Hearing problems are very common in newborn babies, teenagers, adults and senior citizens alike. Thanks to the advent of technology, many state-of-the-art devices have been developed in order to treat a wide array of hearing problems.
Here, we will focus on digital hearing aids and the different benefits that they provide.
There are different types of hearing loss. Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It is caused by damage to the auditory nerve or the structures in the inner ear.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by an accident, such as being hit by a fast ball. Conductive hearing loss can be treated via surgery or with certain drugs.
When something prevents sound from entering the middle or outer ear of the patient they will develop conductive hearing loss.
Mixed hearing loss is quite rare. It involves issues pertaining to both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, and one issue may follow the other after a few months or years.
Hearing loss may be caused by neurological issues such as MS. An inner ear disease such as Meniere’s disease may also cause it. Bone tissue abnormalities, Lyme disease and even ear infections can cause hearing loss.
Trauma to the head and tumors involving the ears can cause permanent hearing loss in some cases. Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus may also cause hearing loss, and blood circulation issues can also cause hearing disorders.
Certain drugs that are used to treat infections or cancer may cause temporary hearing loss. Allergies and colds may also cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear. In some cases, the fluid buildup can be so severe that it may prevent the eardrum from moving.
An object may become lodged in the outer ear, and earwax may also become stuck inside the ear canal of the patient. A hole in the eardrum, which the patient may have been born with, may also cause hearing loss.
The middle or outer ear may not have formed properly during birth, and various other illnesses and genetic factors may also contribute to hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Aids for Better Hearing
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids rest behind the ear of the patient. A clear tube is designed in order to connect to the earmould of the aid.
In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids sit inside the canal of the patient. It is made of a plastic shell that is lightweight and comfortable.
In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are easy to handle, even though they are slightly bigger than ITC hearing aids. The outer part of the ear is filled with the ITE hearing aid, and all of the components of the aid are housed in a tiny shell.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids will move the receiver inside the canal of the patient. The receiver is very tiny, and the tube that is used is barely visible to the naked eye.
Hearing aids allow you to communicate and hear better. You will be able to participate in family and public gatherings, and will become closer to your loved ones again.
Your dependence on others will also be reduced, plus cognitive decline will also slow down, as you will be able to keep your brain active.
However, before you choose a hearing aid you should get a checkup and check to see if the hearing aid is backed by a warranty. You should try out the aid for a few days as well to check it’s a good fit.
There are also many hearing aid providers to choose from. You should purchase your hearing aid from a reputable company. You may also want to consider seeking out a referral to a professional audiologist with a proven track record of success.
Benefits of Digital Hearing Aids
Analogue aids convert sound waves into electric signals before the waves are amplified. Digital aids convert sound waves to their numerical codes or binary format before the codes are amplified.
Digital aids provide improved sound quality and reduce feedback. They amplify sounds in a selective manner and improve sound quality so that it is crystal clear. Adjustments and volume control are also made automatically.
Moreover, digital hearing aids also provide tinnitus masking features, as well as rechargeable batteries and leading-edge frequency and processing response. They also include AI features and can be connected to apps on your mobile device. They are compatible with Bluetooth as well.
Protect Your Ears
Hearing aids will allow you to hear better and improve your quality of life. Digital aids can be programmed in order to amplify certain frequencies more than others so that they can better match your listening environments.
From noise reduction and telecoil to directional microphones and plug-in audio output, digital hearing aids can be configured and upgraded in order to provide the ideal listening experience.
Sources
Types of Hearing Aids: Benefits, Options, and How to Choose (healthline.com)
3 Hearing Loss Types: Effects and Common Treatments | Maryville Online
