kinds of Hearing Aids Are Available?
It’s estimated that almost 29 million adults in the U.S. would benefit if they wore hearing aids, according to the National Institute on Deafness. However, Statista reports that less than 10% of U.S. adults use them as of 2021.
Part of the reason some people are reluctant to wear hearing aids is their visibility to others and potential discomfort. Today’s hearing aid designs address those issues to encourage people to use them. Several factors determine what options are best for a patient, including age and severity of hearing loss. Some options are:
- Behind the Ear (BTE)
- Receiver in the Hearing Canal (RIC)
- In the Ear (ITE)
- In the Canal (ITC)
- Completely in the Canal (CIC)
- Invisible in Canal (IIC)
Some of these are custom-fitted using an ear impression.
Can You Get Hearing Aids From HEAR Center?
Yes, you can. Your HEAR Center audiologist will use your diagnosis and specific hearing challenges to suggest hearing aid choices suitable for your unique needs. They routinely fit and adjust hearing aids from leading manufacturers to patients of all ages, from infants to adults.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to make an appointment:
Call or text: (626) 734-6555
Email us at: appointments@hearcenter.org
Chat us: https://direct.lc.chat/13342371/
Also, for more information about our Audiological Evaluations (hearing test) please visit our webpage: https://www.hearcenter.org/services/audiology/