How is a normal hearing aid different from a cochlear implant? • hello healthy

Hearing aids are devices that are usually recommended for people with hearing impairments. This tool is used to help you hear more clearly and communicate better. Further, see the explanation below.

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that you wear in or behind your ears. Hearing aids increase the volume of sound that goes into the ear, so that people with ear problems that affect hearing can listen, communicate, and participate more smoothly in daily activities.

Hearing aids are another way to treat hearing loss, apart from cochlear implants. This device cannot restore normal hearing function, but it can help the listening process better in quiet and noisy situations. However, there is a limit to the maximum volume increase a hearing aid can provide.

In addition, if the inner ear is too damaged, even large vibrations will not be converted into nerve signals. In this situation, hearing aids will be ineffective.

How do hearing aids work?

Hearing aids have three parts, namely the microphone, amplifier and speakers. Hearing aids receive sound through a microphone, which converts sound waves into electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The sound booster then increases the signal strength and then sends it to the ear through the speaker.

Hearing aids amplify sound vibrations that enter the ear via hair cells. The surviving hair cells detect these larger vibrations and convert them into nerve signals that are passed to the brain.

The greater or more severe the damage to the hair cells, the more severe the hearing loss will be. In addition, the increase in volume required for you to hear will also be greater.

What are the different types of hearing aids?

Hearing aids come in many different types, sizes and features. Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, here are some types of hearing aids and their characteristics:

1. Completely in the canal (CIC)

This type of hearing aid is placed completely in the canal and shaped to fit inside your ear canal. This device can improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults.

2. In the canal

Hearing aid in the canal (ITC) is specially made to enter part of the ear canal. This one tool helps improve mild to moderate hearing loss in adults and is not recommended for those of you who have severe hearing loss.

3. In the ear

Hearing aids in the ear (ITE) this one is suitable for most people who have mild to severe hearing loss. This tool is usually placed in the area just outside the ear canal so that it is only visible from the front.

4. Behind the ear

Hearing aid behind the ear (BTE) placed just behind the outer ear which is connected to a special earpiece in the ear canal. This tool is the most common type and is usually used to treat a variety of mild to severe disorders.

5. Receiver in the ear

This one tool is similar to the one behind the ear except that it is smaller and is connected by a thin wire to the speaker which is placed in the ear hole. This one tool is suitable for almost some people who have hearing problems.

6. Open fit

Type hearing aids open fit is a variation of a hearing aid placed behind the ear with a thin tube. The open fit is a good choice for mild to moderate hearing loss.

This type makes the ear canal very open, allowing low frequency sounds to enter the ear naturally and high frequency sounds to become stronger.

How do I choose the right hearing aid?

Choosing a hearing aid must be careful. Here are tips on choosing the best hearing aid for your condition:

1. Consult an audiologist first

So that the tool you buy is right and you don't choose the wrong choice, you should consult an audiologist or doctor before buying it. Ask for product recommendations that roughly match your hearing problem. After that, then you come to a hearing aid store to try one by one the recommended devices.

2. Choose the appropriate type

Hearing aids come in many different types, sizes, and features. Discuss your condition with your doctor to determine what type of hearing aid is right for your condition.

3. Select an existing warranty

Look for a tool that has a warranty period so that if one day there is a problem with the device you can easily claim it. For that, ask with certainty whether this tool has a warranty and about how long the warranty is provided.

4. Buy tools that can be customized

When buying hearing aids it is best to think about your future needs. Ask if the hearing aid you choose could be improved. This is intended to anticipate if hearing loss becomes serious in the future.

What should be considered when using hearing aids?

Here are some important rules for using hearing aids:

1. Do not use hearing aids when bathing and washing your face

Wearing hearing aids when showering and washing your face will only cause damage due to water and soap ingestion. So, make sure you always remember to take it off just before showering, washing your face, or doing any activity that could potentially put water in your hearing aid.

2. Avoid using hearing aids in temperatures that are too hot or cold

Store your hearing aid immediately when it is in an environment with very cold or hot temperatures. For example, when you want to swim in the scorching sun, you should remove it and leave your hearing aids instead of wearing them and making their function not optimal anymore.

3. Routinely clean hearing aids every night

Even though you are very tired and sleepy, take a moment to clean your hearing aids before going to bed. Leaving it dirty until the next day will make the dirt in it accumulate, making it uncomfortable to use.

4. Have a series of hearing aid cleaners

If you have hearing aids, you will also need to supplement the equipment by providing a range of special cleaning tools. The more often it is used, the more earwax will accumulate in the hearing aid. This will make the tool unable to function effectively if it is not cleaned regularly.

How do I clean my hearing aids?

Like the ear that must be cared for and kept clean, the same is the case with hearing aids. Routinely cleaning it every day is one of the best steps to keep the tool durable and comfortable when used.

Here's how to clean proper hearing aids:

1. Prepare the equipment

Prepare equipment to clean your hearing aids, namely:

• Cleaning brush with soft and silky bristles
• Special wire small enough
• Multi tool or a multipurpose tool which combines the brush and wire functions in one tool shape

2. Clean hearing aids according to their type

There are several types of hearing aids, two of which are most commonly used, those that are placed behind the ear (behind the ear/ BTE) and in the ear (in the ear/ ITE).

Hearing aid behind the ear

1. Remove the hearing aid from the ear, then clean all parts of it using a cleaning brush or dry tissue.
2. Remove the earmold that is affixed directly to the ear hole
3. Clean the area using a little soap and warm water, or spray a special cleaner for hearing aids. Use a special wire to remove clogged dirt.
4. Avoid using alcohol or other chemicals as they can damage your hearing aids.
5. Use a hair dryer or blower that is not too close, to help remove any water that may still be in the hearing aid.
6. Alternatively, leave it on and let it sit overnight until the hearing aid is completely dry before you use it again the next morning.

Hearing aid in ear

1. Remove the hearing aid from the ear, then clean all parts using a cleaning brush or dry tissue.
2. Clean the opening of the microphone port using a cleaning brush.
3. If it is difficult to remove with a brush, clean the dirt hidden in the hole using a special small wire.
4. Wipe or wipe all parts of the hearing aid with a dry cloth or tissue to make sure it is clean and there are no dirt left.