{"id":531,"date":"2020-11-28T01:04:19","date_gmt":"2020-11-27T16:04:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oliveunion.com\/ustest\/how-do-hearing-aids-work\/"},"modified":"2020-12-09T12:35:41","modified_gmt":"2020-12-09T03:35:41","slug":"how-do-hearing-aids-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oliveunion.com\/ustest\/hearing-device\/how-do-hearing-aids-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do Hearing Aids Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Thanks to hearing aids, people who suffer from hearing loss and damage are once again able to enjoy things like listening to music, conversing with friends, and other experiences that many take for granted.\u00a0I<span>n 2016, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/52814-Hearing-loss-statistics-at-a-glance\" title=\"Hearing Loss Statistics at a Glance\"><span>almost four million hearing aids were sold in the United States alone<\/span><\/a><span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>These small devices can help rebuild (and in some cases, create) one important part of the vibrant and rich experience we call life. But, have you ever wondered how these small miracle creating devices work? In this article we&#8217;re here to breakdown the finer details of the hearing aid and hopefully give you a newfound sense of respect for these pieces of amazing technology.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#How_a_Hearing_Aid_Works\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> How a Hearing Aid Works\n<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Analog_Versus_Digital_Hearing_Aids\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Analog Versus Digital Hearing Aids\n<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Different_Styles_of_Hearing_Aids\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Different Styles of Hearing Aids\n<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Completely-in-the-Canal_CIC\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.1<\/span> Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#In-the-Canal_ITC\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.2<\/span> In-the-Canal (ITC)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#In-the-Ear_ITE\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.3<\/span> In-the-Ear (ITE)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Behind-the-Ear_BTE\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.4<\/span> Behind-the-Ear (BTE)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Receiver-in-Canal_RIC_or_Receiver-in-the-Ear_RITE\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">3.5<\/span> Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Hearing_Aid_Features\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Hearing Aid Features\n<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Directional_Microphone\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">4.1<\/span> Directional Microphone<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Rechargeable_Batteries\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">4.2<\/span> Rechargeable Batteries<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Wireless_Connectivity\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_2\">4.3<\/span> Wireless Connectivity<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"How_a_Hearing_Aid_Works\"><b>How a Hearing Aid Works<\/p>\n<p><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although the individual components may be sophisticated,\u00a0almost all hearing aids consist of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/hearing-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">three main parts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: a microphone, processor, and a speaker. The miniature microphone picks up sound from the environment,\u00a0which is then transmitted to the processor. The processor consists of a computer chip which converts the sound into a digital signal.\u00a0The signal is then converted back into sound waves and transmitted to the speakers and broadcast to the user\u2019s hair cells in the eardrum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inside our eardrum we have thousands of small hair cells &#8211; these hair cells are what pick up and amplify the sounds we hear. When certain hair cells are damaged, they lose the ability to pick up specific frequencies. Hair cells in the inner ear specifically are unable to regenerate, so damage to them can cause permanent hearing loss and cripple a persons ability to hear a specific frequency for life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, with\u00a0the help of the extra amplification of the hearing aid, those damaged hair cells are once again able to pick up the frequencies, restoring hearing ability. Which sounds and frequencies are amplified is based on the settings programmed by an audiologist.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Analog_Versus_Digital_Hearing_Aids\"><b>Analog Versus Digital Hearing Aids<\/p>\n<p><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While most hearing aids manufactured these days are digital, analog hearing aids are still produced. Usually less expensive than digital hearing aids, analog aids are built and programmed by a manufacturer based on specifications provided by an audiologist about a patient\u2019s hearing. They have less flexibility than a digital hearing aid. However, they usually do have multiple programs or settings designed for different listening environments, such as small crowded rooms or large open halls.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital hearing aids, on the other hand, are not usually pre-programmed by the manufacturer. Because they are digital, they convert sound waves in numerical information, much like a computer. This information contains other information, such as volume and pitch. Therefore, a digital hearing aid has quite a bit of flexibility, allowing\u00a0an audiologist to adjust it specifically for a person\u2019s hearing needs. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Digital hearing aids also contain settings for multiple programs. Some digital hearing aids adjust programs automatically as environments change, and some even include remote controls so users can adjust the settings without having to remove the devices.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Different_Styles_of_Hearing_Aids\"><b>Different Styles of Hearing Aids<\/p>\n<p><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many different sizes of hearing aids, which allows for the accommodation of a person\u2019s specific hearing needs and their preferences:<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Completely-in-the-Canal_CIC\">Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This type of hearing aid is the smallest type available. The body of the hearing aid is molded to fit inside the user\u2019s ear canal. Because it sits within the ear canal, it is the least visible hearing aid type. Sitting in the ear canal, it\u2019s much less likely to pick up wind noise than other types. However, because of it\u2019s small size, it uses very small batteries that have a very short life span.