Hearing Aids: The Wise Choice for Hearing Compensation

I. Device Introduction

1. Device Overview

A hearing aid is a sophisticated electronic medical device designed for individuals with hearing loss, aiming to amplify sound and compensate for hearing function. It typically consists of three core components: a microphone (transducer), an amplifier, and a receiver (speaker), powered by a miniature battery. Its working principle involves the microphone capturing sounds from the surrounding environment, which are then processed and amplified by the amplifier, and finally, the amplified sounds are clearly transmitted into the patient's ear through the receiver. The core value of hearing aids lies in helping individuals with hearing loss to hear and understand sounds again, effectively improving their communication abilities, thereby significantly enhancing their quality of life and enabling them to better integrate into society.

2. Device Types Introduction

Hearing aids can be categorized into various types based on their wearing style and internal technology, to suit different degrees of hearing loss and aesthetic needs:

• Categorized by Wearing Style:

  • Behind-The-Ear (BTE): The main unit is worn behind the ear, and sound is transmitted to an earmold in the ear canal via a transparent sound tube. They offer high power, a wide range of applicability (from mild to profound hearing loss), and are easy to operate and clean.
  • In-The-Canal (ITC): Smaller in size than ITE hearing aids, it fits deep inside the ear canal with only a small part exposed. It features high concealment and natural acoustic effects, suitable for moderate hearing loss, with certain requirements for ear canal size.
  • In-The-Ear (ITE): Custom-made to fit the shape of the patient's ear canal, completely placed inside the concha. This category includes full shell, half shell, In-The-Canal (ITC), and Completely-In-Canal (CIC). Discretion gradually increases, with CIC being the most discreet, almost invisible. Suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.

• Bone Conduction Hearing Aid(BCHA）: Worn behind the ear or near the temple, it transmits sound by vibrating the skull without being inserted into the ear canal. Suitable for people who cannot use traditional hearing aids due to external auditory canal atresia, sequelae of otitis media, etc., and also applicable to sports scenarios.

• Categorized by Technology (Digital is mainstream):

  • Digital Hearing Aids: Utilize advanced digital signal processing technology to finely process sound, providing a clearer, more personalized auditory experience. These are currently the mainstream products on the market.
  • Analog Hearing Aids: Earlier technology that linearly amplifies sound, with relatively simple functions, and are now less commonly used.

3. Device Function Introduction

Modern digital hearing aids are not limited to simple sound amplification but also integrate multiple advanced functions and technological features:

• Sound Amplification and Frequency Compensation: Selectively amplifies sounds at different frequencies according to the patient's hearing loss curve, ensuring the patient hears complete speech information.
• Noise Reduction Function: Intelligently identifies and suppresses background noise in the environment (e.g., wind, traffic, restaurant chatter), highlighting speech sounds and improving speech understanding in complex environments.
• Directional Microphones: Automatically or manually focuses on sounds from the front, reducing interference from the sides and rear, which helps in clear listening during multi-person conversations.
• Feedback Suppression System: Effectively eliminates or reduces the whistling sound (feedback) that may occur when wearing hearing aids, improving wearing comfort.
• Multi-channel Processing: Divides the sound signal into multiple frequency channels for independent processing, allowing for more refined sound adjustment.
• Bluetooth Connectivity and Wireless Functionality: Can directly connect with smartphones, TVs, wireless microphones, and other devices, streaming audio directly to the hearing aid for a high-quality audio experience.
• Personalized Programming and Memory Modes: Can be custom-programmed according to the user's audiogram and living scenarios (e.g., quiet, noisy, music, phone calls), and can store multiple hearing programs for the user to switch between.
• Waterproof and Dustproof Technology: Some high-end hearing aids feature IP-rated waterproof and dustproof functions, enhancing device durability.

II. Scope of Application

1. Application Scenarios

Hearing aids are primarily used in the daily lives of individuals with hearing loss, aiming to help them restore hearing and participate in communication in various environments:

• Home Environment: Improves communication among family members, better hearing of doorbells, phone calls, etc.
• Social Occasions: Enhances speech understanding and reduces social barriers in noisy environments such as parties, meetings, and restaurants.
• Work and Study: Helps patients receive information more clearly in the workplace or classroom, improving work efficiency and learning outcomes.
• Outdoor Activities: Better perception of surrounding environmental sounds, increasing safety awareness.
• Hearing Rehabilitation Centers/Fitting Centers: Used for hearing assessment, hearing aid selection, fitting, and auditory rehabilitation training.

2. Applicable Diseases and Symptoms

Hearing aids are mainly used to compensate for hearing loss caused by various reasons and are applicable to the following diseases or symptoms:

• Sensorineural Hearing Loss: The most common type of hearing loss, caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, such as presbycusis, noise-induced hearing loss, drug-induced hearing loss, hereditary hearing loss, etc.
• Conductive Hearing Loss: Caused by lesions in the outer or middle ear, such as otitis media (non-acute phase), tympanic membrane perforation, otosclerosis, etc. In cases where surgery is not suitable or ineffective, hearing aids can be used for compensation.
• Mixed Hearing Loss: Possesses characteristics of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.
• Degree of Hearing Loss: Applicable to patients with hearing loss ranging from mild to profound.
• Related Symptoms: Difficulty understanding others' speech (especially in noisy environments), needing to ask repeatedly, turning up TV/radio volume excessively, tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss, social barriers, communication difficulties, decreased learning or work efficiency, etc.

