Hearing aids do more than amplify sound. Modern devices make it easier to understand speech, connect to other technology, and filter out unwanted background noise when you’re out to dinner at Vintage Lounge.
Let’s look at how hearing aids work and which type of device best suits your lifestyle and benefits your hearing health.
How Hearing Aids Process Sounds 
All hearing aids contain five essential components:
- Microphone
- Amplifier
- Speaker
- Battery
- Computer processor
Hearing aid microphones pick up nearby sounds. These sounds are adjusted by the computer processor which has been programmed by your hearing aid specialist and customized for your type of hearing loss.
Once these sounds are processed, they are sent to the amplifier and then to the speaker. The speaker transmits these sounds into the inner ear, where they are transformed into electrical impulses and finally processed as sound in the brain.
What Type of Hearing is Best for You?
When deciding what hearing aid works best for you, there are multiple factors to consider. This includes:
- Style: There are several different styles of hearing aids, including Behind-the-ear (BTE), In-the-ear (ITE), In-the-canal (ITC), and Completely-in-canal (CIC). The right choice for you will depend on how small you want your device to be, how comfortable you are with objects in your ear canal and how severe your hearing loss is.
- Technology: Do you want to stream phone calls or music directly into your hearing aids? Is it essential that the pair you select can minimize wind noise since you spend a lot of time outdoors? These questions and more can help inform your decision.
- Convenience: If you don’t like the thought of carrying around disposable batteries for your device, you might find rechargeable hearing aids to be a preferable choice.
Hearing Aids Benefit Your Health
Whatever device you choose, the most important thing is to address any hearing loss you have as soon as possible. People who use hearing aids experience a wide variety of different health benefits, including:
- Lower levels of anxiety and depression
- Better physical health
- Better balance and a lower risk of injury from falls
- Reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia
If you would like to learn more about hearing aids or schedule an appointment with one of our experts, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today.