Understanding Hearing Aid Devices – What They Can Do For You?

Hearing aid devices have come a long way in helping many people overcome their hearing difficulties. These electroacoustic devices have tireless sought to help wearers perceive sounds that would otherwise not be audible or clear enough to comprehend. Technology has also caught up with them as well. If you don’t want a largely visible device, there are those designed to be invisible to the world, should you want to be subtle about your hearing difficulties. In any case, there are different types of aids, spotting different designs, and offering different levels of functionality.

Benefits of hearing aid devices

Unlike glasses, which do have the potential of correcting 20/20 vision, hearing aid devices cannot correct a hearing loss. Their purpose is to simply make sounds more accessible, either through amplification or modulation. That said, there are many benefits that they convey. They enable a wearer to perceive sounds they would have previously been unable to. They also improve the ability to communicate in somewhat noisy environments such as public spaces. Generally speaking, they trigger many improvements in different areas of the life of a person with a hearing impairment. These range from fostering a greater sense of independence, and encouraging greater social activity.

Hearing aid devices come with many different features

As previously pointed out, technology has caught up with these devices, meaning you can find one that offers a long list of features. There are those that are compatible with telephones and those that come with wireless hearing aids. Some of the latter come with FM systems. Digital aids have become particularly in recent times, which transmit sound with greater accuracy. Additionally, these can be customized to an individual’s specific requirements, and can offer such features as background noise reduction. There are also those that come with remote controls, which are used to make adjustments, such as volume, without touching the device.

What is the price range of hearing aid devices?

There is some gravity to the decision to purchase a hearing aid, mostly because of the cost implications. Depending on the features that you want in the device, it could cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The price issue in this case is not as significant, as the benefit conveyed greatly outweighs the cost implications. However, there are some considerations that you should make before settling on the purchase. The first step is to get a professional checkup. The goal is to understand the cause of your hearing loss and the extent. Understanding this will help you know the kind of hearing aid you need, in terms of features, and long term usability.

Image Credit: Waifer X

A few points to note

Hearing aid devices do take a little getting used to. It might take a couple of weeks before you are completely in tune with the device. Practice, with these aids, does indeed encourage greater adjustment. In other words, the more you use the device, practicing in different kinds of environments will help you adapt to using it.

The purpose served by hearing aid devices cannot be underplayed. They have restored normal life to those whose hearing has been impaired through a genetic disorder, physical trauma, or infection.

How Hearing Solutions Toronto Can Help You?

Hearing impairments experienced by different people do not have to pose any social challenge. Sometimes, the difficulty in analyzing sounds might be triggered by old age, or by an infection. In the cases where the problem cannot be solved through medicine, the best solution is to get a hearing device. The whole process of acquiring one is rather daunting, since there are so many variables that you need to consider. Hearing Solutions Toronto can help you through the entire procedure, including giving you the devices you need to live a normal life.

A few facts that you should know before going for hearing solutions in Toronto

Upon visiting any of the 11 clinics set up, the first step is a consultation. A professional, often an audiologist, gives you a hearing evaluation to understand the nature of the impairment. This is essential to rule out a cause that can be fixed. If the impairment cannot be cured, it can be corrected. If is established that you need a hearing aid, several recommendations are made. This is the second step. In this step, your evaluation results are discussed, and your hearing aid options are explored.

Major 5 hearing aid styles

There are many hearing aid styles, but these five have proved to be the most popular. These include:

In the Ear (ITE)– These aids are made to fit in your outer ear. They are custom made to convey some level of comfort, and enhance performance. They are large enough to allow features such as volume control and directional microphones.

Behind-the-ear(BTE)– These are highly visible, and sit behind the ear, with a tube directing the amplified sounds to an ear mold that fits the ear. Their size allows them to accommodate bigger, longer lasting batteries, as well as bigger amplifiers. Like ITE hearing aids, these are recommended for those whose hearing losses are mild to severe. A smaller version, called Mini BTE is available for those with cosmetic concerns.

Open Fit– They sit behind the ear and they use up very little canal space. They are less noticeable than BTE aids, and are mostly recommended for moderately severe losses.

In the Ear– There are two of these. The in-the-canal hearing aid fits inside the canal, making them hard to notice. Their minimalist design is appealing, and they are recommended for hearing losses that are mild to moderately severe. Completely-in-the-ear canal fit inside the canal, and are invisible. They are used for in mild to moderately severe losses.

Assistive listening devices– These are also available, and can be used in different situations where a hearing device alone is insufficient.

