Understanding The Components of Hearing Aid
Modern-day hearing aids functions much like minicomputers designed for your ears. Although you don't have to know how this technology works, it's recommended to be aware of the different components to troubleshoot if there is a problem.
In this spirit, the following constitute the parts of the current receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aid, commonly referred to as receiver-in-ear (RIE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC). It's the most popular type of hearing aid that is sold nowadays. (Custom fully-in-the-ear hearing aids function similarly, but they have all the parts inside a small, compact piece worn inside the ear).
- The
hearing aid consists of four main components: a microphone, amplifier,
receiver, and power source.
- Other
important hearing aid components include earmolds, domes, switches & buttons,
and connecting tube.
- Receiver-in-ear
(RIC) and behind-the-ear (BTE) differ in their amplifiers' strength and
battery size.
- We
suggest taking an audiogram to determine the extent of your hearing loss.
What are the four essential parts of a hearing aid?
The four major components that make up a hearing aid Australia comprise
an amplifier, microphone, receiver, and battery compartment.
The microphone is responsible for picking up sounds from outside and
then using an embedded computer chip to transform sounds into electric signals.
It analyses and then adjusts sound according to the ambient sounds as well as
your hearing loss.
Amplifier
Also called a hearing aid processor, it is accountable for capturing the
electrical signals of the microphone and transforming them into digital signals
with greater or lesser application based on the user's hearing capabilities.
Receiver
Sometimes referred to as the receiver, it is the one responsible for
converting the microphone's electrical signals into actual sound. Receivers are
typically located in the ear dome or earmold.
Power Source
All hearing aids utilise batteries. Typically, there are two types
of hearing aid batteries - disposable zinc-air or rechargeable
batteries.
The device could also contain a telecoil that allows for better hearing in public spaces in various environments.
The majority of manufacturers suggest that you clean your hearing aids with a dry, soft cloth after taking them off for the night. This keeps the screen of the microphone free of dust & debris and functioning effectively. The device should be stored in a dehumidifier each night helps in reducing the excess dry moisture and prolong the device's lifespan.
Other Parts of the Hearing Aid
Other important components used in different kinds of hearing aids are
domes, earmolds and buttons and switches, and the connecting tube.
Domes
If you suffer from mild to moderate hearing loss, such as in the case of
age-related hearing loss. Your hearing aid likely includes a dome instead of an
earmold. Domes are tiny round, bell- or mushroom-shaped pieces of silicone that
attach to the ends of hearing aid tubing and are inserted deep into the canal
of your ear. They come in various dimensions and shapes to accommodate everyone’s
distinctive curves and twists of the ear canal. Your hearing specialist will
assist in selecting the appropriate size. A dome that is not fitted correctly
can cause sound to escape and result in feedback, which is why choosing the
correct-sized dome is crucial.
Domes are simple and affordable to replace in case of any issues. Domes can be cleaned easily by wiping them with a microfibre cloth every night. They might also have Earwax Guards that require frequent cleaning as well. Check the domes every day for wear signs and ensure that they are properly fixed on the tubing.
Earmold
The form-fitting acrylic or plastic components are squeaky clean within
your ear canal and the concha bowl (the external ear closest to the inner ear)
to create an acoustic barrier to the speaker's sound inside. The form and size
of your earmold will depend on the hearing aid model you've picked and the
severity of your hearing loss. Earmolds are constructed by making an impression
of the ear with an ear-shaped, flexible material.
Earmolds are usually recommended for people with severe or profound hearing loss due to the highest level of amplification and keeping sound from escaping. A proper fit is crucial to prevent feedback.
A lot of receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids come with buttons or
switches. A hearing professional will typically program it to perform different
functions based on your requirements. It could change your hearing aid's
settings between different programs or settings for different hearing
environments or increase or reduce the volume. In addition, it could perform
both. If you're not sure precisely what your button is doing, you should make
an appointment to review this with your hearing specialist.
This is a tube made of plastic that transmits amplified sounds to the
receiver earpiece or mould. It is crucial to remember that the tube is
constructed of plastic and, therefore, will likely have to be replaced over
time to avoid the deterioration of your hearing instrument. It is advised to
check its condition regularly every now and then.
It is interesting to consider the distinction between RIC or BTE hearing aids and Intras. In the two hearing aids, the tube that connects them is located in the ear grip or elbow, a piece of plastic attached to the ear that connects the two components in the hearing aid. For the Intras, the elbow does not exist, and it is moulded into the ear canal.
Do different hearing aids have different parts?
Yes, Different hearing aids consist of different components. The
differences in the parts depend on whether it's a receiver in-ear (RIC or in
the ear) or behind the ear (BTE or the outer ear) hearing aid.
While in-ear and outer ear hearing aids are made of the same hard case (shells), customised earmolds, or domes, they differ in other components. BTE hearing aids typically come with more robust amplifiers and larger batteries to better deal with low-to-high-frequency sound magnification in the canal.
A BTE hearing aid would be perfect for people who spend much time out in nature and suffer from severe to moderate hearing loss. In-the-ear hearing aids are recommended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Contact a hearing specialist to determine which one is best for you.
Finding the perfect hearing aid features to fit your lifestyle
An audiologist or hearing aid specialist can guide you through the
advantages of each hearing aid and help you choose the one that will best meet
your specific needs. Insurance plans can cover different types of hearing aids,
and a hearing specialist will assist in analysing the capabilities of each
device covered by insurance. Knowing the most important characteristics of
hearing aids will assist you in making an informed decision.
Conclusion
In short, hearing aids are intricate components for hearing loss and are
designed to enhance and process sound and speech feedback and fit comfortably
inside or outside the wearer's ear canal.
Despite its size, the hearing aid can listen to sounds in the noisy surrounding, transform them into electrical signals, and then process them into digital and analog signals using the right volume and power adjustments based on the person's individual hearing loss.
Having a device that doesn't fit properly, emits feedback or isn't strong enough for your hearing loss, talk to our hearing health professional at Hearing Aid Specialists SA to get expert advice along with free hearing tests.
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