Hearing aid top. How to choose a hearing aid: expert advice. Types of hearing aids
Hearing loss is always a big problem, because how a person hears depends on his life and opportunities. Deafness occurs due to many factors such as working conditions, injuries, heredity, age, so hearing aids can be used to solve such a problem. How to choose the right one and what you need to know for this is described below.
The meaning of hearing
Hearing is an important part of life. Even before birth, the embryo distinguishes sounds, thanks to which it maintains a connection with the inner world. It ensures human safety, as it allows you to identify objects that are approaching or atmospheric phenomena in time and recognize them by rustles, noises and other sounds. Moreover, this can be done even in the dark, when vision cannot help in this.
Hearing is of considerable importance when communicating with people, as it provides the basic functions of mutual understanding. It also helps to experience various emotions - from delight and joy to horror and sadness. So it turns out that initially a person learns about everything by hearing, and then the picture is supplemented by visual images.
Kinds
It is essential to know how to choose a hearing aid as staff and scientists at medical centers work to improve them by constantly adding new models to the market. Each time the power and design are modernized. All devices that improve hearing can be divided into several types.
Depending on the processing of the incoming signal:
- Digital devices are created using modern technologies, they are perfect for people of all ages with varying degrees of deafness. Available in the market in various designs. The main advantage of such devices is the maximum possibility for hearing correction, suppression of external noise and sound filtering.
- Analog. Such devices are designed in such a way that they amplify all the sounds of the surrounding world. Their main disadvantage is the inability to isolate the human voice and at the same time suppress unnecessary noise. To date, their use is welcomed less and less, but still the main advantage is the low price. How to choose hearing aids of this configuration, the doctor or consultant of a special center will tell you, since their adjustment is an important factor, and a specialist should also carry it out.
Depending on the type, the devices are divided into:
- intracanal;
- glasses;
- behind the ear;
- intra-ear (which can also be classified into half-conchs and conchs);
- Pocket.
Depending on the possibility of sound conduction:
- With air transmission. The speech that enters the microphone begins to be amplified, and then a louder sound is transmitted to the ear canal thanks to the earpiece.
- with bone conduction. Such devices are used in cases where there is a violation of sound propagation. At the time of use of such a device, only vibration is transmitted.
Setting methods
According to this criterion, the setting of devices can be divided into two main groups:
- The programmable devices are adjusted according to the final results of the patient's audiogram. At this point, the computer calculates the most optimal gain settings. This automatically takes into account the age and experience of wearing the device.
- Trimmer devices are configured exclusively in manual mode. To do this, turn the regulator with a screwdriver. Of course, using this method, it is quite difficult to set the specified parameters, so the adjustment accuracy is much lower here.
Before the purchase
There are rules on how to choose a hearing aid. Recommendations are as follows:
- It is required to check the level of hearing with an audiologist and listen to his prescriptions for a suitable device specifically for these characteristics.
- A hearing center that wants to purchase a device must have a license. Little-known organizations need to be treated with caution, as they can sell a cheap fake instead of a quality device. And also, do not believe the masters who claim that over time, such devices improve hearing or completely remove background noise. Those who want to understand how to choose a hearing aid need to know that even the highest quality device cannot do this.
- Before buying, you need to ask if the device has a test period, such a trial wearing. Sometimes it takes several days to figure out whether the chosen model really suits the client. Some hearing centers offer this service free of charge.
- Given the ability of hearing to gradually deteriorate, it will be useful to ask the doctor if the selected model has a margin for amplifying the sound.
- Any device must have a warranty period.
After the purchase
It will take some time to get used to the device. If the client figured out how to choose the right hearing aid, then after a while he will feel quite comfortable, and it will also be wonderful to perceive amplified sounds.
You need to pay attention to some nuances:
- the device will never make hearing normal, will not even restore it, it is only intended to amplify the necessary sounds and eliminate loud background noises;
- the device can be used in various places and situations to train your hearing;
- do not be upset if you cannot immediately manage the hearing aid: the longer it is worn, the faster the person will get used to it, and there is even a chance that they will stop noticing it.