Once you establish which hearing aid style is more likely to conform to your budget and serve your needs, the device is custom made from impressions taken from your ear, and fitted. It is important to verify that the device offers good comfort, has functional features, and has the cosmetics that please you.

Hearing Solutions Toronto has grown to be an authority in its niche not only because of the approach it takes in helping correct a hearing loss, but because of the diverse nature of the hearing solutions it offers.

A Closer Look at Hearing Aid Batteries

Hearing aid devices have seen an increased demand in the U.S. and Canada. To get the full benefit of hearing aids, you need to choose the right kind of hearing aid batteries that help the devices work in their best way. This page will give you a clear insight of these batteries so that you can choose the perfect hearing aid batteries in Canada for you.

Importance of hearing aid batteries

Hearing aid devices require batteries to operate. The function they serve is part electronic, implying that a source of power is needed. Batteries conveniently offer it. A compartment is usually built into the devices themselves, where the battery fits snugly into the design. The compartment also facilitates easy replacement.

Replaceable batteries vs rechargeable batteries

Even with the advent of different kinds of designs and technologies in these devices, rechargeable batteries have rarely been used. They would present a challenge as the hearing aids are sometimes miniscule, and incapable of supporting a wire system for charging. It would be cumbersome, and so the idea is considered less plausible. The more convenient option is the use of replaceable batteries. There are five standard sizes for these, and they are all zinc-air batteries. Mercury batteries used to be used in the past, but these have since been abandoned because of the undesirable characteristics of mercury.

How the hearing aid batteries function?

Once the battery is inserted into the hearing aid, the instrument is activated. A jingle sound is indicative of function, as in the device is ready for use. When you are not using the device, you should open the battery compartment. This will turn off the device, minimizing the rate at which it’s drained, and prevent it from corroding, if you won’t be using it for an extended period of time. In case you want to know if the battery is still working, you should use a battery tester. It proves to be a useful accessory as you will need to check the battery on a somewhat regular basis.

Hearing aid batteries Canada come in different sizes

Regardless of the hearing aid style, there are five standard battery sizes. These are color coded for easier identification, though they also have numerical representations. These are sizes 675, coded in the color blue, 312 coded in brown, 13 coded in orange, 10 coded in yellow and 5 coded in red. They operate at a voltage of between 1.35 and 1.45. Identifying the kind of battery you need is relatively effortless. The documentation that comes with the hearing aid should help you know which battery to purchase. Given its small size and the fact that it cannot be turned off once activated, a battery will run from between 1 to about 22 days, depending on the kind of power requirements the hearing aid has. It is wise to carry backup batteries, in case your device suddenly loses power.

A few tips to care for your hearing aid batteries

There are some easy ways to care for your hearing aid batteries. Here are a few tips that will help you to maintain your batteries at their best form for long time.

• Desist from refrigerating the batteries.
• A cool, dry place, ideally with room temperature is the better place to store them.
• Whenever you are replacing the batteries, make sure your hands are clean, as grease and dirt can cause unprecedented problems to the hearing aid.
• There are many hearing aid batteries Canada stores where you can obtain the batteries from. These range from online to offline stores, which catalogue the batteries based on the aforementioned color codes and sizes.
• They come with paper tabs which prevent discharging, so unless you are planning on using the battery with your device, leave them intact.

 

Information on Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing difficulties are presently regarded as fastest growing challenges among older age people. Yet consistently during the last couple of years this matter is being identified among the people of middle and also young age, which has now turned into a matter of concern for doctors and medical experts. Thus, it’s quite important that this type of people get good quality hearing aid devices. The hearing aid repairs service is available widely as it’s an important for any person who is hearing impaired.

All hearing aids demand maintenance and repair every now and then, which differs with the make and type of hearing aid you choose. You need to be prepared to have your Audiologist check hearing aids regularly. Wax in the earpiece is among the most prevalent reason for repairs. The ear produces earwax and when it creates an obstruction for the ear piece, the user won’t be able to hear any sounds properly. There’s a better way to overcome this issue. It’s to ensure that the user cleans the ear piece at regularly. It will avoid the hearing aid from creating problems.

Another situation when people have to go for hearing aid repairs is when they try to clean the device with water. It can certainly damage the electronic parts so that the device will stop working. Moisture also affects the device which can cause hearing aid repair. You can clean your device regularly with a dry clothing order to avoid frequent repair.

You have to get your device repaired through the professional only when your device created problem. If you have the warranty then you can also save some money on repair as well. In some cases, the audiologist can also repair your device and therefore you can get your ear tested all at once.

