Every year, millions of people worldwide turn to hearing aids to improve their hearing capabilities. However, many are unaware of how these life-changing devices function. If you've ever asked, "How do hearing aids work?" this article will give you an in-depth understanding of their operation, types, and much more.

How Does Human Hearing Work?

Before we delve into how hearing aids work, it's critical to understand how human hearing works. Hearing is a complex process that involves the coordination of different parts of the ear: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.

The Outer Ear

The outer ear is the visible part of your ear that collects sound waves and directs them into the ear canal. It's made up of the pinna (the part of the ear you can see) and the ear canal. The ear canal amplifies the collected sounds and sends them to the eardrum.

The Middle Ear

The middle ear starts at the eardrum, a thin membrane that vibrates when hit by sound waves. These vibrations move three small bones known as ossicles (the malleus, incus, and stapes), which amplify the sound and send it to the inner ear.

The Inner Ear

The inner ear houses the cochlea, a snail-shaped structure filled with fluid and tiny hair cells. When the amplified sound waves reach the cochlea, the fluid moves, causing the hair cells to bend. As the hair cells bend, they create electrical signals that the auditory nerve carries to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as sound.

What is a Hearing Aid?

Now that you understand the basics of human hearing, let's discuss hearing aids. A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn in or behind the ear. It amplifies and modulates sound for the wearer. They are used to improve the hearing and speech comprehension of individuals with hearing loss resulting from damage to the small sensory cells in the inner ear, known as hair cells.

Hearing aids can help people hear better in both quiet and noisy situations. However, only about one in five people who would benefit from a hearing aid use one.

How Do Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids are intricate pieces of technology that compensate for damaged parts of the ear to help individuals perceive sound more clearly. Their working principle is straightforward: they receive sound through a microphone, convert the sound into an electrical signal, amplify the signal, and then deliver it into the ear via a speaker.

Microphone

The microphone is the first and most critical component of a hearing aid. It captures sounds from the environment and converts them into electrical signals.

Amplifier

The next crucial part is the amplifier. This component increases the volume of the signals received from the microphone. At Carlow Hearing, our top-tier hearing aids feature advanced amplifiers that can boost specific frequencies more than others, tailoring the amplification process to the wearer's unique hearing needs.

Speaker

The speaker (also known as a receiver) converts the amplified electrical signals back into sounds and delivers them into the ear. These sounds are much louder and clearer than when they first entered the hearing aid.

Battery

Powering all these components is the battery. The size and lifespan of the battery depend on the hearing aid's style and the device's power requirements.

How Can Hearing Aids Help?

Hearing aids can be transformative for individuals with hearing loss. The World Health Organisation estimates that around 466 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss, which can lead to social isolation and a decreased quality of life. Here's how hearing aids can help:

• Improve Communication: They enhance speech comprehension, especially in noisy environments, allowing wearers to participate more effectively in conversations.

• Reduce Mental Fatigue: Struggling to hear can be mentally exhausting. Hearing aids make sounds clearer, reducing the cognitive load on your brain.

• Prevent Cognitive Decline: Several studies have suggested a link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. By addressing hearing loss, hearing aids can help maintain cognitive health.

• Enhance Safety: Better hearing increases environmental awareness, improving personal safety.

Different Styles of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids come in various styles, each with its pros and cons. They can be classified into two primary categories: In-the-Ear (ITE) and Behind-the-Ear (BTE).

In-the-Ear (ITE)

ITE hearing aids are custom-moulded and sit in the outer portion of the ear. There are different types of ITE aids:

• Full Shell: These fill most of the outer ear, are easier to handle, and have a longer battery life.

• Half Shell: These are slightly smaller and fill only the lower part of the outer ear.

• In-the-Canal (ITC): These are even smaller and fit partly in the ear canal.

• Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC): These are the smallest types, sitting entirely in the ear canal and are barely visible.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE)

BTE hearing aids sit behind or on top of the outer ear, with a tube connecting the hearing aid to an earpiece inside the ear canal. There are different types of BTE aids:

• Standard BTE: These are the largest type, providing maximum amplification.

• Mini BTE: These are smaller and less visible than standard BTEs.

• Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC): These are similar to BTEs but with the speaker inside the ear canal for better sound quality.

Types of Hearing Aids

There are three types of hearing aids: analogue, programmable, and digital.

• Analogue hearing aids amplify all sounds (noise and speech) in the same way and can be adjusted for different listening environments.

• Programmable hearing aids have a microchip that allows more customised settings for different listening environments.

• Digital hearing aids convert sound into digital signals and process the sound to provide superior sound quality. They can distinguish between noise and speech and adjust accordingly.

Do All Hearing Aids Work the Same Way?

While all hearing aids share the same basic components (microphone, amplifier, speaker), they do not all work the same way. The performance of a hearing aid depends on its style, type (digital vs analogue), features, and how well it's fitted and programmed for the user.