How to choose a hearing aid and its selection without a doctor
Most often, it is the elderly who do not like to be in the hospital, so their relatives are wondering if it is possible to purchase a device without visiting suitable centers. It should be noted that most often a trip to the doctor remains mandatory, since buying "by eye" can lead to impaired hearing. In the best case, the patient will experience constant discomfort, will not be able to get used to the product and will generally be disappointed in hearing aids. If the person is elderly and there is no way to get to the store, then you can call a specialist at home. Many centers offer this service. The doctor will take all the hearing test devices with him and, based on the received audiogram, will recommend the purchase of one or another product.
If, nevertheless, it is not possible to visit a doctor or invite him to your house, then it is better to give preference to trim devices. They require no digital adjustment and can be adjusted without special skills. It is enough to know the degree of your hearing loss.
Modern Device Improvements
Those who are thinking about which hearing aid to choose need to know that their developers are constantly working to make a person with such a device feel more confident in any situation. Therefore, innovations are added to the devices:
- The directional microphone system is a technology that enhances the ear's ability to fully receive sounds from the environment. It also helps to take into account the difference in incoming vibrations of unequal orientation (left-right, rear-front).
- Telephone adapters - this technology is called telecoil. Many hearing aids have a similar embedding that allows the wearer to pick up sounds coming from the phone. Many models automatically switch to talk mode as soon as the device is near the ear. But you need to take into account that not all mobile phones are suitable for this purpose, but only those that have the function of connecting to a hearing aid telecoil.
- Bluetooth technology. Innovative hearing aids communicate with MP3 players and computers with an interface that wirelessly amplifies and directs the signal. To hear the sounds from the phone, it is not necessary to hold it near your ear.
- Remote control. Some important functions of the devices, such as noise reduction increase or volume, can be controlled without touching the device itself.
Indications
The main signs indicating that a person with hearing loss urgently needs a device are:
- loss of the ability to adequately respond to induction sounds that were previously perceived without any problems;
- age-related changes leading to narrowing of the ear canal, as well as thickening of the eardrum;
- the appearance in the ears of extraneous noise, which causes discomfort and discomfort.
Contraindications
It is very important to know when a hearing aid is not recommended for use:
- decreased function of the vestibular apparatus;
- inflammatory processes of the inner and middle ear;
- upper limb dysmotility.
In addition to all this information, doctors strongly do not recommend the use of these devices for people with epilepsy, convulsive neuroses and other similar diseases that are accompanied by lightning-fast seizures and uncontrolled actions.
How to choose a hearing aid for the elderly
Types of devices for improving hearing today are presented very extensively, so the device is selected in several stages. Initially, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis, which helps to identify the nature and extent of the violation. A professional study has no negative consequences and takes very little time, since it is performed only with special equipment, which allows you to accurately check the dynamics of changes in hearing indicators. In order to figure out how to choose a hearing aid for the elderly, you need to use only the data obtained. Based on the inspection, a device is selected and configured. To ensure absolute tightness (due to a loose fit to the ear of the earmould, a whistle may appear) and reliable fixation, you can order the manufacture of the earmold according to an individual impression.
Many people who have lost their hearing and want to regain a full life can only do this with the help of a hearing aid. How to choose and how to choose the right device is already known from the material above.
But there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
- At the time of purchase, the emphasis should be on the aesthetic and functional side. Pay attention to the practicality of the device - it should be easy to maintain and use.
- It is necessary to decide whether additional functions are needed, and also whether a person will be able to independently control this device and change its settings.
- Be sure to inquire about the warranty.
- Before choosing one or another device, you should consult a high-class doctor.
Price
We figured out how to choose a hearing aid. The price in Moscow and other cities may vary due to many factors. Conventionally, devices can be divided into five price classes:
- basic;
- economical;
- average;
- top premium;
- top hi-class.
However, every day the lines that separate the classes become more and more transparent. The industry is expanding so much that even the most demanding user will be satisfied with the device of the lowest category, as it may contain a sufficient set of functions to meet the needs.
