Hearing aids

When you have difficulty hearing, it impacts your life greatly. It can affect your relationships, work, and your emotional health. Here's where a hearing device can help. 

Hearing Aid and its parts

A hearing aid is an apparatus that amplifies certain sounds so that they can be heard and understood better. The device is usually small enough to be worn behind or inside your ear. It has three main parts: a microphone that receives the sound, an amplifier that enhances the volume of the sound, and the speaker through which the sound is sent to your ear.

When Do You Need a Hearing Aid?

If you are experiencing difficulty hearing sounds or understanding speech even when the speaker is close to you, you need to see an independent audiologist for a hearing loss test. The test will help determine the cause of the problem. If the test reveals that you are indeed suffering from hearing loss, the type and degree of the loss will be assessed. If your audiologist thinks you will benefit from the use of a hearing aid, you will be advised to get one. 

Types of Hearing Aids

There are four (4) types of hearing aids available. Before you go running towards the nearest hearing aid sale, you need to consult your doctor regarding which will benefit you most. 

1. BTE (Behind the Ear) Hearing Aid – This type of hearing device is worn behind a person’s ear. It is a small case which connects to a mold made of plastic worn inside what is known as the outer ear. Such gadgets are suggested for hearing loss that is mild to severe.

2. ITE (In the-Ear) – Worn inside the pinna or outer ear and is often used by people with mild hearing loss to severe

3. Canal Hearing Aids – Are worn directly in the ear canal. There are two types: ITC (In the Canal) and CIC (Completely in Canal). Your doctor may recommend if your hearing loss test reveals you have mild to moderate hearing loss.

4. Body Aids – This type is meant for use when there is a profound loss of hearing or when the other types of aids are not effective. This hearing aid is attached to a pocket or a belt and connects to the earpiece with a wire.

If you have a problem with your hearing and your audiologist recommends a hearing aid, you may visit the nearest hearing aid sale to find the best hearing aid at the most affordable price.