Critical Facts About Hearing Aids

By Michelle Howe


A hearing aid is a sophisticated electroacoustic device worn behind the ear, designed to amplify sound through converting it to electrical signal. There are several types of MD hearing aid. Each of which has distinct power and circuitry. Among the most common hearing instruments in the market today are the body worn aids, behind the ear aids, in the ear aids, in the canal aids and disposable aids. Each one has pros and cons; hence, before one picks out, it is best to consult with an expert audiologist in order not to put one's auditory system definitely at stake.

Body worn aids were the ones first created. These were invented by the father of stereophonic sound, Harvey Fletcher - an American physicist. Body worn aids typically come with ear molds and cases attached with a wire. The cases are sized as big as a pack of playing cards. They contain a battery, electronic amplifier devices and controls.

The behind the ear or BTE aid is a plastic tube that carries sound in a customized ear mold. It comes in a larger size making it particularly easy to use. This is believed to last pretty longer than any smaller device. It can be integrated with a directional phone. The odd is, this is not easy to hide unless a wearer has a long hair.

ITE is custom-made too. It has a a shell which perfectly fits the outer ear. It could house a volume control and a directional phone. It can be manipulated and inserted easily as well. It somehow a little bulky in the ear, though.

In the canal aids are not really noticeable for these are directly inserted into the very opening of the users' ear canal. These devices are priced not as high as ITE aids but are quite large enough for a directional phone. These can be prone to feedback.

Disposable hearing aids are those that have non-replaceable batteries. These are designed for periodic use only or on critical police investigations where wearers only use them during the operation. These are not really ideal for those with inborn hearing disorder. But having these as spare is a good idea.

Ordinary aids are regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration under Class I of medical devices. Industrialized countries normally supply free aids through the government funded healthcare program. There are also some companies that offer heavily discounted devices but consumers are cautioned about buying if they have not spoken to their doctors yet.

Individuals with severe condition need to go to their audiologists for regular consultations. The control system and directional microphone needs some adjustments every once in a while. Having those adjustments done without the right skill and knowledge will only lead to the device's failure.

Choosing an MD hearing aid needs a professional guidance of a doctor. This is a very insensitive device that requires a series of tests and a careful consideration on important factors before a person can get one and use.




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