Introduction

A hearing aid is an electronic, battery-operated device that amplifies and changes sound to allow better hearing and improved communication.

Component of Hearing aid and how it works

Hearing aid consist of four main parts :

1. Microphone
2. Amplifier
3. Earphone/speaker
4. Battery : power each electronic parts

Hearing aids receive sound through a microphone, which then converts the sound waves to electrical signals. The amplifier increases the loudness of the signals and then sends the sound to the ear through a speaker.

Type of hearing aid

Three major types :

1. Analog adjustable hearing aid
   • Custom on person hearing level
   • Amplified both speech and noise
   • Cheapest
2. Analog programmable hearing aid
   • Custom to person hearing level
   • Computer chip programmed for different environment
3. Digital programmable hearing aid
   • Automatically adjust according to environment
   • Compress sound.So no noise disturbance
   • More expensive

Commonly used hearing aid models :

• Behind the ear aids (BTE)

• In the ear aids (ITC)

• In the canal aids

Who need hearing aid?

• Person who have hearing loss in one or both ears which is severe enough to affect their hearing and communication ability and work performance.
• The decision to wear hearing aid usually by the person itself with the advice of an Audiologist.
• The following factors will be considered :
  • Hearing ability base on hearing test result
  • Type of job
  • Work and home activities
  • Physical limitation
  • Medical conditions
  • Cosmetic preferences
  • Affordability
  • Cost
• Wearing one hearing aid for hearing loss in both ears may be adequate, but, wearing hearing aids in both ears may help balance the sounds, improve understanding of words in noisy situation, and make it easier to locate the source of sound.

Advice

• Hearing loss affects people in different ways. Thus, correct type of hearing aid is necessary.
• Only certified and trained Audiologist can prescribed the hearing aid.
• Using hearing aid s successfully takes time and patience.
• Adjusting to a hearing aid is a gradual process.
• Learn how to use hearing aid from authorized personnel.
• Learn the proper care of hearing aid .
• Contact Audiologist if you have the following problems.
  • The hearing aid is not functioning.
  • The hearing aids may be uncomfortable.
  • Your own voice may sound too loud.
  • Your hearing aid may “whistle.”
  • You may hear background noise.
• Turn off your hearing aid when it does not need to be used.

Tips on the care of hearing aid

The following suggestions will help you care for your hearing aids :

• Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
• Replace dead batteries immediately.
• Clean hearing aids as instructed.
• Do not use hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids.
• Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
• Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets.

Rehabilitation

Provision of hearing aid by trained Audiologist Speech therapy is required in certain condition