Modern hearing aids for a carefree life
Digital progress makes it possible to manufacture modern hearing systems with highly developed technology. Leading manufacturers like Geers a hearing aid individually to the existing hearing impairment and the personal needs of the user. Since every person perceives hearing loss differently, an individually adapted hearing system is necessary. Modern devices are equipped with automatic programs for different situations. The various functions reduce disturbing and amplify relevant noises. Feedback noises are also a thing of the past with a hearing aid. What technology is behind it and how do the devices work? These aspects are examined in more detail below.
This is how a modern hearing aid works
Nowadays, hearing systems are high-performance computers that are adapted to the personal needs of those affected using the latest technologies. In addition to being very comfortable to wear, hearing aids also offer attractive designs. The energy supply runs on batteries or accumulators.
The hearing aid consists of three main components: processor, loudspeaker and microphone. The microphone captures the ambient noise and forwards it to the processor. The processor amplifies the incoming sounds and converts the noises into electrical signals. The loudspeaker then forwards the signals to the person’s ear. Now the person affected can perceive the sound clearly and distinctly.
The three types of hearing aids
There are three different systems that sit behind or in the ear, depending on their condition. If the person concerned uses an in-the-ear device, all three parts are located in a small piece that is worn in the inner ear. The classic behind-the-ear device is designed so that all components sit behind the ear. A thin sound tube transports the signal to the earpiece of the device. The receiver-in-channel device (= RIC) works in a similar way. The amplifier and the microphone are behind the ear, the loudspeaker is in the ear. This structure makes a RIC device smaller than a behind-the-ear device.
A hearing care professional will find out which of the three hearing aid systems is best. A person skilled in the art pays attention to the condition of the ear canal, for example. An in-the-ear hearing aid may not be suitable if the ear canal is too narrow. In order to enable an ideal hearing experience, the digital hearing systems amplify the signals and at the same time reduce disturbing noises.
Hearing aids are all-rounders
Hearing systems can do a lot more than just amplify sound. A person who suffers from hearing loss not only hears everything more quietly, rather, hearing loss means that a noise is not clearly noticed and what is said is no longer understood. As a result, ambient noises become more humming or shrill. This in turn means that the signals are perceived as painful or at least unpleasant. Therefore, for better hearing, it is not enough just to make the sounds louder.
The optimal volume
People with hearing impairments only perceive signals from a certain volume. Accordingly, the tones must be louder than in people without hearing loss. However, an ambulance siren would be almost unbearable if all the noises were turned up. It is therefore important to determine what is known as a discomfort threshold when fitting hearing aids. The threshold describes the level from which the tones are perceived as disturbing.
The precise frequency range
An optimal hearing system specifically amplifies frequencies that cannot be heard or can only be heard indistinctly. Modern hearing aids are able to precisely compensate for the existing hearing loss in different frequency ranges. A major challenge for people and technology is the removal of the disturbing sound. In busy rooms, the filtering out of the conversation partner’s voice, even with people without hearing impairment, takes place under very complex processes. Digital hearing aids are equipped with special functions that lead to a significant improvement in linguistic understanding.
The versatile functions
Good hearing aids can also cope with challenging situations, such as talking to a restaurant. Different hearing programs react specifically to different circumstances. The functions also suppress the feedback whistling. With the help of the programs, the person affected is able to set several frequency channels according to their individual needs.
Healthy and in the middle of life – the advantages of a hearing aid
When people in spite of Hearing impairment can participate well in social life, the hearing aid contributes to a harmonious attitude towards life. Without a hearing aid, the associated limitations would be a major problem. The everyday situations that occur naturally for people with normal hearing become an immense challenge for the hearing impaired. As a result, avoidance behavior often emerges, such as bypassing conversations and withdrawing into one’s own four walls. People do not want to be naked about constantly having to ask questions. This results in major professional disadvantages as well as misunderstandings and conflict situations with others. These disadvantages can be easily avoided with a modern hearing aid, because the hearing impaired can usually do their work without any problems. If an ideally adjusted hearing aid is provided at an early stage, the person feels integrated and recognized in the professional and social environment.
A hearing aid also protects against many of the health consequences associated with an unserved hearing impairment. The ongoing effort of trying to absorb everything despite hearing loss leads often excessive exhaustion and above all to stress. The risk of developing depression increases significantly. Research shows that the risk of accidents and cognitive decline in the hearing impaired increases if no hearing aid is used. A modern hearing system improves social, physical and psychological well-being.
Conclusion: Health is the key to happiness in life
Hearing is one of the most important senses. It is therefore important to pay attention to the health of your hearing and to consult an ENT doctor or hearing care professional immediately if you have any problems. The following quote from Arthur Schopenhauer sums it up: Health is not everything, but without health everything is nothing. ”A modern hearing aid is a wonderful aid to establish and promote health well-being.
05/06/2021