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Hearing Aids
With the help of hearing aids, you can reconnect with the world of sound. However, there are many things to learn about when it comes time to consider what hearing aids are right for your hearing needs. Hearing Healthcare Centers are here to help you learn more about hearing aids so you can make a more informed decision.
How Hearing Aids Work
There are four basic components which every digital hearing aid has so it can function properly— a microphone, amplifier, receiver, and power supply (batteries).
The microphone captures sounds and transmits them as electrical signals to the amplifier. In the amplifier, sound volume is increased. Depending on the quality of the hearing aid, the amplifier can also determine what kinds of sounds should be louder like human speech and when to quiet down sounds such as slamming doors. Once the sound is processed in the amplifier, the amplified sound is transmitted to the receiver. From there, the hearing aid receiver sends the sound to your inner ear.
Some higher-end hearing aids can offer more features such as greater signal processing and automatic adjustments to different listening environments, but overall, all hearing aids work essentially the same.
Signs You Need Hearing Aids
The signs that indicated whether or not you need hearing aids are nearly the same signs which can show that you have hearing loss. Namely, these signs are:
- People often sound like they are mumbling their words or talking too quietly.
- Having your earwax professionally removed did not fix your hearing trouble.
- Eating out at busy restaurants is frustrating, as the noises tend to drown out conversations you are trying to hear.
- All of your audio entertainment is near or at the max volume level.
- Your tinnitus symptoms have become worse.
- Family and/or friends have mentioned that they notice you are struggling with your hearing.
- You can’t enjoy the sounds of nature anymore.
- Higher-pitched voices are hard to hear such as the voices of your grandchildren.
If you find that you are struggling with these issues, then it is time to make an appointment for a hearing evaluation with one of our hearing specialists. With four hearing clinics available, you can easily meet with one of our experienced hearing specialists who can help identify exactly what your hearing needs are and what hearing aids will help you best.
Ways Hearing Aids Improve Your Life
Hearing aids can improve your life in many ways. Some of these ways are more obvious than others. A few of the significant benefits of using hearing aids are:
- Engage more with family and friends - With hearing aids, you can catch all the inside jokes and the whole conversation when you are with your family and friends, rather than feeling like you always have to say, “Can you say that again?”
- Manage tinnitus with hearing aids - Many people find that their tinnitus grows louder as they can hear less. With the use of hearing aids with tinnitus support, you can enjoy soothing background sounds as well as all the sounds you wanted to hear.
- Decrease your risk of cognitive decline - Hearing loss is a significant risk factor of cognitive decline, leading to dementia and other memory issues. By using hearing aids to keep your mind sharp and engaged, you may be able to reduce your risk of increased cognitive decline.
- Feel more confident in social situations - It’s tough to feel confident when you know your hearing isn’t as good as it could be. With the use of hearing aids, you can more easily navigate social situations and feel confident whether at work, home, or any other circumstance.
- Increase situational awareness - Hearing is integral to situational awareness, whether it’s the distant sound of a train or the more immediate noise of a dog growling. Missing these sounds can be dangerous, but by using hearing aids, you can stay dialed in with the world of sounds around you.
Basic Styles Of Hearing Aids
There is a variety of hearing aid styles you can choose from when you work with our hearing specialists. We work with all major hearing aid manufacturers, so you can have a full span of choices.
To give you an idea of what hearing aid styles are available for you, we have listed the basic types below.
In-The-Ear Hearing Aids
One of the most popular styles of hearing aids is the In-The-Ear (ITE) style. These hearing aids range in size from the visible, low-profile design above to hearing aids so small that they can be completely placed within your ear and work invisibly. This style of hearing aid can help those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, though some can help those with more severe hearing loss.
Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aids
When most people think about hearing aids, they think of the Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid style. While the BTE style of hearing aid can vary in size, all of them are positioned behind the wearer’s ear with a tube extending to the ear canal. These hearing aids can usually help with most levels of hearing loss, from mild-to-severe hearing loss. Some of the most powerful units can even assist those with profound hearing loss.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
If you don’t want to deal with changing out tiny hearing aid batteries, many hearing aid manufacturers now make rechargeable hearing aids. Currently, only BTE style hearing aids are rechargeable. Some, like the Oticon Opn hearing aids, are hybrids. So if you forget to charge up your hearing aids the night before, you can easily pop in some batteries to tide you over.
Find Hearing Aids At Hearing Healthcare Centers
If you are looking for hearing aids in the greater Charlotte area, then you should visit us at Hearing Healthcare Centers. We have four convenient locations, with three in the Charlotte area and one in Rock Hill, SC. At our independent clinics, we can help you find the perfect hearing aids for your needs.
To work with one of our excellent hearing specialists, contact us today to set up an appointment. We will do our best to help you regain your connection with the world of sound around you.