How Do Hearing Aids Work?
It’s predicted that by 2050, around 2.5 billion people in the world will have some degree of hearing loss, and at least 700 million will need hearing rehabilitation. If you haven’t gone through life with good hearing protection, then there’s a good chance that you need ear devices like hearing aids to make things better.
Everyone knows that you use hearing aids for sound enhancement. But do you actually know how they work? Probably not.
So if you’ve always been curious about how hearing aids work, then read on. Here’s a quick guide.
The Parts of a Hearing Aid
While there are several different types of devices on the market, they all function in a similar fashion. They have three parts: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker.
Microphone
The microphone is located on the outer part of the hearing aid. It receives sounds from the outside world, then converts them into digital or electrical signals for the device.
Amplifier
The electrical signals in their raw form won’t be loud enough for your ears to hear. This is especially true if you’re in a noisy environment but still need to hear details.
The amplifier will take those signals and increase their power before sending them to the speaker.
Speaker
The speaker (or receiver) delivers the amplified digital signals to your ear. This part is located inside your ear, so the signals don’t have to go far to your eardrum.
Types of Hearing Aids
There are several styles of hearing aids you can pick to fit your lifestyle. You should always read a hearing aids review before committing.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE)
BTE devices are made of plastic, and the earmold goes inside the outer ear. They’re the largest type of hearing aid but have the largest batteries, too, so they’ll operate for longer.
In-the-Ear (ITE)
ITE hearing aids are also made of plastic and go completely inside your outer ear as well.
These are more discreet, especially since they come in skin tones. However, they need to be customized since they need to match your inner ear’s shape, so they’re pricier.
ITE hearing aids are smaller than BTE ones, but they still have a long battery life.
In-the-Canal (ITC)
For the most discreet ones, opt for ITC ones. They also need to be made to your inner ear’s shape and are nearly invisible when in use.
The only downside is that they’re hard to adjust and take out. They also have a shorter battery life.
Need Hearing Aids for Sound Enhancement?
Now you know how sound enhancement works with hearing aids. So if you need some hearing assistance, you have some idea of how these miraculous devices work.
The best step is to discuss your options with a doctor and see which are best for your lifestyle and preferences. As a result, you’ll restore an optimal amount of hearing.
Check out the rest of our blog for more on ear health.
Yvan Lebrun is a trusted expert in the field of product & service reviews. With over a decade of experience analyzing and comparing services online, he shares his valuable experience with readers at GoodSitesLike so consumers can make educated decisions before making a purchase.
