A hearing aid is a device used to help hard-of-hearing people hear sounds better. In the past, a funnel-like amplification cone, called an "ear trumpet" or "ear horn" was used. Also sometimes used was a desk with a built-in amplifier into which a microphone and earphones could be plugged; these worked better than passive ear trumpets but were not portable.
Now, however, the most common style is a small electronic device that fits into the wearer's ear. The first variety of this device had a rectangular battery pack connected by a thin wire, intended to be held in a pocket. Such "body aids," though much more portable than the desk type, still suffered significant disadvantages due to sub-optimal microphone placement. Since the microphone was not near the user's head, it was susceptible to interfering sounds such as clothing-noise. Sound input was also distorted if the microphone was located below the mouth of a person with whom the user was conversing.
Now, however, the most common style is a small electronic device that fits into the wearer's ear. The first variety of this device had a rectangular battery pack connected by a thin wire, intended to be held in a pocket. Such "body aids," though much more portable than the desk type, still suffered significant disadvantages due to sub-optimal microphone placement. Since the microphone was not near the user's head, it was susceptible to interfering sounds such as clothing-noise. Sound input was also distorted if the microphone was located below the mouth of a person with whom the user was conversing.
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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
How do Hearing Aids Work?
During the mid- to late 20th century, hearing aids that were carried in pockets were replaced by a more inconspicuous sort of model in which small zinc-air batteries were placed in the inserted unit itself.
Recent hearing aids include wireless hearing aids. One hearing aid can transmit to the other side so that pressing one aid's program button simultaneously changes the other aid and both aids change background settings simultaneously. FM listening systems are now emerging with wireless receivers integrated with the use of hearing aids. A separate wireless microphone can be given to a partner to wear in a restaurant, in the car or in another room. The voice is transmitted wirelessly to the hearing aids reducing the effects of distance and background noise.
Many theatres and lecture halls are now equipped with assistive listening systems that transmit the sound directly from the stage; audience members can borrow suitable receivers and hear the program without background noise.
Hearing aids are often advertised at widely varying prices, from $300 US to $5,000 US per hearing aid. A major factor contributing to the wide variance in price is the number and complexity of hearing aids available. Comparison shopping may be difficult for one who has not studied hearing and sound sciences. Another factor in the variance of prices is the bundling of services needed to customize a hearing aid to a specific ear and hearing loss. The complexity of these devices, the amount of customization required, and the personal nature of hearing suggest the best place to buy a hearing aid is somewhere you are comfortable, from someone you trust.
Recent hearing aids include wireless hearing aids. One hearing aid can transmit to the other side so that pressing one aid's program button simultaneously changes the other aid and both aids change background settings simultaneously. FM listening systems are now emerging with wireless receivers integrated with the use of hearing aids. A separate wireless microphone can be given to a partner to wear in a restaurant, in the car or in another room. The voice is transmitted wirelessly to the hearing aids reducing the effects of distance and background noise.
Many theatres and lecture halls are now equipped with assistive listening systems that transmit the sound directly from the stage; audience members can borrow suitable receivers and hear the program without background noise.
Hearing aids are often advertised at widely varying prices, from $300 US to $5,000 US per hearing aid. A major factor contributing to the wide variance in price is the number and complexity of hearing aids available. Comparison shopping may be difficult for one who has not studied hearing and sound sciences. Another factor in the variance of prices is the bundling of services needed to customize a hearing aid to a specific ear and hearing loss. The complexity of these devices, the amount of customization required, and the personal nature of hearing suggest the best place to buy a hearing aid is somewhere you are comfortable, from someone you trust.
