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Open ear hearing aids prevent the over amplification of low frequencies. This is the perfect hearing aid for those with high frequency hearing loss. The technology inside this hearing aid is state of the art. It provides precise amplification for each hearing loss, without the annoying squealing (feedback). This ultra-small behind-the-ear hearing aid, coupled to a thin -tube and a small ear bud makes this the hearing aid of choice for comfort. Since it is virtually invisible it is also cosmetically appealing.
A hearing aid is an instrument that brings sound more effectively to the listener’s ear, helping hearing impaired people hear sounds better. Early devices were passive, and attempted to gather sound energy and direct it to the ear. A funnel-like amplification cone called an “ear trumpet” or “ear horn” was one of the first such devices.Today, the most common hearing instrument is the electroacoustic aid, a small electronic device that typically fits in or behind the wearer’s ear.
Types of hearing aids
There are many types of hearing aids (also known as hearing instruments), which vary in size, power and circuitry. Among the different sizes and models are:
- Body worn aids
This was the first type of hearing aid, and thanks to developments in technology they are now rarely used. These aids consist of a case containing the components of amplification and an ear mold connected to the case by a cord. The case is about the size of a pack of playing cards and is worn in the pocket or on a belt. Because of their large size, body worn aids are capable of large amounts of amplification and were once used for profound hearing losses.
- Behind the ear aids (BTE)
BTE aids have a small plastic case that fits behind the ear and provides sound to the ear via air conduction of sound through a small length of tubing, or electically with a wire and miniature speaker placed in the ear canal. The delivery of sound to the ear is usually through an earmold that is custom made, or other pliable fixture that contours to the individuals ear. BTEs can be used for mild to profound hearing losses and are especially useful for children because of their durability and ability to connect to assistive listening devices such as classroom FM systems. Their colors range from very inconspicuous skin tones for adults to bright colors and optional decorations for children.
- In the ear aids (ITE)
These devices fit in the outer ear bowl (called the concha); they are sometimes visible when standing face to face with someone. ITE hearing aids are custom made to fit each individual’s ear. They can be used in mild to some severe hearing losses. Feedback, a squealing/whistling caused by sound leaking out of the aid and being amplified again, may be a problem for severe hearing losses. Some modern circuits are able to provide feedback regulation or cancellation to assist with this.And so on are given below:
Receiver In the ear aids (RITE), In the canal (ITC), mini canal (MIC) and completely in the canal aids (CIC), Open-fit devices, Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA), &Eyeglass aids,
Hearing aid technology
- Wireless
Recentent hearing aids include wireless hearing aids. One hearing aid can transmit to the other side so that pressing one aid’s program button simultaneously changes the other aid and both aids change background settings simultaneously. FM listening systems are now emerging with wireless receivers integrated with the use of hearing aids. A separate wireless microphone can be given to a partner to wear in a restaurant, in the car, during leasure time, in the shopping mall, at lectures, or during religious services.
- Directional microphones
Directional microphones are currently – after FM systems, see below – the best way to improve the signal to noise ratio, and thus, improve speech clarity in noise for the wearer.
- Telecoil
Telecoils (T-coils) allow different sound sources to be directly connected to the hearing aid, improving sound quality and allowing the hearing aid wearer to easily perceive the intended signal regardless of background noise. They can be used with telephones, FM systems, induction loop systems and public address systems. Such hearing loop systems are widely used in public places such as churches, shops and railway stations in the UK and some Scandinavian countries.
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