What You Need to Know about Hearing Aids?
The latest studies show that hearing problems usually start at age 45, and that a third of people over 65 years of age have difficulty hearing. Fortunately you can get around this problem by wearing hearing aids. Before you do so however, consult an audiologist who can diagnose your problem and recommend a solution.
How Hearing Helpers Work
There’s no way to restore dead hair cells, but the latest hearing devices can provide a lot of help and improve your hearing ability significantly. Digital hearing aids, for instance, are superior to older hearing aids, which amplified the sound on everything including unwanted background noise. That’s no longer the case with their digital counterparts as these are equipped with microphones that relay audio to a chip.
This special computer chip adjusts the volume and analyzes the frequencies so that you can hear better without amplifying background noise. In addition, these hearing helpers are designed to block out the wind and other unnecessary sounds, eliminating the frustration that comes with an older hearing product.
Their features don’t end there however, as these hearing helpers are capable of wireless Bluetooth syncing with mobile devices, allowing you to hear any incoming calls. In addition, you can use the settings on your mobile device to adjust the settings on your hearing aid. Some of them even have accessories for streaming audio from your music player, TV, or laptop right to your hearing device.
Hearing Loops and Other Accessories
Today’s hearing devices also use a special technology called Hearing Loop, which has a magnetic signal that a coiled wire in the hearing device picks up. This is then collected and transmitted into the ear, and it’s quite handy when used in crowded public places like concert venues and sports arenas.
Another notable feature of modern hearing devices is the size, as they have become so small as to be virtually inconspicuous. Many can be fitted inside the ear canal so it’s hardly noticeable. The drawback however, is these devices aren’t as powerful compared to the slightly larger ones.
Choosing a Hearing Device
A hearing device can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, the price going up the more customized the aids are. While most private insurers don’t cover hearing devices, some do, so go over your health plan first.
Also, one should not confuse hearing devices with over the counter personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs). Although they may look similar to hearing aids, they have less functionality and fewer features, and do not produce the same benefits. To put it simply, PSAPs are not meant for people with hearing loss, as they are more suited for those who want to amplify specific sounds.
Source:
HK Hearing & Speech Centre
Specialist of Hearing test & assessment,
https://www.hkhearingspeech.com
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