Hearing aids, though most people do not know this, have been around a long time. Though current technologically advanced models have existed for over 100 years, various attempts at amplifying our hearing has gone on for five centuries. In the last few decades, great advances have been made in hearing aid technology creating a more effective and reliable product. With so many advances in modern hearing aids, we will detail a few of the most popular available today.
Hearing aids that are in the ear, or ITE, are designed to fit the largest section of the outer ear. ITE devices come in two basic types which include full-shell and half-shell. Designed for all types of hearing loss, including severe, full shell devices are recommended. While the large amplifier is sensitive enough to pick up sounds, even in noisy places, it may also pick up wind noise. The reason for its popularity is that it is very easy to adjust compared to other hearing aid models. The half shell variety has many of the same features as the full shell, but it's smaller and may not be powerful enough for anyone with severe hearing loss.
Digital sound processing, or DSP, is a technology that can pick up sounds and reduce background noises at the same time. Depending upon the brand and model, a variety of hearing aids come with a digital processor. One extremely powerful hearing aid, Naida by Phonak, is capable of helping people with severe hearing problems. With technology advancing at lightning speed, we can expect more products like this in future generations.
Interestingly, most hearing aids are not made with digital technology, but analog technology, which has been around for quite some time. Although the analog variety does not offer as many features as digital products, they come at a lower price sometimes under $1000. More technologically advanced models are gradually replacing these type of hearing aids. They have the disadvantage of often distorting sounds such as words, making it hard to follow conversations. In crowded or loud locations, they are not very effective. If you are on a limited budget, this is probably an excellent hearing aid for you.
Hearing aids, like almost every other type of device, are getting more advanced all the time. As with any technology, however, if you want the most effective type with the most features, you'll have to pay the price. Even if you can't afford the most high performance hearing aids, you can still find affordable models that will make a big difference in your hearing ability. All electronic devices, however, come down in price after they have been out for a couple of years.
Hearing aids that are in the ear, or ITE, are designed to fit the largest section of the outer ear. ITE devices come in two basic types which include full-shell and half-shell. Designed for all types of hearing loss, including severe, full shell devices are recommended. While the large amplifier is sensitive enough to pick up sounds, even in noisy places, it may also pick up wind noise. The reason for its popularity is that it is very easy to adjust compared to other hearing aid models. The half shell variety has many of the same features as the full shell, but it's smaller and may not be powerful enough for anyone with severe hearing loss.
Digital sound processing, or DSP, is a technology that can pick up sounds and reduce background noises at the same time. Depending upon the brand and model, a variety of hearing aids come with a digital processor. One extremely powerful hearing aid, Naida by Phonak, is capable of helping people with severe hearing problems. With technology advancing at lightning speed, we can expect more products like this in future generations.
Interestingly, most hearing aids are not made with digital technology, but analog technology, which has been around for quite some time. Although the analog variety does not offer as many features as digital products, they come at a lower price sometimes under $1000. More technologically advanced models are gradually replacing these type of hearing aids. They have the disadvantage of often distorting sounds such as words, making it hard to follow conversations. In crowded or loud locations, they are not very effective. If you are on a limited budget, this is probably an excellent hearing aid for you.
Hearing aids, like almost every other type of device, are getting more advanced all the time. As with any technology, however, if you want the most effective type with the most features, you'll have to pay the price. Even if you can't afford the most high performance hearing aids, you can still find affordable models that will make a big difference in your hearing ability. All electronic devices, however, come down in price after they have been out for a couple of years.
