All hearing aids consist of a microphone, amplifier, speaker and a battery to power them. This diagram shows how hearing aids deliver amplified sound to the ear by a miniature microphone and amplifier, usually worn behind or within the ear. A small tube directs the amplified sound from the receiver into the ear canal of the wearer. Basic Programmable hearing aids are very sophisticated hearing tools. They come with many adjustable controls which may be computer aided. They are so advanced that a volume wheel is not necessary.
No, When purchasing a hearing aid you get four main choices. They are the style (shape) and the type of technology (traditional, programmable or digital), both of which affect the price. You can also choose if you want B.T.E. (behind the ear) or I.T.E (in the ear). A B.T.E. hearing aid is placed behind the ear and held in place by a ear mould that is located inside your ear canal. The sound is channelled from the hearing aid, through a small tube connected to the ear mould and into your ear. A I.T.E. hearing aid fits into the contoured part of the outer ear. It's about the size of a ten cent coin.
Traditional hearing aids are
high quality hearing instruments, they just have less options
than their technologically advanced friends. It has two controls
for fine adjustments and a volume wheel for the patient. The
traditional hearing aid works well in quiet environments and is
recommended for those with fairly quiet lifestyles.
Premium Programmable hearing
aids have many adjustable controls which are programmed using
computer software. This allows for a more flexible hearing aid.
These Premium Programmable's have two separate memories and some
even come with their very own remote control for volume. This
type of hearing aid is recommended for people with a very active
lifestyle.
Digital Hearing Aids are the
latest hearing aid technology. The thing that makes them
different from all other hearing aids is in the way that they
process sound. Digital signal Processing (DSP) is used instead of
the more common electrical currant that is used in other hearing
aids. DSP is the clearest signal available today, compared to CD
quality. Digital hearing aids are fully automatic and have no
volume wheel or remote control. They contain a computer chip and
are programed through computer software. Digital Hearing Aids are
recommended for those with an active lifestyle, a variety of
listening demands and the desire for the most advanced technology.
The Hearing Aid was developed by a man by the name of Dr. Ronald L. Steenerson. He was born in Indiana and attended Purdue University and Indiana Medical School. After two years in the Airforce as a flight surgeon he did at UCLA/Wadsworth VA in Ear, Nose and Throat. He then practised otology in California and Colorado before moving to Atlanta, Georgia in 1987.
