Critical Facts About Hearing Aids

By Michelle Howe


Hearing aids are highly sophisticated electroacoustic devices that are worn behind the users' ears. These are designed to amplify sounds through having those converted to electrical signals. MD hearing aid comes in different types. Each has specific power and circuitry and among the most popular of these are body worn, behind the ear or BTE, in the ear or ITE, in the canal or ITC and disposal aids. They have distinctive pros and cons; thus, users should only buy in accordance with their audiologists' recommendations or put their auditory system totally at stake otherwise.

Body worn aids were the ones first created. These were invented by the father of stereophonic sound, Harvey Fletcher - an American physicist. Body worn aids typically come with ear molds and cases attached with a wire. The cases are sized as big as a pack of playing cards. They contain a battery, electronic amplifier devices and controls.

Behind the ear aids are plastic tubes that carry sound in customized ear molds. They come in larger sizes making it easy for users to manipulate. These can last pretty much longer compared with the smaller devices. They could be integrated with directional microphones. The thing is, these are not quite easy to hide especially if the wearer has a short hair.

In the ear devices are also custom-made. They have a shell that fits perfectly in the outer ear. They can house typical volume controls and directional microphones. They are also easy to manipulate as well as inserted. They tend to be bulky, though.

In the canal or ITC aids are barely noticeable as these are inserted into the opening of the ear canal. These are not priced as much as the ITE but are particularly large enough for the directional microphone. These are also prone to feedback.

Disposable hearing aids come with non-replaceable batteries. Such devices are designed simply for periodic use as well as for critical police investigation where a wearer only uses the device during the operation. People born with hearing disorder are advised to opt for these. However, it is a very good idea to spare at least one or two so as to something to use during emergencies.

Ordinary devices that are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration are categorized under Class I. Industrialized countries normally give free aids through healthcare program that are funded by the national government. There are some companies offering heavily discounted devices as well but users are cautioned about purchasing anything if they have yet to have personal conversation with their physicians.

Individuals with severe condition need to go to their audiologists for regular consultations. The control system and directional microphone needs some adjustments every once in a while. Having those adjustments done without the right skill and knowledge will only lead to the device's failure.

Buying any MD hearing aid requires a professional guidance from a doctor. The device is very insensitive that necessitates a series of tests as well as a careful consideration on critical factors before a user can get one.