Image Credit: IPC Hearing Aid Center

The cost may differ depending upon the damage and other parts to be replaced. A regular maintenance will certainly reduce the repair cost.

Different Types of Hearing Aids

There are many types and degrees of hearing loss. Hence, different types of hearing aids are available in the market. These are devices that amplify sound which helps people having a hearing disability. Mostly, all hearing aids have the same electronic devices like microphone which amplifies sound; amplifier circuitry which makes the sound loud and clear; a tiny loudspeaker which delivers amplified sound into the ear canal and batteries that power electronic devices.

Hearing aids are available in various kinds of designs, technology used for amplification and special features.

The different types of hearing aids are as follows:-

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) aids: They are available in a small case of plastic that is placed behind the user’s ear; it is attached to an earpiece or an ear mould by a piece of invisible tube. This style is chosen for young children as it can accommodate various ear mould types, which need to be replaced as the child grows. They are easy to clean and handle, and are relatively strong.
• “Mini” BTE (or “on-the-ear”) aids: It is a new type of BTE aid. It fits behind or on the ear, but is smaller. An invisible and very thin tube connects the aid to the canal of the ear. Mini BTEs may also have a snug ear piece for inserting (“open fit”), although they may also use a conventional ear mould. They are not only allowed to reduce “plug up” or occlusion feelings in the ear canal, but also reduce feedback, increase comfort and deal with cosmetic concerns for countless users.
• In-the-ear (ITE) aids: Every part of this hearing aid is set in a casing, which fills the outer portion of the ear. They are larger than the in-the-canal and completely-in-the-canal aid and it is much easier to handle.
• In-the-canal (ITC) aids and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) aids: They are available in minuscule cases that set partially or entirely inside the canal of the ear. These are the tiniest available hearing aids and provide cosmetic and several advantages of listening. However, their tiny size often makes them complicated to deal with.

The different types of hearing aids include analogue and digital hearing aids. The contemporary hearing aids make extensive use of what we call digital technology. They convert the sound into bits of sound and control it before the amplification of sound signal. It can be programmed and also can be adjusted by the individual user.

Analogue hearing aids capture sound signals by a microphone and convert them into tiny electrical signals and are transmitted to the ear. They can be altered according to the needs of the individual.

The hearing aids have various features to assist in different communication situations:-

• The directional microphone amplifies the sound coming from a smaller distance. It reduces the other sound effects which make the target sound more audible.
• The T-coil or the telephone switch also eliminates environmental sounds and picks up other sounds.
• Direct audio input is generally used in TV, audio systems etc.
• The feedback suppression reduces the noise and helps in better hearing of the target sound.

The different types of hearing aids can help a person with a hearing disability with better discernment of speech and an understandable sound picture. However, it cannot repair standard hearing.

Don’t Lose Quality of Life – Go For Online Hearing Loss Test

Many people in Canada know that they are unable to hear as well as before. Yet, regretfully, half of them have not had their hearing properly tested.

The reality is that neglecting hearing difficulties impedes practically every facet of an individual’s life-both professionally and personally. When overlooked and left unattended, hearing loss can result in impaired memory; problems in understanding new chores; lower alertness; greater risk to personal security; irritability; anger; negativism; fatigue; anxiety; depression; solitude; disengagement; and reduced psychological and overall health. Basically, if you choose to overlook your hearing difficulties, you’re choosing a significant loss in your overall health. For the majority of people, it’s not a conscious choice.

To help hearing impaired people understand the critical impact that hearing impairment could have on their lives, the online hearing loss test has developed and validated, so that these people can undergo the test comfortably from their home. The test is built to help people better understand who severe their hearing loss is, and to evaluate whether or not they require additional assistance.

The online hearing test helps you promptly examine your necessity for an objective hearing test by a professional and consultation on feasible solutions to your hearing difficulty (for example hearing aids).

So how does generally Hearing Loss Test go?

You might be requested to reply to several questions regarding your hearing. They’ll be provided you one-by-one. Meanwhile, you need to understand that your replies are personal. Generally, the questions are not about your identity.

The computer will tell you then status of your online hearing test. It will also assess your answers to other hearing impaired people and provide you with a personalised analysis of your hearing. These outcomes are for your eyes only. However, if you choose, you might talk to your family members, family doctor, or a hearing health professional.

Make sure that online hearing loss test only gives you an idea about your hearing difficulties, which may fall wrong, depending upon your answers. If, for some reason, you experience difficulties in hearing and the concern that has to be addressed, talk to your family doctor or a hearing health professional immediately.