Did you know that more than 7% of Americans over the age of 45 use hearing aid technology? The science of hearing aids improves audible sound for partially deaf individuals.
But what are hearing aids and how do they amplify sound? Are you considering the fascinating technology for yourself but still have questions?
The following guide will explain everything you need to know about hearing aids and why so many people rely on them.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids are electronic devices powered by batteries used to improve a person’s hearing. They’re compact enough to use in or behind the ear to amplify some sounds. They typically improve hearing in both quiet and noisy situations.
The devices use a microphone that picks up any sound around the user. Then, an amplifier helps enhance the sound to make it louder.
A receiver in the hearing aid transmits the amplified sounds directly into the user’s ear.
Who Can Use Hearing Aids?
Just because you have hearing loss doesn’t always mean that you can benefit from using hearing aids. Only about 1 in 5 hearing-impaired individuals experience improvement and use them.
They’re often for people that have damage to their inner ear or damage to the nerve that connects their ear and their brain. Damage usually comes from aging, disease, loud sounds, and medications.
Surgery or medical attention is often required for conductive hearing loss issues in the eardrum, ear canal, or middle ear. Although, those solutions don’t work for everyone. Hearing aids can help if your ear canal is open and the exterior is normal.
Those born without an ear canal or exterior ear usually can’t use standard hearing aids. However, they might benefit from a hearing device that transmits sound to their inner ear via bones in their skull.
How to Get a Hearing Aid
Ask your current doctor to send you to an ear, nose, and throat doctor if you don’t have one already. ENT specialists can assess and appropriately treat the hearing loss you’re experiencing.
ENTs conduct exams to figure out the cause of your hearing issues. You’ll also visit an audiologist for different tests to determine the kind of hearing loss you have and its severity.
Both of these specialists can offer you a hearing aid device if it’s necessary for your situation. Stay away from mail-ordering hearing aid devices because they usually don’t fit right or improve hearing efficiently.
It’s most likely best to wear two hearing aid devices if both of your ears have hearing loss. You can visit different businesses like the Hearing Clinic for battery replacements, device cleanings, adjustments, and repairs.
Understanding Hearing Aids
So, how do hearing aids work? They use microphones and amplifiers to make sounds louder and clearer. Now you know who qualifies for the helpful devices and how to get them.
Remember this guide and consider talking to your doctor about hearing aids if you think you could benefit from them. Check out our site’s health category for more useful tips and fantastic information.
