Hearing aids

Synonyms

Hearing aid, hearing system, hearing glasses, cochlear implant, CI, in-the-ear hearing system, ITE, RIC hearing system, behind-the-ear device, BTE, hearing machine, ear tube, concha hearing system, Micro-CiC, intoxication device, tinnitus noiser , Tinnitus masker, receiver-in-canal, tinnitus control instrument

English: hearing aid

definition

Hearing aids or hearing aid! What are these terms supposed to tell us? Naturally! A device that makes us as inconspicuous as possible but effectively at good Listen can help, sometimes even making it possible to hear! But how are these devices structured? Can such a hearing aid be of any help at all? And if so, which of the many is suitable for me? How do I care for my hearing aid? All of these questions should be addressed in general terms and food for thought should be given on their subject!

history

First of all, the history of hearing aids. Hearing impairment does not just occur in our day. No, yes 1650 described the Jesuit priest Athanasius Kircher his invention of a so-called "Hearing machine"This probably consisted of a kind of listening funnel.
But as primitive as this tool may seem, it has met with little success. The father's research was more likely based on trial and failure, because it was not until 1812 that an unknown author described his researched findings on the physical sound guidance on the ear tube.
Eight years later, in 1820, Pastor Dunker had his "hearing machine with flexible tube" patented. He had connected a hard rubber funnel to a tube between 8 and 12 feet long. For this device he had written 12-page instructions for use. Apparently, some simplifications still urgently needed to be carried out.
When electricity was discovered at the end of the 19th century, a new era in hearing aid technology dawned. In 1901 Edison registered his "coal granulate transmitter", a first so-called telephony hearing aid, which was already quite useful for the time. Even the English Queen Alexandra used such a hearing aid for the coronation celebrations in 1901, although it was made by Miller Reese Hutchinson had been built, which she thanked by being awarded an order.
Over time, the devices became smaller, handier and even portable on the body. That was a big improvement over the first table-top hearing aids.
From 1950 onwards, the development of hearing aids with amplifier tubes to be worn on the body began.
The transistor was invented seven years later, which led to the miniaturization of components. But because the rubbing noise of the clothes was still annoying, the technicians concentrated more on developing a device that could be worn on the head. The result of these efforts were behind-the- ear- hearing aids.
At the end of the 1980s, patients became more and more interested in in-the-ear hearing aids, although their amplification was initially only sufficient for minor to moderate hearing impairments.
The current digital age has brought a great leap forward in hearing acoustics. Never before have there been such small and powerful hearing systems / hearing aids as in our time.

therapy

Hearing aids generally increase the volume level of all noises and tones. However, this does not happen evenly, rather soft tones are positively amplified, while medium or loud tones are regulated down to a volume that is as pleasant as possible.
As a result, hearing aids adjust the volume of the sound world as optimally as possible in both quiet and loud surroundings.
A hearing system is a small amplifier system with the following components:

one microphone,
one amplifierwhich mostly processes the signal digitally,
one Miniature speakers, also called listener,
an either custom made Eartip made of acrylic or silicone or an individual case for a custom-made In-the-ear hearing system
and one battery.

Even if many hearing impairments are effectively compensated for, modern hearing aids are unfortunately not for every form of Hearing loss suitable and not always manage a 100% normal Hearing ability restore. However, they were developed in order to amplify the sound world in your environment and to make it audible and understandable again as individually as possible.
This makes everyday life easier in many places: You can again participate intensively in conversations with friends and relatives. Normal activities, such as shopping, etc. can be carried out independently again.
Hearing aid users often find that they no longer feel so tired and isolated. There are different models available today for different types of hearing loss. And the design has also been significantly improved and richer.
Thanks to the rapid development of microelectronics stand today Hearing aids available that do more than just amplify sound signals and usually ensure a long-term, successful supply. Many hearing systems work with a full iintegrative S.signalvelaboration (ISP). This technology enables optimal signal reproduction by adapting it to the acoustic environment.

The core of the technology is a so-called Dynamic integrator. Here you can save all your personal settings and sound preferences. These then flow dynamically into the sound processing process and enable optimal sound quality. Other system modules such as Multiple microphone systems or the digital background noise and Feedback suppression enable the best possible, natural sound and thus the best possible speech understanding.

How do you get a hearing aid?

The first step should be visiting a ENT doctor represent. This should carry out a detailed hearing diagnosis with examination and testing of your hearing in order to record objective and subjective components of the existing hearing ability.
When a Hearing loss is available that can be supplied by a hearing aid, the ENT doctor will issue a prescription.
You can now visit a hearing aid acoustician of your choice. He should then advise and inform you individually and in detail about a suitable hearing aid.
This also applies to the partial financing of a medically prescribed hearing system by statutory health insurance companies with a fixed amount. You should ask your hearing care professional for all further information.
Furthermore, when fitting a hearing system, it should be adjusted so that it is optimally tailored to your personal needs and reasonable personal requirements.
An important prerequisite for your long-term satisfaction and long-term hearing success is not only this intensive initial consultation, but also further technical support and advice on questions of care and treatment by the hearing aid acoustician.

Care and Maintenance

Since modern hearing systems are technologically high-quality products that require careful treatment and care in order to experience the longest possible, trouble-free service life, it is advisable to follow the instructions of the hearing aid acoustician you trust. True, most are Hearing aids easy to use but the variety of models and materials used mean that there are different care and operating advice. An exemplary list of care instructions should, however, avoid even the grossest incorrect treatment of your hearing system:
To clean the hearing aid, you should only wipe it with a soft, dry cloth.
You must never clean a hearing aid with water or other liquids on your own responsibility. Exceptions are special care products, which can be obtained from your hearing care professional with further tips on daily care.
Is the sound output through Ear wax or moisture blocked, it is advisable to use a special tool to remove the wax and a blower to remove the moisture.

Where should you go without hearing aids?

At the swim or showering, the hearing system must be removed as water entering the device can seriously impair the function of the device.
You should also take out your hearing aid before you blow dry your hair or use hairspray or cosmetics (including sunscreen creams!).
The same applies during an examination Ultrasonic, CT, X-ray exposure or similar
Avoid exposing your hearing aid to direct sunlight or excessive heat (for example on the heater)!

Storage

Keep your Hearing aid always in the designated, impact-resistant case and out of the reach of children.
At night you should store your hearing aid in a desiccant bag or can, which removes harmful moisture from the devices and thus increases their service life. But don't forget to remove the battery beforehand.
The ear molds should be placed in a special cleaning liquid overnight to remove residues such as ear wax, etc.
Please switch off the hearing aids when not in use. If you are not going to use it for a long time, you should also remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.

Summary

Since we humans are quite dependent on our sense of hearing in everyday life, be it to maintain our social contacts, to communicate vital or dangerous events or to experience nature in a pleasant and relaxing way, it is an important task to promote this sense and keep it functional for as long as possible to obtain.
Just supposed to Hearing aids and Hearing aids serve. With the enormous choice between behind-the-ear devices, in-the-ear hearing systems, hearing glasses, intoxication devices and Cochlear implant of which there are usually still various specialized subspecies, it is very important on the one hand to diagnose your own hearing problem accurately, but also to find the right hearing aid for your own diagnosis. But once the right hearing aid has been found and well cared for, it should be a loyal and extremely useful companion! A successful search!