Hearing aids are electronic devices designed to enhance hearing for a person with hearing loss by making sound audible to an individual with a hearing impairment. Different types of hearing aids are available depending on the hearing impairment and the cause of the impairment. Hearing aids are categorized as therapeutic devices in many countries and are subject to the various regulations set by the local health authorities.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, also known as BTE, are small electronic devices that fit behind the ear. They are operated using electronic circuitry and batteries and deliver sound through speaker or earphone. Some BTEs have a microphone attached to them, which makes sounds louder or softer depending on whether there is a speech output or not. BTE may be fixed in the ear permanently or can be detachable and take up very little space.
If you have profound hearing loss and want to improve your listening ability, you should invest in BTE or ear aids. There are several types of BTE – behind-the-ear, in the ear, and the full-face type. Behind-the-ear hearing aids, also known as BTE, are smaller and lighter than in the ear and ideal for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The controls of an in-the-ear hearing aid are within easy reach and comfortable to wear. The full-face type of hearing aid would be the ideal choice for individuals who have severe hearing loss. These provide greater freedom of movement than BTE aids.
Full-face hearing aids Adelaide to sit on the outside of the ear canal and offer maximum comfort and freedom of movement. However, they require the placement of the device completely behind the ear canal to work effectively. They are the largest type of hearing aids and can be cumbersome when not used properly. To enjoy the best benefits, it is best to choose in-the-ear hearing aids because they are the most appropriate for every person’s unique situation.
To have the best fit, it is recommended that the patients first undergo several examinations to determine their individual needs. These include an audiogram (audience assessment) to help in determining the hearing loss; the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to check for tumours, bone deterioration, or nerve damage; a brain study to identify if the problem lies in the brain or only in the hearing aids; and finally a thorough medical history to identify any other medical conditions. If necessary, patients are also advised to undergo additional tests and evaluations such as blood tests and x-rays. If a deep fold of the ear canal is the cause of the problem, the doctor may opt to remove this fold during the fitting process to achieve a more optimal fit.
For individuals who have partial deafness, the fitting procedure for hearing aids Adelaide is a little different. Instead of inserting a metallic device into the ear canal, a plastic shell is created first. The shell is later filled with wax or silicone to form the inner ear structure. A thin piece of hair cells is then inserted inside and connected to the hair cells via a transfer procedure. The doctor slowly reshapes the wax or silicone to stay in place and eventually form the inner ear structure.
There are some other types of hearing aids available to the public today. Some of these devices are suitable for individuals who suffer from mild to severe deafness and cannot benefit much from the in-the-ear and in-the-canal devices. There are devices available now that can fit just about any ear shape or size. This includes round and oval-shaped ears, as well as the unique features of each patient. New advancements in the technology of these advanced features enable these devices to more accurately locate sounds within a room and help to facilitate communication for these individuals.