What Are Hearing Aids and How Do They Work?

What Are Hearing Aids?

A hearing aid is more than a device that makes sound louder. The technology behind them is sophisticated and highly successful at transforming the way you hear and has become an advanced communication method that brings to life the sounds around you. Gone are the days of speech which is hard to understand and difficulty distinguishing background noise.

Digital Hearing Aids

A contemporary way to vastly improve hearing loss, a typical hearing aid includes five assets that make up the components of the device. A microphone, amplifier, speaker, battery and computer processor. An additional computer chip is also included and programmed by your dedicated hearing care consultant who will be able to tailor your hearing aid to your exact specifications and requirements.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

There are three steps that collectively work together for a hearing aid to function. Starting with the microphone receiving the incoming sound and converting it into a digital signal. Following this the amplifier increases the strength of the signal. Finally, the speaker amplifies the sound into the ear in a crisp and clear manner.

How the Sound Is Processed?

When we think of amplifiers we think of speakers at music concerts, but when utilised in hearing aids its intelligent technology selectively amplifies the sound which is transmitted by the speaker and transformed into electrical impulses. These are picked up by the brain and processed into sound. The incoming sound is analysed and adjusted initially by the processing chip which is customised to your needs which are professionally adjusted. It’s transmitted into the inner ear through tubing in a mould in the ear canal or via a thin wire to the receiver in the ear. The quality of the sound itself differs depending on the type of device which a consultant can advise on.

The Benefits of Digital Hearing Aids

When exploring the plentiful benefits when questioning what hearing aids do, first and foremost they provide relief from some symptoms of hearing loss. Although they can’t completely restore normal hearing, it improves your understanding of sound so that your brain doesn’t need to work overtime to comprehend them. They can also reduce other medical conditions and help with overall comfort levels.

Listening Programs that Adapt

Equipped with multiple listening programs, there are numerous settings depending on your environment. Whether there is too much background noise or little noise at all, the programs can either be switched automatically or manually by the individual to suit your surroundings. This can also be switched with a remote control that comes with some devices.

Directional Microphone Capability

Hearing aids with directional microphone technology usually have two microphones which both have different purposes. One is to direct or focus the incoming sound source, while the other aims to lessen the sound of background noise. Hearing aids that just come with one microphone function means that sound is picked up from all around, which is less beneficial.

Find the Right Hearing Aid for You

Hearing aids are not a one-size fits all solution, they are bespoke to your requirements and budget. A trained hearing professional will be able to carry out an assessment and discuss your level of hearing loss and guide you on what options are best for your lifestyle and the variety of devices that are available.