Hearing Aids: A Sound Solution for Better Hearing
Understanding Hearing Aids
What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing Aid is an assistive listening device that helps to amplify the sound (speech) signal and also help to reduce the background.
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids have an intricate electronic circuitry that comprises of microphone/s, A/D converter, Digital signal processor (Amplifier), D/A converter, Receiver (Speaker), Battery (power source), user controls etc. The microphone/s pick up the environmental speech and noise signals and convert these into analog electrical signal. This is converted by the A/D converter into digital format which can be processed and amplified by the DSP as per the built in algorithms. The processed signal is then converted back from digital to analog by the D/A converter. The amplified analog signal is then converted back to sound by the receiver and presented into the ear canal of the user.
Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
No two hearing losses are similar. Therefore it is important to choose the hearing aid that is best suitable for your hearing loss and also take into account your lifestyle and communication requirements. The type and model of the hearing aid will be selected by the audiologist based on multiple factors such as hearing loss, speech discrimination, dexterity, mental agility, lifestyle, social and emotional needs, communication requirements etc.
Best Hearing Aids
Signia, Phonak, Widex, Oticon, Resound, Starkey, Bernafon, Philips are some of the well known international hearing aid brands available currently. Signia (formerly known as Siemens Hearing Instruments) has a history of over 140 years in the hearing aid industry and was the pioneer for hearing aid technology.
Hearing Aid Fitting
Hearing aid fitting is a scientific process wherein the audiologist takes into consideration various factors such as hearing loss, dexterity, emotional social and communication needs, lifestyle of the user etc before deciding on the type and model suitable.
Healing aid fitting is done using sophisticated PC/software (Connexx/NoaH etc.) using a Programming Interface such as HiPro/Noahlink to connect with the hearing aids. The hearing aids are programmed according to the hearing loss based on standardised prescription gain rules and algorithms to provide optimum amplification to the user.
Different types of hearing aids require some habituation for the user to get accustomed and fitting of hearing aid usually requires 2-3 sessions to arrive at the best hearing settings.
Hearing Aid Fitting
Accessories play an important role to enhance the performance and user satisfaction with the hearing aids. There are many accessories available which can be used as standard or optional accessories depending on the specific requirements of the user
For users who require to hear better in court rooms for instance Roger from Phonak is an excellent accessory for such difficult to hear situation.
Roger from Phonak is an intelligent wireless technology that transmits speech directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants, helping to overcome distance and noise. Functioning like a third ear, Roger allows people with hearing loss to learn, work and socialise more easily—a big step towards more inclusive societies and greater personal well-being.
Other Bluetooth devices, TV streamers, battery chargers, electronic dehumidifiers etc form a gamut of accessories that could be useful depending on the user needs.
Finding Hearing Aid Services
Quality Hearing Care at Vile Parle and Andheri Lokhandwala is your one stop solution provider for all kinds of Hearing aid solution services. From trial and fitting of a new hearing aid to programming / adjustments of existing hearing aids, Quality Hearing Care is the leading service provider in Mumbai.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve delved into the world of hearing aids, helping you understand what they are and how they work. Hearing aids are invaluable assistive listening devices designed to amplify speech while minimizing background noise, making it easier for those with hearing loss to connect with the world around them.
Hearing Aid Solutions: FAQ
Which are the best hearing aids?
Modern age Digital hearing aids have many features which help the use to hear in all kinds of difficult situations. To classify a hearing aid as best, features such as wireless functionality, rechargeability, bluetooth, multi channel signal processing, sound scape signal processing, directionality etc are important. Any hearing aid at the higher end of the product portfolio would be considered as the best in terms of technology and features provided. However which healing aid is best for a particular hearing impaired individual would depend on the specific hearing needs and communication demands of that individual.
What are the best hearing aids currently available on the market?
Signia, Phonak, Widex, Oticon, Resound, Starkey, Bernafon, Philips etc. are the brand names of some of the leading worldwide manufacturers and distributors of hearing aids available on the market today. Each manufacturer has its top of the line hearing aids with the latest advanced signal processing digital technology and a thorough comparison of the features available will help to decide which hearing aid is best suitable for your hearing needs. User controlled Features such as Bluetooth, rechargeability, audio streaming, wireless, artificial intelligence, soundscape processing will usually be available in the higher technology level hearing aids.
Which hearing aid brands are known for their quality and performance?
Signia with a history of more than 135 years (earlier Siemens Hearing Instruments) and Phonak are well known globally for the quality and performance of their hearing aids. Other international brands such as Widex, Oticon, Resound, Bernafon are also quite reliable and have created a strong presence in the market. Philips is a relatively new entrant in the market and relies on its strong brand presence in the domestic appliances segment.
What are some essential hearing aid accessories to enhance my experience?
Essential hearing aid accessories help to enhance the performance of the hearing aid and vary depending on the requirements of the hearing aid user
Roger from Phonak is an intelligent wireless technology that transmits speech directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants, helping to overcome distance and noise. Functioning like a third ear, Roger allows people with hearing loss to learn, work and socialise more easily – a big step towards more inclusive societies and greater personal well-being.
Other accessories such as remote control, charger, dehumidifier would be useful if applicable for the specific devices used.
Can you explain the process of hearing aid fitting and adjustment?
Hearing aid fitting and adjustment is a scientific process that involves evaluation of the hearing threshold of the user to begin with. Once the hearing levels have been ascertained, the audiologist would select the right hearing aid suitable as per the hearing loss of the user. The device is then programmed to match the specific amplification required and the various frequencies across the speech frequency range.