<\/p>\n<p>A CIC hearing aid\u2019s small size doesn\u2019t allow for any extra features that may be included on other, larger types. Users of this type of hearing aid\u00a0are prone to clogs from earwax build-up. CIC hearing aids are designed for people experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"In-the-Canal_ITC\">In-the-Canal (ITC)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In-the-canal hearing aids are also molded to fit the user\u2019s ear canal and are fitted partially in the ear canal, usually with the microphone exposed in the outer ear. Like a CIC hearing aid, ITC hearing aids are less visible than larger types. An ITC hearing aid usually includes features that you won\u2019t see on a CIC hearing aid, but the controls are often small and unwieldy. ITC hearing aids are designed for people experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"In-the-Ear_ITE\">In-the-Ear (ITE)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In-the-ear hearing aids come in two styles, a full shell type that fills the area of the user\u2019s outer ear, and half shell type that takes up the lower half of the user\u2019s outer ear. In-the-ear hearing aids often include many features not found on smaller types; they use a larger battery and thus last longer than smaller hearing aid types. They are, on the other hand, larger and more visible than smaller hearing aid types and thus more susceptible to wind noise. ITE hearing aids are designed for people experiencing mild to severe hearing loss.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Behind-the-Ear_BTE\">Behind-the-Ear (BTE)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This type of hearing aid sits behind your ear via a small hook that goes over the top of the ear. A molded portion sits inside the ear canal and is attached to the outer portion via a tube. This is the largest and therefore most visible hearing aid type (although smaller less-noticeable versions are becoming available). This type of hearing aid is much more powerful than other types; however, it is the most susceptible to wind noises because of its positioning outside of the ear. BTE hearing aids are designed for any type of hearing loss.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Receiver-in-Canal_RIC_or_Receiver-in-the-Ear_RITE\">Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>These types are similar to BTE hearing aids; however, the speaker or receiver is fitted into the ear canal and connected to the outer portion with a tiny wire instead of tubing. Because more of the hearing aid components sit in the ear canal compared to BTE hearing aids, the outer portion of RIC and RITE devices is less visible.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Hearing_Aid_Features\"><b>Hearing Aid Features<\/p>\n<p><\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hearing aids offer several features that improve the hearing experience for those suffering from hearing loss. Some of these features include:<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Directional_Microphone\">Directional Microphone<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many hearing aids microphones are referred to as \u201comnidirectional,\u201d which means that they receive sounds from all directions. Directional microphone hearing aids typically have two microphones facing opposite directions. The hearing aid can focus on a specific sound source; the sounds picked up by the other microphone are considered background noise and the hearing aid can adjust to decrease the volume of that noise.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Rechargeable_Batteries\">Rechargeable Batteries<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many hearing aids on the market today are rechargeable or use rechargeable batteries. This can make a big difference in terms of the cost of having to replace batteries frequently and the ease of being able to simply charge your hearing aids.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Wireless_Connectivity\">Wireless Connectivity<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most of our devices today, such as cell phones and laptops, include wireless technology; hearing aid manufacturers are also starting to include this technology into their products as well. Bluetooth technology in a hearing aid allows the hearing aid to interface wirelessly with other devices such as cell phones and televisions. This allows the user to answer calls and stream music and other audio straight to their hearing aids.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><b>The information in this guide has been written using the following reliable sources:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/52814-Hearing-loss-statistics-at-a-glance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/report\/52814-Hearing-loss-statistics-at-a-glance<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hearusa.com\/hearing-loss\/hearing-loss-facts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.hearusa.com\/hearing-loss\/hearing-loss-facts\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/help\/hearing-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.healthyhearing.com\/help\/hearing-aids<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/hearing-loss\/in-depth\/hearing-aids\/art-20044116\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/hearing-loss\/in-depth\/hearing-aids\/art-20044116<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/hearing-loss\/how-do-hearing-aids-work\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/hearing-loss\/how-do-hearing-aids-work<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/hearing-aids\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/hearing-aids<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hearing aids have come a long way in the past decade. Technological advancements have made them more compact and versatile. But what&#8217;s inside? Here&#8217;s your sneak peek.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1206,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v15.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.oliveunion.com\/ustest\/hearing-device\/how-do-hearing-aids-work\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How Do Hearing Aids Work? - Olive Union\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Hearing aids have come a long way in the past decade. 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