The main organs that give a person the joy of perception of the world are hearing, vision and speech. Loss of normal functioning of one of these organs reduces the quality of life. Especially often due to age-related changes, people lose their hearing. But in modern society, with a high level of development of medicine and the technological process, this problem is easily solved. In case of hearing impairment, an in-ear hearing aid comes to the rescue.
General characteristics of hearing aids
The hearing aid is a special device with which the hearing function is replenished. The operation of this device is to play sounds by recognizing and amplifying, clearing from third-party noise interference, increasing their purity and clarity.
The difference between a hearing aid and a sound amplifier is that the former is multifunctional and more effective, while the latter, due to the limitations of its sole purpose, negatively affects the hearing, subsequently contributing to its complete loss. Sound quality does not change when using a sound amplifier, it just gets louder. Therefore, an intra-ear hearing aid is still preferred. Reviews vary depending on a particular type of device.
The hearing aids of domestic and foreign origin available on the Russian market are assembled from several elements. This is the case of the device, inside of which there is a special microphone and sound amplifier, a telephone. More advanced devices also have an integrated microprocessor. Outside, there is a mounting part on the case.
The in-ear hearing aid operates as follows. The microphone picks up sounds from the environment that turn into electrical sounds. Then these sounds are sequentially sent to the amplifier. The degree of their sound is converted in the amplifier, after which they are transferred to the phone to turn sounds into vibrations.
If the device is equipped with a microprocessor, then after the phone the sounds are processed in it, where their quality improves, clearing of extraneous interference, and clarity is reproduced. The microprocessor can have individual settings for each person individually.
Types of hearing aids and classification
According to their characteristics, method of reproduction, fastening, etc., hearing aids are divided into various types. Making the choice yourself is very difficult. It will be more correct to seek the help of a specialist or doctor, choose a hearing aid according to your own individual characteristics. Looking ahead, we note that the in-ear hearing aid is popular. The invisible mechanism makes it especially popular among patients.
According to the degree and form of conversion and reproduction of sounds, they are divided into several types.
Analog hearing aids
One of the most inexpensive types of hearing aids. It is used little in connection with its simplicity and not the highest quality and convenience. His preference is given only because of the low price. These devices are distinguished by the fact that they do not improve the high-quality reproduction of sound, only enhancing it. All sounds are amplified, those that were available to man, and no. As a result, it is difficult for the patient to understand the essence of what he heard. They cause inconvenience to the patient due to poorly reproduced sound.
Digital hearing aids
These are advanced mechanisms that reproduce high-quality sounds. Digital hearing aids are in great demand. In-channel devices are equipped with built-in microprocessors that convert sound according to several criteria, giving the end result is the quality that is more convenient for humans. The owner of the hearing aid almost does not notice the difference between the previous one hundred percent hearing and the one that is compensated by the device.
According to the ability to determine sound, the devices are divided into several types.
Air Conduction Hearing Aids
The most popular devices in high demand. This is due to their versatility. They allow you to improve your hearing with almost any impairment. Thanks to such devices, a person hears not only sounds that are nearby, but also those that are reproduced by telecommunications.
Sound bone conduction apparatus
These are used to restore the conduction function of sounds. Not the most popular devices because of their functional limitations. According to the method of attachment, the devices are also divided.
BTE hearing aids
The most common. Consist of two components. The case of the auditory device itself, which is located on the outside of the auricle, and a thin channel of polymer material, introduced into the ear, through which sounds are heard. They come in various sizes, modifications. They are recognized as very comfortable. Inside the case there are batteries that are easy to replace. The device has a pre-warning function that the battery will be discharged soon. Compact and comfortable.
In-ear hearing aid
They are very similar to the in-ear ones, but differ in the placement method and size. Such a mechanism is placed in the cavity of the auditory canal, which increases the sound quality.
It is used in almost all types of hearing impairment, including extreme hearing loss. Such an apparatus is fixed inside the auditory canal, thanks to its work the sound is reproduced more clean, with greater clarity. It is very compact, almost invisible to the eyes of others. It weighs very little and does not cause additional inconvenience. This is practically the most expensive type of hearing aid.
In-ear hearing aids: reviews and prices
The processor built into the hearing aid is manufactured and tuned based on the doctor’s recommendations and individual customer characteristics. They are single in manufacture and are not mass produced. Each patient orders a device for themselves. According to the opinions of doctors and patients, it is superconvenient and, when worn for a long time, practically insensible.
Such an in-ear hearing aid will last about 2 or 3 years, depending on the intensity of use. Due to its location inside the ear, it is damaged as a result of clogging during perspiration, sulfur emissions, etc. It is equipped with replaceable batteries. Batteries must be replaced every 10-14 days.
It is recommended to remove all hearing aids at night, clean them in a timely manner and ensure careful operation. In the event of a malfunction, there are service centers for the repair of equipment at organizations that produce these products. Hearing aid repair parts are also available from the manufacturer.
How to choose an in-ear hearing aid? The price of the device also depends on the quality of sound reproduction. The cleaner it is, the more expensive the device itself. The initial price of domestic intra-channel devices is from 30,000 rubles. It can reach 100,000 rubles for more advanced models.
On the market for hearing aids, intra-channel devices of domestic and foreign manufacturers are presented. They differ in the quality of the material and components from which the in-ear hearing aid is made. Devices of foreign manufacturers are much more expensive.
The imported intra-ear hearing aid also appears on the market. The price of such a device starts from 50 000 rubles and reaches 200 000 rubles. More expensive models have the ability to partially replace parts and extend the service life, which is initially longer.