Miracles of the whole world are accessible to modern people thanks to the basic organs of the senses, including the organs of hearing. The beauty of the universe can go out when it is violated. Scientific developments and innovative solutions have enabled hearing impaired people to overcome such difficulties. Today, everyone can buy a hearing aid that has superior technical characteristics and is invisible to people around.
general information
Hearing aids are a special group of medical devices that are designed to correct the volume of perceived sounds if the person’s natural hearing is impaired. The use of such devices will help users not to fall out of society and lead an active lifestyle. Hearing impairment can occur not only in older people, but also in patients who have suffered various injuries.
The phenomenon of hearing loss also manifests itself as a result of complications of a number of diseases or medications. Before purchasing, it is recommended that you study the hearing aid forums. Reviews from real users will help to form an objective opinion about a particular device for enhancing hearing.
How to choose a hearing aid
In people of advanced age, the need to use a device to enhance hearing is increasing. Therefore, you must responsibly approach the choice of this device. By looking at forums and reviews about hearing aids for older people, you can make the right choice. Complex or overly small devices may not be usable. First you need to determine the power of the device, since a very loud sound can lead to an increase in deafness.
Devices for young people
There are features of hearing aids for children. Forums and reviews point out that young people prefer modern appliances that have a stylish design. Teens often choose small models with high sound quality and clarity of speech.
Principle of operation
The device contains a special microphone that converts sounds into an electrical signal and directs them to the amplifier. Then the signal enters the receiver and makes a loud sound. Modern models of hearing aids have wide functionality that allows you to configure the desired mode of operation. Devices can process signals analog or digital.
It is quite difficult to choose a device on your own, so it is recommended to seek help from an audiologist. Many experts recommend using devices that are manufactured using digital technology. Such devices are suitable for patients with conductive hearing loss. Air conduction devices can be used at any stage of hearing loss.
Main types
Specialized equipment for hearing correction is produced by companies that introduce many high-tech solutions to create functional and comfortable models.
There are several types of compact devices that differ in location:
- intracanal;
- intra-ear
- behind the ear;
- Pocket.
Such devices have their own advantages and disadvantages, so the choice must be approached individually. It is preliminary recommended to seek the advice of an audiologist.
Intra-channel devices
The range of this category of hearing aids has many advantages. The devices have a compact size, so they are absolutely not visible from the outside. Devices do not create distortion, therefore, perfectly preserve the naturalness of speech. The use of such devices is safe even with deep in-channel use. Among the most popular models are the following:
- Audifon arriva. The device has the most anatomically adapted body. This model corresponds to the structural features of the ear canal, therefore it is easily removed and installed. The device is equipped with a noise reduction system, a programmable indicator and a functional Notch filter. User reviews report that this device attracts attention with its miniature size and the ability to use several programs. Some buyers note insufficiently strong body material.
- Oticon ino. This model is distinguished by high build quality, which ensures a long period of operation. The Rise 2 format helps to fine-tune the speech flow. As a positive point, users highlight dynamic feedback suppression, as well as adaptive focus. Reviews report that the device can be comfortably placed in the ear canal due to the small size of the body.
- Widex mind 220 M2. The device is suitable for use in patients who have been diagnosed with hearing loss I-III degree. Many user reviews report that the device is good to install while attending social events. The device allows you to make the necessary settings in a matter of seconds, as well as install programs. Users feel confident in any situation, since the device has a built-in noise reduction system, as well as the ability to adjust sound. As disadvantages, many note the high cost and inconvenient process of installing the device.
On hearing aid forums, reviews of in-ear devices are mostly positive. Many users report that such devices are not visible from the outside. Almost all models have a directional microphone, so a person can perceive all the sounds that come from people.
Intracanal devices are installed deep in the ear canal. The devices differ in miniature dimensions, so they are convenient to use, which is confirmed by numerous reviews. Forums about hearing aids, where real users share their opinions, are reliable sources of information, so do not lose sight of them. Some patients note that the use of intra-channel devices can accurately determine the direction of the sound source.
In-Ear Devices
This category of hearing aids is a model that is compact and has a high level of comfort. Devices can compensate for symptoms of hearing loss up to 80 dB.
Devices are not visible from the outside, so they are widely popular among middle-aged patients and young people.
- Bernafon win. Such devices have an adaptive noise reduction system, so a person can hear all sounds with high quality. The working effect of the device is enhanced by a directional microphone. The device has several channels for processing sounds. Many users like the fact that the device has a digital volume control. Reviews note that the presence of FM compatibility is an added bonus to the functionality of this device.
- "Wit 900." The shape of this unit allows you to tightly enter the upper part of the ear canal and level out extraneous sounds. The kit has three pairs of earbuds of different sizes, which provides excellent attachment of the device to the ear. The device can operate continuously for 20 hours. The device allows you to easily listen to music, chat with colleagues and watch movies. Users appreciated the presence of special rods and brushes for caring for the device. Reviews report that the device does not squeeze the ear passages, and also does not attract attention. Some users note limited functionality and not the smallest sizes.
