Hearing aid also goes by the name deaf aid. It refers to a device that is designed to enhance hearing is people with hearing loss. These devices fall under mechanical devices in many countries and they are subject to regulation by the state. Hearing aids have evolved over time from devices like ear trumpets which gathered external sound energy f and directed it at the ear canal to computerized electroacoustic systems.
Modern devices which are computerized electroacoustic systems transform environmental sound so that it can be more intelligible and/or comfortable. Sound processing capabilities of modern devices allow them to highlight spatial region, shift frequencies, cancel noise and wind, and highlight voice. They need to be configured so that they match with the extent of hearing loss, lifestyle, and physical features around the wearer.
The term fitting is used to refer to the process by which an aid is configured so that it can match various aspects. The fitting is done by a specialist called an audiologist. The level of usefulness of a device is often dependent on the quality of fitting the audiologist does on it. It worth knowing that, deafness is not truly corrected by a deaf aid. All the device does is to increases the accessibility of sound.
Two main factors minimize how effective these devices can be. The first factor relates to the loss of brain cells that process sound. This happens when stimulation is not provided to primary auditory cortex regularly. The loss in these cells occurs progressively as the level of deafness increases in a person. The second factor relates to the damage of hair cells within inner ears because of sensorineural hearing loss. With the loss of these hair cells, it becomes hard to discriminate sounds.
Several methods exist for evaluating how effective these devices compensate for loss in the ability to hear. One of the methods is called audiometry. Audiometry is done under laboratory conditions to gauge hearing levels of a subject. Audiometric tests are made to resemble real-world environments to the highest level. Even with this, patients may have different everyday experiences. Another approach is called self-report evaluation, which involves the patient reporting personal experiences from using the device.
Three main dimensions are available for representing the outcome of the device. These dimensions are hearing aid usage, satisfaction, and aided speech recognition. The correctness of the adjustments done to the device can be measured through a method called real ear measurement, which is also called probe microphone measurements. This method uses a silicone probe tube microphone to assess the characteristics of amplification by the device near the eardrum.
Different types of these instruments have been invented. The devices vary in their size, circuitry, and power among other factors. Major modern types today include body worn aid, receiver in the canal aid, BTE cross system, behind the ear aid, and on-the-ear aid. Other types are BTE Bi cross system, extended wear deaf aid, earmolds, open-fit gadgets, disosable deaf aid, invisible in canal deaf aid, stethoscope deaf aids, and bone anchored devices.
All modern devices use button cell zinc-air batteries. These batteries come in five main standards. Older version of the devices used mercury batteries while some still use long-life disposable or rechargeable batteries.
Modern devices which are computerized electroacoustic systems transform environmental sound so that it can be more intelligible and/or comfortable. Sound processing capabilities of modern devices allow them to highlight spatial region, shift frequencies, cancel noise and wind, and highlight voice. They need to be configured so that they match with the extent of hearing loss, lifestyle, and physical features around the wearer.
The term fitting is used to refer to the process by which an aid is configured so that it can match various aspects. The fitting is done by a specialist called an audiologist. The level of usefulness of a device is often dependent on the quality of fitting the audiologist does on it. It worth knowing that, deafness is not truly corrected by a deaf aid. All the device does is to increases the accessibility of sound.
Two main factors minimize how effective these devices can be. The first factor relates to the loss of brain cells that process sound. This happens when stimulation is not provided to primary auditory cortex regularly. The loss in these cells occurs progressively as the level of deafness increases in a person. The second factor relates to the damage of hair cells within inner ears because of sensorineural hearing loss. With the loss of these hair cells, it becomes hard to discriminate sounds.
Several methods exist for evaluating how effective these devices compensate for loss in the ability to hear. One of the methods is called audiometry. Audiometry is done under laboratory conditions to gauge hearing levels of a subject. Audiometric tests are made to resemble real-world environments to the highest level. Even with this, patients may have different everyday experiences. Another approach is called self-report evaluation, which involves the patient reporting personal experiences from using the device.
Three main dimensions are available for representing the outcome of the device. These dimensions are hearing aid usage, satisfaction, and aided speech recognition. The correctness of the adjustments done to the device can be measured through a method called real ear measurement, which is also called probe microphone measurements. This method uses a silicone probe tube microphone to assess the characteristics of amplification by the device near the eardrum.
Different types of these instruments have been invented. The devices vary in their size, circuitry, and power among other factors. Major modern types today include body worn aid, receiver in the canal aid, BTE cross system, behind the ear aid, and on-the-ear aid. Other types are BTE Bi cross system, extended wear deaf aid, earmolds, open-fit gadgets, disosable deaf aid, invisible in canal deaf aid, stethoscope deaf aids, and bone anchored devices.
All modern devices use button cell zinc-air batteries. These batteries come in five main standards. Older version of the devices used mercury batteries while some still use long-life disposable or rechargeable batteries.
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