- The hearing categories of the budget group (basic and economy) are equipped with the possibility of both manual and software settings, as well as analog or digital sound processing. There are no noise reduction and speech extraction functions. This is the cheapest class, and devices can be purchased at a price of 10 thousand rubles.
- The price threshold of the middle class varies from 25 to 40 thousand. These are, of course, programmable digital devices with noise reduction and ease of speech extraction. Often there is a system of two microphones. Such devices are multi-channel and multi-program.
- Top devices offer maximum functionality and individuality, their cost starts from 40 thousand rubles, and there is no limit to this perfection.
The choice of a hearing aid is a responsible matter. The hearing aid is a device for individual use. Poor quality or improperly fitting hearing aids not only irritate the wearer, but can also cause irreparable damage to their residual hearing.
Often people use the advice of a sales assistant who guarantees 100% hearing in absentia when buying any of the hearing aids available in their company's assortment. Do not trust such promises!
Do not use the advice of a sales assistant who does not have a special education. Trust your hearing to professionals.
If you are not sure which hearing aid is right for you or your loved ones, it is best to seek the advice of an audiologist.
Tips for choosing the right hearing aid:
First of all, you need to determine the shape of the hearing aid, i.e. where you are going to place your hearing aid - behind the ear (behind the ear) or inside the ear (in the ear, canal).
In addition to your requirements for appearance, the hearing aid must fulfill its intended purpose - to amplify the sound with high quality and clearly, without distortion. Good speech intelligibility in any situation, natural sound sensations, simplicity and ease of use are the main parameters that you should pay attention to first of all.
A few tips that you will read below will undoubtedly help you make the right choice.
Choosing the shape (appearance) of the hearing aid
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If you have chosen an in-the-ear hearing aid or a variation of the in-the-ear hearing aid for cosmetic reasons, then you need to remember that:
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An excellent cosmetic solution today are hearing aids OpenFit or "open ear" - a hybrid of the convenience and practicality of behind-the-ear form and intra-ear cosmeticity. The minimum size of the hearing aid itself and the thinnest tube that conducts amplified sound into the ear canal makes it almost invisible. |
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Behind-the-ear hearing aids are traditional. They are located behind the auricle. Modern technology allows you to create a powerful hearing aid in a small case. Therefore, modern behind-the-ear hearing aids are small and very comfortable. Technological possibilities are much wider than those of their intra-ear counterparts. The hearing aid is attached to the auricle using an earmould, which is recommended to be made individually. The effectiveness of hearing aids largely depends on the shape of the earmould. |
Choosing the power of the hearing aid
The power of the hearing aid is determined by a hearing test, which must be carried out by an audiologist. An improperly performed hearing test can lead to the wrong choice of hearing aid. Minor hearing loss will require compensation with a low power hearing aid, moderate hearing loss with medium power, and accordingly, with a large hearing loss, high power or super power hearing aids are used.
The power of the hearing aid must be carefully adjusted by the hearing care professional so that the hearing aid is not more powerful than your hearing requires. But even the lower power of the device will not provide sufficient amplification. Usually for computer-programmed hearing aids, the program itself will "prompt" the recommended power in a particular technological class of hearing aids.
Hearing aid specifications
An important characteristic, in addition to power, is number of channels. A channel is a range of frequencies over which the gain can be adjusted independently. The greater the number of channels, the more accurately you can adjust the hearing aid for hearing impairment and, as a result, get better speech intelligibility. However, one should not think that the number of channels is the only characteristic that determines the sound quality and speech intelligibility in a hearing aid.
Compression system- uneven amplification of sounds of different intensity. A more advanced compression system improves hearing aid comfort by allowing the hearing aid to be adjusted to hear soft sounds without making loud sounds uncomfortably loud, while maintaining a natural sense of volume.
Also important noise suppression system. The more advanced this system, the more speech intelligibility and comfort the hearing aid provides in noisy environments. There are devices that not only suppress noise, but can also amplify speech in the presence of noise.
Microphone system. Microphones may not have any directivity, they may be fixedly directed. The most perfect directivity system is adaptive, in which case the directivity changes automatically depending on the acoustic environment. The most advanced hearing aids also give the user the ability to control the directivity of the microphones.
