{"id":31023,"date":"2020-06-16T21:26:10","date_gmt":"2020-06-17T01:26:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/losgatosaudiology.com\/?p=31023"},"modified":"2020-06-16T21:26:10","modified_gmt":"2020-06-17T01:26:10","slug":"getting-to-know-your-hearing-aids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/losgatosaudiology.com\/getting-to-know-your-hearing-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting to Know Your Hearing Aids"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for new hearing aids? There are many different styles of hearing aids, and lots of unique programs and features that can help you hear when you need it the most. Here\u2019s a guide to getting to know your hearing aids.<\/span><\/p>\n

Styles of Hearing Aids<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are several styles of hearing aids to choose from. Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids nestle behind your ear, and have a small clear tube directing sounds from the hearing aid to your ear canal. Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) devices also sit behind the ear, but a small wire connects the hearing aid to a receiver that sits in the ear canal.<\/span><\/p>\n

In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids sit within the outer ear, and are smaller than BTE devices. In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids sit in the ear canal itself, with only a small part showing at the top of the ear canal. And finally, Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids sit within the ear canal, and are very hard to spot.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing Aid Basics<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hearing aids are designed to help you hear clearly. Wearing a hearing aid makes it easier to follow conversations, hear in places with a lot of background noise, and pick up on all the soft sounds in your environment. Wearing hearing aids can improve your quality of life, and help you stay social.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing aids have five main parts.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
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  1. A microphone picks up all the sounds around you. It then converts the sound waves into electrical signals.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. A computer chip or circuit board analyzes the electrical signals, runs programs, and adjusts sounds to help you hear.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. An amplifier makes sounds louder.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. A receiver converts the electrical signals back into sound waves, and sends it to the ear canal.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. A battery provides power to the hearing aid.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Hearing aids are getting more advanced every day, and hearing aid technology can do some incredible things. These small devices are like mini-computers that can analyze the sounds around you, and help you hear even in the most complex listening environments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Hearing Aid Programs<\/span><\/h3>\n

    Today\u2019s hearing aids have a number of advanced programs, and most hearing aids have sophisticated background noise reduction and speech enhancement programs. Hearing aids can be adapted to fit your hearing needs, and you can decide which programs and features you need to help you hear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    As you look for new hearing aids, think about the programs you\u2019d like to have, and get to know more about your hearing aids.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n