Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide, impacting communication, social activities, and even personal safety. Fortunately, there are devices like hearing aids and amplifiers that can assist with hearing challenges. Understanding these devices and how they differ can help you make informed choices about your hearing health.
Several factors can lead to hearing loss, including aging, exposure to loud noises, infections, and genetics. Health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can also play a role. Recognizing the signs early and undergoing a professional hearing evaluation is a key step toward better managing your hearing health.
How Hearing Aids Work
Hearing aids are regulated medical devices, customized and programmed to an individual’s specific hearing loss. They require professional fitting to ensure optimal performance and clarity. Hearing aids use advanced technology to amplify sound, helping people with hearing loss hear more clearly. Modern hearing aids can filter background noise and focus on speech, making conversations easier to follow. Each hearing aid consists of three main components: the microphone picks up sound from the environment, the amplifier increases the volume of the sound, and the speaker transmits the amplified sound into the ear.
Different Types of Hearing Aids
There are various types of hearing aids designed to match different levels of hearing loss and personal preferences. The main types include:
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC): The most common style today, RIC aids have a small receiver that sits inside the ear canal while the rest of the device sits discreetly behind the ear. This style provides a comfortable fit and excellent sound quality.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE): These are positioned behind the ear and connected to an earmold inside the ear canal. They are versatile and suitable for all ages.
In-the-Ear (ITE): These fit completely inside the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. They offer features like volume control.
In-the-Canal (ITC) and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC): These are custom-molded and fit partly or completely in the ear canal. They are less visible but they might not have as many features as larger models.
All hearing aids must adhere to FDA regulations, ensuring that they are safe and effective for treating hearing loss. They also typically come with warranties, which may cover repairs and maintenance, providing additional peace of mind.
What Are Sound Amplifiers?
Hearing amplifiers, or personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), are not designed to correct hearing loss. Instead, they boost environmental sounds for individuals without hearing loss who need a slight boost in hearing. For example, they can be used during birdwatching or for someone trying to hear better at a distance. While amplifiers can make sounds louder, they cannot distinguish between different types of sounds or reduce background noise as hearing aids can. Moreover, using an amplifier instead of a hearing aid for diagnosed hearing loss can lead to further damage, as amplifiers are not tailored to your specific needs.
When to Use Hearing Aids vs. Amplifiers
If a professional hearing test confirms hearing loss, hearing aids are the recommended option. Because they are medically regulated and programmed to your hearing needs, they offer a tailored solution that enhances your quality of life. On the other hand, if your hearing is normal but you occasionally need a slight hearing boost in specific environments, an amplifier may be a short-term option.
However, it’s important to consult with a hearing health professional before deciding to use an amplifier. Inappropriately using amplifiers, especially for someone with hearing loss, can potentially worsen the condition.
Caring for Your Hearing Devices
Proper care of hearing aids is necessary to maintain their effectiveness and longevity. These devices should be cleaned regularly, kept dry, and stored safely to avoid damage. Routine professional check-ups ensure that your hearing aids are functioning correctly and allow for any adjustments that may be needed. We offer hearing aid servicing and routine maintenance or adjustment in our professional office. Proper care not only prolongs the life of your hearing devices but also ensures you get the maximum benefit from them.
