A hearing aid is a small electronic device that allows you to hear sounds more clearly. Worn in or behind the ear, it helps you participate and communicate more effectively in your daily activities.
Hearing aids are not designed to correct your hearing: they simply amplify sounds according to the degree of your hearing loss. From speech to environmental noises (doorbells, horns, nearby conversations, etc.), all types of sounds can be amplified with a hearing aid.
How does a hearing aid work?
A hearing aid consists of three main components. Each plays a key role in delivering the right sound level and frequency to your ear:
The microphone: This miniature microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals, which are transmitted to the amplifier.
The amplifier: The amplifier increases the power of these electrical signals and sends them to the speaker. The level of amplification depends on the individual's degree of hearing loss. This is determined during an assessment performed by an audiologist.
The speaker: The speaker receives the electrical signals and converts them into acoustic energy, i.e., sound. This sound is then transmitted into your ear.
Different types of hearing aids
There are several types of hearing aids, with various designs and technical characteristics. The choice depends on one's lifestyle and the degree of hearing loss.
In-the-ear (ITE) models
In-the-ear models are more discreet and are generally intended for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Invisible-in-canal (IIC): IICs are placed deep in the ear, making them completely invisible.
Completely-in-canal (CIC): CICs are similar to IICs, but they do not sit as deeply in the ear.
In-the-canal (ITC): Larger than IICs and CICs, these devices are placed in the lower part of the concha, making them more visible. ITCs generally offer more features than IICs and CICs, such as a volume wheel (manual volume control).
Low-profile hearing aids: Low-profile models come in half-shell and full-shell versions. Half-shells occupy the lower half of the concha, while full-shells fill it completely. As they are larger than the devices mentioned above, they can accommodate more features and controls.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) models
The structure of behind-the-ear hearing aids differs from that of in-the-ear models. While the microphone, amplifier, and speaker are combined in the body of in-the-ear devices, these components are separated in BTEs. BTEs are suitable for all degrees of hearing loss.
Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC): The speaker of the hearing aid is placed inside the ear canal, while the microphone and amplifier are housed in a small case behind the ear.
Behind-the-ear with custom earmolds: These devices are based on the same architecture as RITEs and RICs but have earmolds custom-made to the exact dimensions of your ear canal. They are commonly used for children because they are easily replaced as the child grows.
Do I need a hearing aid?
If you don't hear as well as you used to, you may need a hearing aid. It really depends on the type of hearing impairment you have.
Keep in mind that people who need hearing aids are not just seniors. Although they represent the majority of people affected by hearing loss, many young people also suffer from it. Of the 466 million people worldwide affected by hearing loss, 34 million are children.
Signs of hearing loss
Often, your loved ones notice your hearing loss before you do. However, there are a number of early signs of hearing impairment that you can identify in your behavior:
You frequently ask people to repeat themselves or speak louder.
You turn up the TV or radio volume more than others.
You have difficulty understanding what is being said to you on the phone.
You don't understand all the dialogue in a movie.
You constantly hear whistling or buzzing in your ears. This may be a sign of tinnitus.
If you think you or a loved one is suffering from hearing loss or another hearing impairment, consult an audiologist. They can perform tests and determine if a hearing aid would be beneficial for you.
Do I need two hearing aids?
It's a legitimate question. After all, we have two ears!
Whether your hearing loss affects one ear or both, talk to your doctor about the possibility of wearing two hearing aids. Bilateral fitting is not systematically recommended by doctors: the recommendation depends on your hearing loss. But to give you an overview of its advantages, here are some benefits reported by users:
The ability to distinguish speech and sounds amidst ambient noise. Since our brain is designed to use sound reaching both ears to understand our environment, two hearing aids help it focus on specific sounds or speech while attenuating the rest.
An expanded listening field and better localization of sound sources. With bilateral amplification, your brain better identifies the origin of sounds and helps you focus on what is being said to you. Faint sounds and whispered speech are also better perceived.
Where to buy hearing aids?
You can buy hearing aids from your audiologist, possibly in your doctor's office, in a manufacturer's store, or online. Do your research to find a solution that meets both your hearing needs and your budget. If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, there are over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids you can try.
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