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ADVANCED
HEARING
CENTER P.C.
1450 US-31
Benzonia, MI 49616
Tel: 231-882-5640
Tel: 800-270-3010
New
Location:
3301 Veterans Dr.
Suite 221
Traverse City, MI
49684
Tel: 231-947-5640
Tel: 800-270-3010
Different Types of
Hearing Aids:
Hearing aids are better than ever. Many hearing-impaired people would benefit from
using them, but only one out of five, who need hearing aids, actually have one. There
are many types and degrees of hearing loss. This is why there are many types of hearing
aids with a wide range of functions and features to address individual needs. Today,
hearing aids can be programmed to automatically respond to minute changes in sounds,
etc.
Analogue hearing aids –
amplify sound signals picked up by a microphone and convert them into small electrical
signals. These signals are transmitted into the ear in real time. They can be altered
according to the needs of the individual user within the limits of the analogue technology.
In the beginning, hearing aids
were heavy and definitely not suitable for wearing on the body. An early hearing
aid typically consisted of a separate microphone, an amplifier, headphones and a
bulky battery. As the device worked best when placed on a table and used with a pair
of headphones, it was troublesome to use. Although the battery was large, it only
lasted for a couple of hours at a time, upon which the battery went dead. On top
of all this, early hearing aids were expensive, and only few people could afford
to buy them.
The new digital hearing aids
– In many cases improve the hearing ability of hearing-impaired people to such an
extent that even people with a profound hearing loss can live an almost normal life.
Today, digital hearing aids make
a decisive difference to the quality of life of hearing-impaired people.
Unfortunately, high costs cause
many people to choose cheaper, analogue hearing aids instead.
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"I am just as deaf as I am blind. The problems
of deafness are deeper and more complex, if not more important, than those of blindness.
Deafness is a worse misfortune. For it means the loss of the most vital stimulus
- the sounds of the voice that brings language, sets thoughts astir, and keeps us
in the intellectual company of man."
- Helen Keller
Hearing impairment has become the number one chronic physical disability. There
are approximately 21 million hearing impaired persons in North America, of these,
14.4 million could benefit from the use of a hearing aid.Yet, only slightly over
5 million persons regularly use amplification.This means that over 75 percent of
those who could possibly benefit from a hearing aid are missing the important sounds
of life and are having difficulties in their communication with others.
Today, many modern hearing aids use digital technology.
These are quite different from analogue hearing aids. They transform the sound,
convert it into bits, and manipulate it before amplifying the signal. This type of
technology is similar to that used in a CD player. A digital hearing aid can be programmed.
This means that digital hearing aids can be individually adjusted to suit the specific
user by means of a small computer. The modern digital hearing aid can provide a hearing-impaired
person with an improved and more pleasant sound picture. But it cannot bring back
normal hearing. A digital hearing aid with advanced directional microphones will
greatly help people who suffer from hearing loss, particularly in noisy surroundings.
The disadvantage of digital hearing aids is that they are more expensive.
Protect Your Ears
The best defense against noise-induced hearing loss is to
stay out of hazardous noise areas. But when spend-ing any amount of time in a noisy
environment, use hearing protection devices. When used correctly, hearing protection
devices help prevent hearing loss.
The first hearing aids were large unwieldy boxes
which took up as much room as a small suitcase.
They were nothing like today's small digital hearing aids
which can be hidden inside the ear and have an almost perfect sound reproduction.
Why Hearing Impaired Don't Seek Help
There are a number of reasons why the hearing handicapped (hard of hearing) do
not seek help. Some of these may include the following:
 are not aware of problem
- do not want to face the problem
- feel the hearing loss is temporary
- don't know what remedies are available
- don't know where to go for help. Common reasons given for avoiding the acknowledgement
of a hearing loss include:• the mistaken belief that hearing loss is a sign
of mental slowness
- erroneous notion that there is a social stigma associated with wearing a hearing
aid
- vanity or cosmetic reasonsGood hearing helps maintain satisfying relationships
— an important key to mental well-being.
Hearing Aid Costs
While the costs of health care have risen to such proportions that various governmental
agencies and third-party providers are effecting cost containment measures, retail
hearing aid prices have risen only a small percentage comparatively.
The consumer is purchasing not only a technically advanced
instrument but also is receiving extensive professional service and counseling.In
addition, the consumer frequently is offered a trial rental period.
Under the terms of such trial rental period, the consumer
may return a hearing aid within a proscribed period and pay only a nominal rental
fee.
As price increases are held to a minimum, dramatic technological
advances in hearing aid performance and miniaturization continue to revolutionize
the industry. And, the competency of Hearing Instrument Specialists keeps pace with
the improvement of the product.
Consult A Specialist
The Hearing Instrument Specialist is an important member
of the hearing health care team, strategically positioned within the delivery system
to provide the hearing aid user with essential services.
 Hearing Instrument Specialists test
hearing and evaluate the test, take impressions of the ear so earmolds can be fabricated
if needed, and select and fit hearing aids.
They provide instruction in the care and use of the hearing
aids, service the instruments, and provide counseling to the wearers and their family
members to help them adjust to the use of the hearing aid.
If the Hearing Instrument Specialist determines through
inquiry, actual observation, or review of available information that a person has
any of eight medical symptoms designated by the Food and Drug Administration, the
prospective client will be advised to consult a physician.
Hearing Instrument Specialist Most Accessible
A public survey revealed that 93 percent of the persons
who wear hearing aids constantly are satisfied. This may well have to do with the
availability of the Hearing Instrument Specialist to provide post-fitting consultation
and services.
As the most accessible member of the hearing health care
team, The Hearing Instrument Specialist sees the hearing-impaired personwith greater
frequency than any other provider.
For more information about hearing and hearing loss – visit these Web sites:
Home • About Us • Our Services • Hearing Facts
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