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Do You Need Hearing Aids?

A lot of people associate hearing aids with the elderly, but these unnoticeable pieces can help anyone with a hearing condition to improve their speech comprehension and hearing in general. So, how do they work and how will you know if you need hearing aids?

What are Hearing Aids?
A hearing aid is a type of electronic device made up of three parts; amplifier, speaker and microphone. It is worn on the ear so that the person can make sounds louder both in quiet and noisy situations. The amplifier is the device that increases the power of the signals so it can be sent to the ear through the speaker. The microphone is the part that receives the sound and converts the sound waves into electrical signals before sending it to the amplifier. Some hearing aids also have batteries that will power the electronic parts.

Not all hearing aids are the same, because some are made with the following characteristics in mind: amplification technology (it could be analog or digital), design, and other special features. It’s no wonder why hearing aids in Singapore can be pricey especially if you’re choosing designs that will be comfortable on the ears.

Can Hearing Aids Help?
A lot of people have benefited from the use of hearing aids, especially those who suffer from hearing loss because of the damage to their hair cells (or the small sensory cells). This is caused not just by aging but can also result from injury, diseases, and medication.

The hearing aid helps by magnifying the sound vibrations that will enter the ear. If the person has had extensive damage to the hair cells, it means that he/she needs greater amplification. As the sound enters the ear and is magnified by the amplifier, the remaining hair cells will be able to detect the vibrations and then convert these to neural signals to be sent to the brain.

If you think you need hearing aids, you should visit an audiologist or an otolaryngologist so a hearing test can be administered. Hearing aids are usually recommended for people with problems in transmission of sounds in the eardrum and middle ear, and reduced functions in the inner ear sensory cells. The only limitation to the use of hearing aids is the extent of the damage to the person’s ear. If the inner ear is too damaged for example, hearing aids cannot help. For severe cases, cochlear implants are recommended instead.

What are the Types of Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are available in different colors, shapes and sizes depending on your needs. The most common designs are behind-the-ear, mini behind-the ear, in-the-ear, in-the canal, and completely in-the-canal styles. You will also need hearing aids for both your ears instead of just one to avoid auditory deprivation.

Analog hearing aids make continuous sound waves louder, while digital hearing aids can do the same but also convert sounds waves into digital signals. You should also talk to your doctor about additional features such as directional microphone, telephone switch, direct audio input, and feedback suppression.

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