In addition to those listed, there are many more parameters that affect the sound quality, comfort and speech intelligibility (amplification formula, feedback suppression system, smoothing of sharp impulse sounds, etc.). A qualified specialist will help you understand how important this or that parameter is for you.
Choosing a hearing aid class
A hearing aid class is a set of features and capabilities for its successful and efficient use. The class of the device determines its value. There are 5 classes of these devices: basic (lowest), economic, medium, business class and premium class.
The basic class includes hearing aids with manual adjustment that have predetermined parameters (for example, for a specific hearing loss - a separate device), and with a change in hearing, it becomes necessary to replace this device with another one that suits the already changed hearing.
The economy class includes programmable hearing aids, which have the advantage that they do not have specific frequency-amplitude parameters. Before such a device starts working, it is necessary to set its operating mode. Otherwise, it will only "make noise". This process is called hearing aid programming.
This is very convenient, because just as hearing can change over time, so individual wishes for sound perception are not constant.
The middle class are digital programmable devices with a specific set of features for speech extraction and noise reduction. This functionality is of an average level and has certain requirements for the acoustics of the room where the user is located.
Business and premium level devices are the most efficient and comfortable. They not only improve hearing, but also restore and maintain speech intelligibility. The basis of such digital devices is a special electronic processor, a digital converter, which provides complex sound processing algorithms. Such devices are more accurate, reliable, comfortable.
The division into classes is due to the fact that each subsequent technological class takes into account the shortcomings of previous models and has additional options for regulation along the way to the best intelligibility and naturalness of sound.
A few more tips:
- If you care about hearing aid performance in different acoustic environments (e.g. noisy street, theatre, workshop, lecture, etc.) choose hearing aids with multiple programs, the mode of operation of which is selected for a particular acoustic situation.
- If you are not sure that the hearing aid model offered to you has the speech signal isolation function, which is so necessary for the most intelligible perception of speech, be guided by the cost of the device, which in this case cannot be less than 20,000 rubles.
Additional functions
Despite the fact that most digital hearing aids automatically adjust to the acoustic environment, many devices allow you to independently adjust the volume, switch additional programs. A program is a hearing aid operating mode for specific conditions (noisy environments, watching TV, listening to music, etc.). The hearing aid can be controlled by buttons or switches located on the case or by using the remote control.
The most advanced hearing aids have wireless data transmission technologies (for example, Widex Link), which allow communication with mobile phones, audio players, computers through additional devices.
The hearing aids may have specific features, such as the Zen program for people with tinnitus, the frequency transposition function for deep hearing loss in the high frequency region, etc. A specialist will tell you about such functions.
Choosing the price of a hearing aid
Conventionally, devices can be divided into five price classes: basic, economic, medium and TOP (Premium or Hi-class).
However, every day the edges separating them are becoming more transparent - the industry is developing so rapidly that even a demanding user can be satisfied with a device of the lowest price category - it may have a sufficient set of functions to meet the needs of a particular user.
Auditory categories of the budget group have the possibility of both manual and programmable settings, analog or digital sound processing. They have one acoustic program (not counting the telecoil), usually 1 or 2 processing channels. There are no speech extraction and noise reduction functions. This is the cheapest class of hearing aids.
The price threshold of the middle class lies, as a rule, in the range of 25 thousand - 40 thousand rubles. These are necessarily digital programmable hearing aids with noise reduction systems and a simple speech extraction system. It is possible to have a system of two microphones (fixed or adaptive). Multichannel and multiprogram devices.
High-end devices offer the user maximum functionality and individuality of hearing aids.
The main manufacturers of hearing aids presenting their products in Russia are Widex (Denmark), Siemens (Germany), Bernafon (Switzerland), Oticon (Denmark), Fonak (Switzerland).
However, even the most modern hearing aid will be completely useless if it is not programmed correctly. Hearing aid fitting is 50% of the success of hearing aids in general. And the higher the technological class of the device, i.e. the more expensive the cost of the hearing aid, the more demanding you need to approach the professional qualities of a specialist.
