The Science Of Hearing Aids

You more than likely know what hearing aids look like, and you probably know that wearing them may significantly improve your quality of life if you have hearing loss. But do you know how hearing aids really work? The answer isn’t overly complicated. Understanding how they work will help you understand how hearing aids can truly make a difference for you and your loved ones.

How do hearing aids work?

All hearing aid consist of four components: a microphone, an amplifier, a speaker/receiver and a battery. The microphone receives sound waves and converts them to electrical signals or digital code, depending on the hearing aid type. The amplifier increases the power of the electrical signals or code and sends the message to the ear via the speaker. The battery is the power source for this entire process.

Why does hearing loss occur?

Hearing loss occurs when the body’s auditory system does not function properly. While there are many types of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is the most common and is often caused by aging or an injury resulting from noise exposure or ototoxic medications. As a result, a portion of the 15,000 hair cells found in the inner ear become damaged or destroyed. Hair cells cannot regenerate or repair themselves, so once the damage occurs, it is irreversible and may result in hearing loss, especially for softer sounds.

How do hearing aids help?

A hearing aid amplifies sound waves to overcome the loss of hearing sensitivity caused by damaged hair cells. By amplifying the signal so a larger vibration occurs, the hair cells can receive the information more accurately and pass the signal along to the brain for interpretation.

Depending on the severity of hearing loss, hearing aids can significantly improve hearing for many people. Hearing aids do so much more than simply make sounds louder. They also help you understand speech better, which means you can be a more active participant in conversations, especially in noisy environments, and you won’t become as tired simply trying to carry on a conversation.

Analog vs. digital hearing aids

For many years, analog hearing aids were the standard. These devices converted sound waves to electrical signals. Today, digital devices make up most of the hearing aid market. These devices convert sound waves to numerical codes, much like a computer uses binary code. While both types amplify sound, digital devices improve the overall sound quality for a better listening experience. Technological advances mean there’s minimal feedback, conversations in crowded restaurants are clearer, and you can stream audio to your hearing aids through iOS and Android phones. Additional accessories allow you to listen to TV audio in stereo, make hands-free calls from landline phones, and much more.

Ready to learn how hearing aids can improve your quality of life? Consult a hearing care professional to help determine if hearing aids are the right for you or someone you love.

References:

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aids

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/how-do-hearing-aids-work

https://www.noisyplanet.nidcd.nih.gov/have-you-heard