Hearing aids amplify the sound waves that reach the ear. The bigger vibrations are picked up by remaining hair cells, translating them into neural impulses and sending them to the brain.
Fremont, CA: A hearing aid is a discreet electronic device worn behind or in the ear. It amplifies some sounds in order that a person with hearing loss may listen, converse, and take part in daily activities to a greater extent. People using hearing aids may hear more clearly in calm and loud environments. However, only one in five individuals who might gain an advantage from a hearing aid wears one.
Three components make up a hearing aid: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. A microphone in the hearing aid picks up sound, transforms it into electrical impulses, and then transmits those signals to an amplifier. The amplifier gives the signals more strength before being sent to the ear via a speaker.
How do hearing aids function?
Hearing aids are most helpful for those with hearing loss brought on by damage to the tiny sensory cells in the inner ear, known as hair cells, in terms of enhancing hearing and speech comprehension. Sensorineural hearing loss is the name given to this kind of hearing loss. The harm may be brought on by illness, aging, or trauma from noise or certain medications.
Hearing aids amplify the sound waves that reach the ear. The bigger vibrations are picked up by remaining hair cells, translating them into neural impulses and sending them to the brain. A person's hearing loss will be more severe and require more hearing aid amplification the more harm they have done to their hair cells. Meanwhile, the amount of amplification a hearing aid can offer has practical limits. Additionally, even tremendous vibrations will not translate into cerebral impulses if the inner ear is excessively injured. A hearing aid would be useless in this scenario.
What types of hearing aids are there?
● Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids
Most behind-the-ear (BTE) device components are housed in a tiny plastic casing that sits behind the ear. A section of transparent tubing connects the casing to an earpiece or earmold. Because it can fit different earmold kinds, which need to be updated as a kid develops, this form is frequently selected for young children. BTE aids are also relatively durable, easy to handle, and clean.
● "Mini" BTE or receiver in canal (RIC), aids
BTE devices that fit behind the ear are known as "mini" BTE devices, sometimes known as the receiver in canal (RIC) devices, because of their generally smaller size.