Answering the question of how to choose a hearing aid, first of all we want to pay attention to the fact that it is necessary to select the device together with a specialist. The hearing aid is a complex medical device, so its choice must be taken very seriously after a hearing diagnosis.
According to the results of the study, a device with optimal power parameters is selected, which will allow you to compensate for hearing loss as accurately as possible. In addition, each model is characterized by a certain set of functions and programs, which are selected depending on the noise environment in which the device will be operated.
Patients with varying degrees of hearing loss are always interested in the question of which device is best suited for hearing correction. Before you buy it, you should take into account various factors, because for each person the best device can be absolutely anything. Such devices should be selected according to the severity of the hearing loss and individual patient preference.
The main function of a good device is to compensate for hearing impairment. Many patients want such a device to be discreet and elegant, while others are primarily interested in the issue of comfort and ease of use. The specialist selects the best hearing aid specifically for each person, so do not neglect his help. Remember that the best hearing aids are the ones that are selected and customized for you.
Physiological and individual criteria for choosing hearing aids
To find out which device is well suited for a particular patient, the doctor focuses on a number of physiological factors. Among them:
- Degree of deafness. The specialist diagnoses and determines the exact degree of hearing loss. If it is significant, he may recommend a behind-the-ear model with high power.
- The structure of the outer ear. To make the device comfortable to wear, its earmould or housing can be made from an impression of the ear canal. In some cases, the manufacture of an intra-ear or intracanal device is not possible due to the patient's ear canal being too narrow.
- Number of hearing aids. Binaural hearing aids are used to maximize speech intelligibility, sound localization and natural sound. In this case, the patient is recommended two good devices that work synchronously. However, it is not necessary that they have high power.
Also, the decision about which hearing aid is best, the doctor makes based on the individual characteristics of the patient and his preferences. These include:
- Personal needs. It is necessary to decide in situations in which the patient would like to improve hearing. He must understand when he needs the help of a hearing aid: at work, at home or during various events.
- Design. At the moment, devices are available in different colors and can have any size. There are devices that can be placed behind the ear, inside the ear canal, or near the eardrum. The devices can be completely invisible, which is a decisive factor for many patients.
- Sound transmission quality. Modern good devices work using digital technologies. Inside them are built-in microprocesses, due to which the maximum quality of sound transmission is ensured.
Only after taking into account all the features listed above, as well as after the diagnosis, the doctor decides which device is right for you.
Digital vs Analog Models: Which is Better?
The question of which models are better - analog or digital, has not been relevant for a long time. The answer to it is unequivocal: of course, devices that work using digital technologies. They provide a high quality of life, as they can take into account the degree of hearing loss, its nature. Most of these models have special features, for example, improving speech intelligibility, noise suppression function. This helps patients feel comfortable in all acoustic situations.
Choosing an analog type device is worth it only if you are significantly limited in budget. But today such models are becoming a thing of the past: most of the leading manufacturers have refused to release them, and this is not surprising. Analog type devices amplify sounds without converting them, so they are useless in difficult acoustic environments.
Contact the Melfon clinic and our specialists will select the best hearing aids for you in Moscow, focusing on your individual characteristics and preferences. Sign up for your first consultation and we will tell you in detail everything about modern hearing aids.
As you know, in the process of aging, various functions are violated in a person, including the work of the hearing organs. Elderly people often experience hearing loss. It is a rather serious problem, as it interferes with living a full life. Fortunately, high technology is rapidly progressing, and unique devices have already been invented to solve this difficult task - hearing aids. In the article you will learn how to choose hearing aids for the elderly, their prices in Moscow and beyond.
How to choose a hearing aid for the elderly
Only a specialist can prescribe the use of the device, but he will not provide a specific product, so the patient will be forced to purchase it on his own. Since the range of these devices is quite wide, it is not so easy to choose one or another device. In order not to miscalculate with the purchase, you should rely on the features:
Volume control. Older people are more suitable for automatic options. In the absence of this function, it is worth considering models with the most convenient volume control, since in old age it is difficult for a person to rotate a small wheel.