For example, some hearing aids come with directional microphones that focus on sound from a specific direction (usually in front of the user), making them ideal for conversations in noisy environments. Others come with telecoils that pick up magnetic signals from compatible telephones and public sound systems, providing clear sound without background noise.

Which Hearing Aid Will Work Best for Me?

The best hearing aid for you depends on your lifestyle, the nature of your hearing loss, budget, and personal preferences. At Carlow Hearing, our audiologists will conduct a comprehensive hearing test to assess your hearing loss. We will recommend the best options based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and budget.

Consider the following factors when choosing a hearing aid:

• Type of Hearing Loss: The severity and frequency range of your hearing loss will influence the style and features of the hearing aids you need.

• Lifestyle Needs: Your daily activities, work environment, and hobbies will determine the required features and durability of your hearing aids.

• Budget: Hearing aids vary in price depending on their style, features, and brand. We'll help you find a solution that fits your budget without compromising on quality.

• Aesthetics: While some people want their hearing aids to be as invisible as possible, others prefer a device that's easier to handle.

How to Choose the Right Hearing Aid?

Choosing the right hearing aid is a personal decision that should be made after careful consideration and consultation with an audiologist. Here are some steps to follow:

• Understand Your Hearing Loss: Understanding the nature and severity of your hearing loss will help you make a more informed decision.

• Identify Your Needs: List your daily activities, work environment, hobbies, and any special requirements you have.

• Set a Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend. Remember that while hearing aids are an investment, they can dramatically improve your quality of life.

• Try Before You Buy: At Carlow Hearing, we offer trial periods for you to experience how hearing aids can benefit you in your everyday life.

• Professional Guidance: Trust our audiologists to guide you through the process and recommend the best hearing aids.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Hearing Aid?

Regular cleaning and maintenance can prolong the life of your hearing aids and ensure they perform optimally. Here's a basic guide:

Daily Cleaning

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the outer surface of the hearing aids every day. Never use water, solvents, cleaning fluids, or alcohol, as they can damage the hearing aids.

Weekly Cleaning

Use a hearing aid cleaning brush to remove wax and debris from the microphone and speaker ports. If your hearing aid has a wax guard, check it regularly and replace it when needed.

Regular Servicing

Just like any other electronic device, hearing aids need regular servicing. At Carlow Hearing, we provide professional servicing to ensure your hearing aids are always in top shape.

Common Misconceptions About Hearing Aids

Misconceptions about hearing aids often prevent people from seeking the help they need. Let's debunk some of the most common myths:

• Myth 1: Hearing aids will restore my hearing to normal. 

Reality: Hearing aids can significantly improve your hearing but can't cure hearing loss or restore your hearing to normal.

• Myth 2: Hearing aids are only for severe hearing loss.

Reality: Hearing aids can help people with all levels of hearing loss, not just severe cases.

• Myth 3: Hearing aids are too expensive.

Reality: Hearing aids vary in price, and many affordable options provide great benefits. Furthermore, investing in your hearing health can significantly improve your quality of life.

How to Get Started with Hearing Aids?

Getting started with hearing aids is easy and straightforward with Carlow Hearing:

Hearing Assessment

The first step is to have a comprehensive hearing assessment to determine the extent and type of hearing loss.

Discussion

Our audiologists will discuss the results with you and explain your options. They will recommend the most appropriate hearing aids based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.

Fitting

If you decide to proceed, we will custom-fit and program your new hearing aids to meet your hearing needs.

Follow-up

We will schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you're getting the most out of your hearing aids and make any necessary adjustments.

Get the Best Hearing Aid for You at Carlow Hearing

At Carlow Hearing, we offer a wide range of hearing aids from leading manufacturers such as Phonak, Unitron, Signia/Siemens & Rexton. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to find the best solution for your hearing needs. Don't let hearing loss affect your quality of life - contact Carlow Hearing today and step into a world of better hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do hearing aid batteries last?

Hearing aid battery life depends on the battery's size, the hearing aid's power requirements, and the hours of use per day. On average, hearing aid batteries can last anywhere from 3 to 14 days.

Can I wear my hearing aids while showering or swimming?

Most hearing aids are not waterproof, and exposure to water can damage the electronic components. It is best to remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or participating in any activities where they might get wet.

Can I Use My Hearing Aids With My Smartphone?

Many modern hearing aids are "smart" hearing aids, meaning they can connect directly to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This lets you stream audio directly to your hearing aids and often control settings through a mobile app.

What is the lifespan of a hearing aid?

The average lifespan of a hearing aid is between 3 to 7 years. However, this can vary depending on the quality of care and maintenance.

Can I sleep with my hearing aids in?

Generally, it is not recommended to sleep with your hearing aids in. Removing them gives your ears a chance to rest and lets you clean and charge your hearing aids.

How Often Should I Get My Hearing Tested?

For adults, it's recommended to get your hearing tested every three years if you're over the age of 50 and every ten years if you're under 50. However, if you suspect any changes in your hearing, you should get tested immediately.