5 types of hearing aids: How to choose the characteristics, pros and cons

Special devices amplify ambient sounds, creating a full-fledged living conditions for people with hearing loss. Miniature devices are mounted in the outer ear or ear canal.

How to choose a hearing aid

By purchasing the device for the correction should take into account the stage of hearing injury. The greater the degree of hearing loss, the higher the frequency of the instrument. Standard models correspond to the average of the disease stage. A device must meet the individual needs of the person, by weight, the principle of operation and size. If a patient plans to use power all the time, it is preferable to choose a bore device.

important parameters

Pay attention to the basic characteristics of hearing devices that affect the sound quality and ease of use.

Type of hearing aid

By the principle of action are two types of amplifiers:

• Analog. The device is based on a simple mechanism consisting of microphone, Amplifier and speaker. Device capture sound, converts it into an electric signal. Amplification does not depend on frequencies not arranged under ambient conditions and especially humans. Volume can not be adjusted, but indistinct speech is clear and normal sounds loud. Analog devices do not adjust the sound, and only increase, so the person gets an additional noise pollution. The disadvantages of analog devices are bulky size and the absence of noise reduction. The cost of equipment is low, simple operation.
• Digital. The principle of operation resembles a computer. The device consists of a microphone, a digital signal processor, speaker. The microphone picks up incoming sounds, converting them into digital code, and it separates the noise. The program then processes the information, given the characteristics of hearing a particular person. Before applying complicated configurations. Devices transmit high quality sound with a distinct speech. Faint words are legible and loud served softer noises are suppressed. Devices apply to medical devices subject to certification. Digital hearing aids are contraindicated for people with chronic diseases of upper respiratory tract.

Sound amplifiers in both ears

Using two machines is recommended more frequently with bilateral hearing loss, but the benefits and problems with one-sided. Binaural devices increase the concentration, it becomes legible. The left and right ear are working simultaneously, which prevents the sensor failure.

number of channels

On the number of channels of digital devices affects the quality of playback: more than them, the purer sound.

attaching point

The devices differ in size and the installation method:

• BTE. The device is placed behind the ear, with the earmold tube is guided into the ear canal. They are made of different sizes - from microscopic models to large sizes. Tubes and inserts are also different.
• In-the. The device is located within the ear canal or in the auricle. High resolution provides increased power, long battery life.
• Intracanal. Miniature devices are placed only in the ear canal. They are almost invisible, but power is less and care more difficult.
• Pocket. Separate type - the unit where the unit is located separately and worn in a pocket.

Power

Parameter must not only comply with hearing loss, but also exceed the required level. This will ensure long-term use of the device.

Noise suppression

Assigning function is to strengthen the voice of the interlocutor, it is becoming clearer, and the accompanying noise are reduced. This option is useful for hypertensive patients and people suffering from migraine.

Adjusting the volume

Besides the automatic sound adjustment, the volume is controlled by the user.

secondary options

antireaction

This option prevents the appearance of whistles when the near digital devices and turn on the machine itself.

Programs

The device includes a 2-5 programs that are designed for different conditions: to view TV, Visits to noisy places, listening to music.

type of sound conduction

• Air conduction. Almost all kinds of devices work under this system. They are suitable for patients with any degree of hearing loss. The action is based on a two-channel signal processing, noise reduction and adjustable binaural setup, forming surround sound.
• bone conduction devices. Purpose of the mechanism is to strengthen and converting signals into vibrations that come to the inner ear. The device does not attract attention. Recommended for patients with sensorineural, mixed, conductive tackle sound conduction.

stereo amplifier Xingma 909E

Sound volume is adjustable, which makes the device comfortable to use under different conditions. Achieving near-perfect sound is supplemented by three types of ear plugs, which most accurately matched to each user.

Characteristics

• The device is an analog signal.
• Operating frequencies - 300-4500 Hz.
• Full sound frequency - 48-53 dB.
• The maximum saturation - 129 dB.
• Fixing - BTE.
• Regulator five volume levels.
• Powered by batteries.
• Components - 2 batteries.
• Color - beige.
• Weight - '62
• Production: South Korea.

pros

• Simple operation.
• Soft material inserts.
• noise reduction mode.
• Clear sound.
• Acceptable price.
• Rotary volume control.
• Convenient box for storage.
• Comfortable and stable mounting.
• Long service life.

