The rating of hearing aids was helped by Maxim Lavrentiev, a consultant for a hearing aids store.
For people with hearing impairment, hearing aids are an opportunity for a fulfilling life. It helps you stay in touch with the world around you, without making any effort. Acoustic comfort and understanding of speech, and, therefore, the quality of life depend on the right choice of the device. Before buying, you need to consult your doctor.
Types of hearing aids
Be sure to consult your doctor... He should teach you how to measure blood pressure and give recommendations on the use of drugs. There are contraindications.
By the type of signal reception
- Analog. Consists of a microphone, amplifier and telephone. Among the advantages: natural sound, simple settings, intuitive to use. It is the only solution in some cases of conductive hearing loss.
- Digital. Additionally, there is a mini-computer. Instead of an amplifier - an electronic circuit. The general operating principle is similar to analog. But this device can implement complex algorithms for sound transmission and clean it from extraneous noise. Helps even in difficult situations.
By placement method
Structurally, the devices are divided into:
- In-ear (ITC). Placed deep inside the ear canal. Not visible from the outside. They transmit speech well. But they cannot compensate for severe forms of hearing loss.
- Intra-aural (ITE). Placed inside the auricle. They are made individually, they are not striking. The dimensions are directly related to the power of the hearing aid and are therefore suitable for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Behind-the-ear with external receiver (BTE). The most common type of apparatus. Reliable, functional. Consists of a behind-the-ear housing and an earmold that fills the ear canal. The volume control and the program switch button are accessible. Provides greater sound amplification compared to ITEs.
- BTE with internal receiver (RIC / RITE). The housing of the hearing aid is located behind the ear and the transducer is located inside the ear canal. The smallest behind the ear. Receivers of various capacities are being developed, so it is possible to use them even with severe hearing loss.
- Pocket. They consist of a rectangular housing located in a pocket or fixed on the neck, and a speaker that is inserted into the ear. Convenient option for seniors: large size switch and volume control, easy to operate. In addition, they are resistant to mechanical damage and inexpensive.
What to focus on when choosing
Each hearing aid is individually selected by a physician. In addition to the above criteria, you should consider:
Degree of hearing loss. Not all hearing aids are suitable for severe hearing impairment. The instructions always indicate for what degree of hearing loss the device is recommended. Incorrectly selected, it can not only not help, but also harm, increasing the pathology.
Maximum power. The higher the number, the louder the sound can be. Typically about 130 dB.
Maximum gain. A measure of how much louder a sound can become after hearing aids processing it. Typically, the gain reaches 70-75 dB.