- "Assistant RM-505." The device has a well-thought-out streamlined body design, which does not cause discomfort for users. The battery is designed for continuous use for 45 hours. Users report that the device allows you to clearly hear any sounds and voices of people. The reviews contain information that the device does not fall out when playing sports. As a disadvantage of this device, it can be noted the dependence on the mains for long trips.
Almost all models of the in-ear units are based on wireless technology. Devices can produce sound amplification up to 70 dB. Reviews say that such devices allow you to catch speech in the wind. The devices have a built-in function of increased speech intelligibility. Experts say that in-ear devices are not suitable for people with middle ear diseases and chronic otitis media.
Behind the ear
Manufacturers have long mastered this area, so such hearing aids are classics. Users are presented with a wide selection of different devices.
Therefore, everyone can choose a hearing aid in accordance with individual needs.
- The Knight. The devices are manufactured at domestic enterprises, so the balance of price and quality remains the most attractive on the market. Many users liked the light weight and high power of the device. Even the elderly appreciated the ease of use and maintenance. Forums and reviews about hearing aids for this category of the population are full of information that the sound of this device is excellently detailed and has no feedback. Users can independently select the desired volume level and mode of operation. As an indisputable advantage, many note a reliable assembly. Many users liked the appearance of a hearing aid with an ergonomic body.
- Phonak OK. A quality device based on a special technology. The device integrates AudioSet sound amplification system , which allows you to achieve an excellent effect of the perception of surrounding sounds. The device automatically suppresses extraneous noise and prevents the action of feedback, which is confirmed by reviews of the Fonak hearing aids. Forums contain information that the product is convenient to use at home. As a drawback, many note the impressive dimensions and dark color of the case, which stands out during daily use.
- Resound match. The device allows you to compensate for the first three degrees of hearing loss. Setting up the device does not require auxiliary equipment. Many users note the convenient placement of the device behind the ear. The functionality of the device allows you to enhance the sound up to 54 dB. Reviews report that the device does not cause any discomfort during use. The device has an excellent noise reduction system.
- Siemens Digitrim 12 XP. The device is included in the category of best hearing aids. The device compensates for a decrease in hearing grade III – IV. Users can independently configure without additional software. Many patients liked the flesh-colored case, which masks the device under the skin, which is confirmed by numerous positive reviews about Siemens hearing aids. The forums where people share their impressions of using this device with each other contain information that the noise reduction system works flawlessly. As a negative point, users noted a fragile case that requires careful handling.
- Cyber Sonic. The device is suitable for patients with significant hearing loss. This model belongs to the category of analog devices. The device has a convenient curved shape, which allows it to be firmly fixed in the ear. The device provides high sound quality, which is confirmed by numerous reviews of the Cyber Sonic hearing aid. Forums where users exchange opinions contain information that the device can be used even in a very noisy room.
Behind-the-ear units are powerful and are used in cases of severe hearing loss. Such devices have a large number of built-in functions. Reviews report that the device’s efficient operation is ensured by a perfect fit under the user's ear.
Pocket Hearing Aids
Such devices are not widely used among users. However, convenient and powerful models can be found on the market. Handheld devices are easy to use, and the appearance is modern in shape. Among the most famous models are the following:
- Axon F-28. The device has an original appearance, which remotely resembles an audio player. The body of the device is connected by a cord to the earbuds. The built-in volume control allows you to make the sound most enjoyable. User reviews note the simple functionality and low cost of the device. Others report that the device has a weak battery, which lasts literally for several hours of operation.
- "Rhythm". This model allows you to solve the problems of hearing loss III – IV degree. The device provides a sound increase of up to 87 dB. The functionality of the hearing aid is quite wide. Many users liked the option of suppressing feedback and reducing noise low-level load. The device has an ergonomic body with a simple control system. User reviews report that the device can easily connect to a smartphone, PC and other devices via Bluetooth. Active filters deliver superior sound quality and a wide range of audio frequencies. Some users say that you need to get used to this unit, since the design provides for a connecting cord.
Hearing aids make it possible to amplify the sounds coming into the ears of a person several times.
There are many types and models of similar devices on the market. The device perceives sound and converts it taking into account dynamic and frequency requirements. It is very important for users to choose the right hearing aid. Which hearing aid is better? A forum of relevant topics will allow you to get a lot of useful information from real users. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the recommendations of a specialist.
Public opinion
Despite a biased opinion, many prefer hearing aids from China. Reviews and forums contain information that such devices are not inferior in quality to European brands. Many talk about the fact that manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom offer products that perfectly enhance the sound. At the same time, the cost of such devices can please every user.
If you have hearing loss, you should consult a specialist, and then study the forums about hearing aids. User reviews will help you choose a high-quality device, the use of which will not cause discomfort and inconvenience. Due to the wide variety of types of hearing instruments, you can quickly find the best model. The review of hearing aids presented in this article, forums and reviews of real users will help to make the right choice regarding a device for enhancing hearing.
Brief conclusion
This article discusses the popular models of hearing aids, which differ in the optimal ratio of technical equipment and quality. All devices are characterized by ease of use and a long service life. Devices for improving hearing are constantly being improved, so new models appear on the market that differ in a pleasant design and power.