How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids are like little amplified microphones adjusted in the ear. However, it follows a much more sophisticated and complex process in order to provide users with near normal hearing ability. The quality of sound is dependent on the quality of the aid. Hearing aids generally consist of 5 different functions - a microphone, an amplifier, a batter, loudspeaker and a computer chip that synced by an audiologist to provide for each individual’s needs. A higher quality hearing aid provides a higher bandwidth and better automatic volume regulation, which heavily impacts the output user’s receive. Like most wireless technology, hearing aids now also have the ability to connect with devices wirelessly. High quality, wireless aids are the most advanced hearing aids in the market currently. There are numerous types of hearing aids available in the market. These include:
- Receiver in the Canal (RIC)
- Behind the Ear (BTE)
- Custom (ITE, HS and FS)
- Invisible Extended Wear
- Completely in Canal (CIC) or Invisible in Canal (IIC)
- Single sided deafness - Contralateral routing Of Signals (CrOS)
- Hear wear
It is crucial for someone with a hearing problem to find the right type of hearing aid. Hearing aids use two main types of electronics - analog and digital. Hearing aids for patients are selected based on the severity of their hearing loss. Therefore, in order to select the right hearing aid, it is important to know how hearing aids work.
Analog hearing aids function to convert sound waves into amplified electrical signals. Analog hearing aids are programmable/ adjustable, which means an audiologist can adjust the amplification of electric signals according to the environment. These hearing aids are custom built to cater to each individual’s hearing ability. Analog hearing aids are cheaper than digital, as digital hearing aids are more advanced. Digital hearing aids have the ability to automatically adjust and amplify particular sounds as they convert sound waves into numerical codes before determining which sound waves need to be amplified. A digital system allows an audiologist with more flexibility in adjusting aids to a person’s needs and environment. The widely known Cochlear implant, different from regular hearing aids, is a surgically implanted device that helps damaged parts of the inner ear provide sound signals to the brain.
Hearing aids can vary in technology used, type of electronic used as well as quality of sound capture depending on the type of device used. The quality directly impacts the cost. However, a user wishing to buy a hearing aid will always be able to find one that fits their price range with appropriate quality.
Attune is Australia’s only accredited independent provider of hearing healthcare. We strive to improve the quality of life of those that seek help from us.
