A hearing aid is a device designed to make sounds louder for those with hearing loss. It can be worn in or behind the ear. A hearing aid has the following important parts:

Microphone
Sound is received through the microphone. Sound waves are then converted into digital signals and sent to the amplifier.

Amplifier
The role of the amplifier is to increase the power of the digital signals. The amplifier makes sounds louder or softer.

Receiver
This piece changes the amplified signals into sounds.

Microchip
This allows for customized tuning based on your specific needs.

Battery
The battery powers the hearing aid.

Technological advances mean that modern hearing aids are more discreet than they used to be. They are designed to increase the sound of speech, rather than background noise.

There are a number of hearing aid options available. These include:

BTE (Behind-the-ear)

• Device with a sound tube
• includes receiver/speaker in the ear
• power BTE
• standard BTE
• mini/ultra small BTE
• receiver-in-canal (RIC) or open dome

ITE (In-the-Ear)

• CIC – Completely in the canal
• IIC – invisible in the canal
• in-the-ear full-and-half-concha
• tiny canal (ITC)

Implants

• Cochlear implants
• Auditory brainstem implants
• Bone anchored hearing aids
• Middle ear implants

Thanks to technological advances, there are now a number of accessories available. Although they are not essential, accessories can enhance your hearing experience further. Some useful accessories include:

Remote controls
Adjustments to settings like volume can be made with remote controls, which makes it convenient and easy to adjust your hearing aid.

External microphones
External microphones can stream sound to your hearing aid, which means that you can choose which sounds are louder than others. For example, you can stream a conversation so that it is louder than the background noise.

Chargers
In the past, most hearing aids came with disposable batteries, but today hearing aids are rechargeable.

Applications
There are a number of applications for smart phones and tablets, which make adjustments like changing the volume, making phone calls and listening to music easy.

Bluetooth devices
With the use of bluetooth devices, your hearing aid can be connected to devices like cell phones, TVs, computer, Mp3 layers and tablets.

Once your audiologist has recommend a hearing aid, you will be fitted so that it feels comfortable. Next, your audiologist will programme the device according to the settings best suited to you and switch it on. Your audiologist will speak to you to check that the settings are correct before showing you how to adjust the hearing aid and will assist with other fine tuning adjustments. Audiologist will assist in showing how to adjust hearing aid… not just the volume. And will assist with other fine tuning adjustments to the hearing aids. It is important to schedule a follow-up appointment as you may want to steadily increase the volume of your device.

It is quite normal for everything to seem very loud when you first use a hearing aid. It can take time for brain to adjust to new sounds, so be patient and try to avoid overly noisy situations in the beginning stages. Speak to your audiologist if you have any questions or concerns.

First, your audiologist will help you find a hearing aid that is right for you. She will take into consideration the following factors:

• The type and configuration of your hearing loss
• The size of your ear canal
• Wax build-up in your ear
• Your particular lifestyle and communication needs
• Your age and dexterity
• Any previous experience you may have with hearing aids

It can be difficult adjusting to the idea of wearing a hearing aid, but the benefits of dealing with your hearing loss will affect your quality of life significantly. It is important to bear in mind the following factors:

• A positive attitude and a willingness to learn will go a long way in adjusting to your new hearing aid.
• It may take some time for your brain to acclimatise to new sounds.
• Your voice may sound strange to you initially, but you will soon get used to it.
• Remember to clean and dry out your hearing aid regularly, and take it for a professional service at least once a year.
• When having a conversation, stay close to the person you are speaking to, and maintain eye contact.

It can be very helpful to wear a hearing aid in both ears. Some benefits include:

• You will be able to distinguish sounds from each other more easily
• Your sense of distance from a sound will be improved
• You will be able to follow conversations better
• You will be able to hear lower volumes
• Your hearing will feel more balanced, as your hearing will be equal on each side
• The sound quality will be better