Minus - a significant weight on prolonged wearing.

Hearing aid Ostrosluh 900

Miniature, ergonomic device is designed to enhance the sound in a radius of 20 meters. The device is not noticeable prying eyes, color organically merges with the pinna. Power is securely fastened within the ear canal, well kept even during active movements, playing sports.

Characteristics

• Analog operating principle.
• The housing is located inside the ear.
• Power - to 129 dB.
• Strengthening to 47 dB.
• Input noise to 28 dB.
• Power supply voltage - 1.4 V.
• Frequency 200-3500 Hz.
• Material inserts - silicone.
• The volume is adjusted (5 levels).
• 3 types of ear plugs.
• Complete with brush for cleaning.
• Weight - 2 grams.
• Continuous operation - 20 hours.

pros

• Ear tips in different sizes.
• Nice stuff sack.
• Isolation of extraneous noise.
• High quality playback.
• Easy operation.
• Convenient volume control.
• Compact size.
• The purity of the amplified sounds.
• Very lightweight device.
• The average cost of a product among similar models.

Minuses

• No mute button.
• To work is necessary to replace the batteries.

Sound Amplifier AXON K-80

Hearing aid skin color will help people with impaired hearing to recognize the voice of the caller, to hear ambient sounds, to feel comfortable in all conditions. Depending on the situation, the user adjusts the volume of the necessary information playback.

Characteristics

• Action Type - Digital.
• The maximum sound output - 115 dB.
• The sound is amplified by 30 dB.
• Distortion waves less than 10%.
• Frequency range - from 250 to 3800 Hz.
• The noise canceling function.
• batteries management.
• Supplied with two batteries.
• Nozzles are made of silicone.
• Weight - 5 g

pros

• Miniature size.
• Easy to use.
• Filters out extraneous noise.
• Quality packaging.
• 4 different size liner.
• Neat appearance.
• Pointer to the correct location of the battery.
• Imperceptible in use.
• Low cost.
• Stylish and convenient storage case.

Minuses

• Quick energy consumption, require frequent battery replacement.
• The device does not turn off.
• Not equipped with batteries.
• Some users complain about the quality of reproduction.

stereo amplifier Jinghao JH-906

The tiny device is a light-brown color gives the user with any hearing loss the opportunity to hear clearly. Watching TV, listening to lectures, chat with people becoming more comfortable.

Characteristics

• Purpose - 1 and 2, the degree of hearing loss.
• Radius - 10 m.
• Gain Indicator - 50 dB.
• With 1.5V
• Powered by 1 battery.
• It is inserted into the ear.
• 4 variations of liners.
• It weighs 4 g including the battery.
• Manufacturer - China.

pros

• Qualitatively words.
• Convenient plastic container with a snap.
• product lightness.
• Practical soft silicone in the composition.
• Price category average.
• Resistant design.
• Imperceptible in use.
• sound volume control.

Minuses

• Short range.
• The simplicity of design.
• It operates off using batteries.

stereo amplifier Zinbest HAP-40

The device helps people with hearing problems hear better the world around us, to fulfill all the tasks. Simple operation of the device makes it stand out from a number of similar amplifiers. One rotation of the wheel turns on or off the device to adjust the volume to the desired.

Characteristics

• Processing - Digital.
• housing accommodation in the pocket.
• The sound is transmitted through the headphones.
• Hearing distance - 20 meters
• volume control function.
• Multi-channel amplifier.
• Product color - black.
• The range of frequencies up to 3000 Hz.
• The strength of the sound up to 50 decibels.
• 4 the sound level adjustment.
• Weight - 35 grams.

pros

• The high level of amplification.
• Special settings for the user.
• Convenient mounting clip to clothing or belt.
• Suitable for people with fine motor problems.
• The budget price.
• The device is seen as normal headphones.
• Long service life.

Minuses

• Massive device.
• Significant weight.
• Not very convenient operation, wire falls.

Hearing aids and amplifiers solve the problem with the lack of activity of the hearing. The small device makes available everything that used to be heard.