Hearing loss can significantly impact the quality of life of an individual, affecting communication, relationships, and overall well-being. Thankfully, advancements in technology have given rise to a variety of devices designed to compensate for hearing loss. This guide will explore different types of devices that can aid those experiencing hearing loss.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are the most common device used to help with hearing loss. These small electronic devices can be worn behind the ear or inside the ear canal. They amplify sounds so they can be heard more clearly. Modern hearing aids can be adjusted to suit individual hearing needs and can even be connected wirelessly to smartphones, TVs, and other devices.
Cochlear Implants
For severe hearing loss, cochlear implants can be an effective solution. Unlike hearing aids which amplify sounds, cochlear implants work by going past the damaged parts of the ear, directly stimulating the auditory nerve. With this device, an external portion sits at the back of the ear, while a second portion is placed surgically under the skin.
Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
ALDs help individuals hear and understand sounds better when in noisy environments or over distances. These devices can be used with or without hearing aids and include personal amplifiers, FM systems, and infrared systems. They can be particularly helpful in public places like theaters, places of worship, or lecture halls.
Hearing Loop Systems
Hearing loop systems (also called audio induction loop systems) are designed to directly transmit sound to a hearing aid or cochlear implant, improving sound quality in environments with lots of background noise. The system uses a loop of cable to create an electromagnetic field that can be picked up by a telecoil, a small copper coil found in many hearing devices.
Captioned Phones
Captioned phones work like regular telephones, but with one crucial difference: they display a written transcription of the conversation on a screen. This allows individuals with hearing loss to read what the other person is saying in real-time, making telephone conversations much easier.
Bone-Anchored Hearing Systems
Bone-anchored hearing systems (BAHS) are used for individuals who cannot wear traditional hearing aids due to chronic ear infections, outer or middle ear malformations, or single-sided deafness. Using bone conduction, these devices deliver sound directly to the inner ear, circumventing the outer and middle ear.
There are a wide variety of devices available to assist those with hearing loss. Each has its own unique features and benefits, and the best choice depends on the individual's specific needs, lifestyle, and degree of hearing loss. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or audiologist to determine which device may be the most beneficial for you or your loved one. Despite the challenges that come with hearing loss, these innovative solutions can help individuals lead fulfilling and engaged lives.
Share1 August 2023
One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.