3. Contraindications

Before using hearing aids, patients must undergo professional audiological assessment and examination by an ENT doctor. The following conditions usually do not recommend immediate use of hearing aids, or require cautious use under medical guidance:

• Acute Ear Diseases:
  • Sudden hearing loss (requires emergency medical attention).
  • Acute otitis media, external otitis, tympanic membrane perforation with discharge, and other active inflammations.
  • External ear canal malformation or severe obstruction (requires prior treatment).
  • Ear pain, ear discharge, vertigo, or unexplained tinnitus.
• Accompanied by Other Severe Diseases:
  • Acoustic neuroma or other central nervous system lesions causing hearing loss, which may require further diagnosis and treatment.
  • Patients with severe cognitive impairment or mental illness who cannot understand and cooperate with hearing aid use and maintenance.
• Special Nature of Hearing Loss:
  • Rapidly progressive hearing loss, requiring close medical monitoring.
  • Unilateral hearing loss with normal hearing in the other ear; in some cases, hearing aids may not be suitable or may require special treatment.
• Allergy to hearing aid materials.

Important Note: Any hearing loss should first be diagnosed by a professional ENT doctor to rule out treatable diseases, and hearing aid selection should be done under the guidance of a professional audiologist or dispenser.

III. Usage Guidelines and Precautions

1. Usage or Operation Method/Steps

Correct use and maintenance of hearing aids are crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and lifespan:

1. Professional Fitting: Before first use, be sure to visit a professional hearing aid fitting center, where a dispenser will select, adjust, and program the device based on your audiogram, ear canal condition, and personal needs.
2. Cleaning Check: Before wearing daily, check if the hearing aid is clean, if the ear tip/earmold opening, microphone port, and receiver port are free of earwax or other debris, and if the sound tube is clear.
3. Distinguish Left and Right Ears: Most hearing aids have left and right ear markings (e.g., blue for left, red for right); please wear them correctly.
4. Correct Wearing: Gently but firmly insert the ear tip/earmold into the ear canal, ensuring comfort and a good seal to avoid leakage or whistling. For BTE aids, place the main unit behind the ear.
5. Power On and Volume Adjustment: Open the battery compartment door (or power switch). After the hearing aid starts, gradually adjust the volume to a comfortable and clear level, avoiding setting it too high at once.
6. Adaptation Period: Initially, it is recommended to wear it for short periods in quiet environments, gradually extending wearing time and adapting to different environments. This is a gradual process that requires patience.
7. Battery Replacement: The hearing aid will give an alert sound or flashing light when the battery is low. Replace it promptly with a new battery of the same model, ensuring correct polarity.
8. Power Off and Storage: When not in use, turn off the hearing aid or open the battery compartment door, and place it in a drying box, away from high temperatures, moisture, and out of reach of children.

2. Common Error Reminders

To ensure the safety and effectiveness of your hearing aid, please avoid the following common errors:

• Self-purchase and Wearing: Hearing aids not professionally fitted may not effectively compensate for hearing due to mismatched parameters, and may even damage residual hearing.
• Excessive Volume Adjustment: Overly loud volume not only causes discomfort but can also lead to further damage to residual hearing over time. It should be set to a comfortable and clear level.
• Neglecting Daily Cleaning and Maintenance: Earwax, dust, and moisture are common causes of hearing aid malfunctions. Irregular cleaning can lead to blockages, reduced sound quality, or even damage.
• Moisture Damage to Hearing Aids: Hearing aids are precision electronic devices and are highly susceptible to moisture damage. Avoid contact with water, rain, excessive sweat, and always remove them when showering, swimming, or washing your hair.
• Irregular Follow-up and Adjustment: Hearing loss is dynamic, and hearing aids also require regular (e.g., annually) follow-up hearing checks and adjustments at the fitting center to maintain optimal effectiveness.
• Giving Up Due to Discomfort: Wearing hearing aids requires an adaptation process, especially for the brain to re-adapt to amplified sounds. If you experience discomfort or have questions, communicate with your dispenser for adjustments rather than giving up easily.
• Incorrect Wearing Method: Improper wearing can lead to hearing aid whistling, sound leakage, unstable fit, or ear discomfort.
• Using Mismatched Batteries: Using batteries of an incorrect model can cause the hearing aid to malfunction or be damaged.
• Arbitrary Disassembly or Repair: The internal structure of hearing aids is precise; non-professionals should not attempt to disassemble or repair them to avoid irreversible damage.

With professional guidance and careful maintenance, hearing aids will become your powerful assistant in regaining clear hearing.