Control type. New devices are available only to the younger generation, but it is very difficult for older citizens to deal with them. Therefore, the most optimal device will be the option with electronic programming. He is able to independently assess hearing abilities, thereby ensuring good audibility.
Battery life. Older people do not have the opportunity to frequently change the power supply, so it is worth choosing devices for them that can work for a long time without it.
Power. Grandparents often have permanent and significant hearing loss. Because of this, they require devices with the power to provide the necessary amplification of sounds. If the purchase is designed for a long period of time (more than two years), its stock should be high. Experts strongly recommend considering models with medium or high power.
Noise suppression. An important criterion when choosing a hearing aid must be taken into account. The device must necessarily provide noise suppression, so that the elderly can clearly recognize the speech of the opponent.
Microphones. Since it is difficult for older people to concentrate their hearing on a sound source, microphones must be adaptive. They are self-guided to the source and guarantee clear sound.
Types of hearing aids
Today in pharmacies and specialized stores you can find the following types of devices:
Behind the ear. Miniature devices are placed behind the ear. The apparatus itself is housed in a housing, to which a connecting tube and an earmould are also attached. The advantages of such models include simplicity, reliability, no need for frequent battery replacement, compensation for severe hearing impairment. The only significant disadvantage here is visibility, since the device is still visible from behind the ear.
Intra-ear. Models assigned to this species are located in the shell and ear canal. Their cases are made for each person separately. The advantages of the devices can be called: invisibility to the environment, convenience during physical exertion, no noise, efficiency. Unfortunately, they have more disadvantages than the previous variety: a shorter service life, the need to change phone and microphone filters, work from small batteries, the presence of contraindications in the form of chronic otitis media, perforation of the eardrum, as well as structural features of the shell.
Pocket. Obsolete devices are still used by some people and are a case that is worn in a pocket and a speaker that fits in the ear. They are easy to handle and damage resistant. The cost of such devices is available to all buyers. As for the shortcomings, then only visibility for the surrounding people can be attributed to their number.
Popular models. Prices 2020.
Hearing aids are best purchased at pharmacies or ordered online. The first option is suitable for those who cannot decide on the choice of device and need the help of a specialist. But ordering goods via the Internet will be an excellent solution for patients who have exactly chosen a model for themselves.
To date, the following devices are especially popular:
1. Siemens Digitrim 12XP (10 thousand rubles).
One of the best devices in this price category is really high quality and affordable for most consumers. Its manufacturer sets the main goal of caring for the health of the population, therefore, it considers the production of poor quality products to be negligible. The main advantages of the device include the following points: reasonable cost, high quality materials, flawless operation of the noise suppression system, no need to install additional software.
2. Phonak Virto Q90-nano (70 thousand rubles)
A more expensive model attracts the attention of buyers because it is among the "invisible". It is able to highlight the desired sounds even under the most unusual circumstances. An essential advantage is the ability to focus on specific sounds, that is, the speech of the opponent. In addition, here the manufacturer has provided enhanced speech intelligibility, as well as the function of automatic adjustment in previously occurring situations.
3. Resound Match MA2T70-V (8 thousand rubles)
The delicate Danish device is perfectly tuned, ergonomic and has feedback suppression managers. As for the advantages of the device, there are quite a few of them. The main ones are: the presence of noise suppression systems, the absence of discomfort during operation, high-quality processed sound. No flaws were found in the hearing aid, which, of course, pleases consumers.
4. Widex Clear 440 (95 thousand rubles)
The device is included in the assortment of the latest developments of the manufacturer. It uses the well-known RIC technology. The device works with the help of a wireless connection, thanks to which the sound in the ears is achieved instantly. This model is imperceptible to the environment, has high-quality filtering of incoming sounds, clearly localizes the sound source and allows the owner to use a wireless connection with various devices. The only drawback of the product is its overpriced price. Despite the high quality and functionality of the device, only a few are ready to spend that kind of money on it.
5. MICRO EAR JH-907 (1100 rubles)
One of the most profitable miniature devices is distinguished by invisibility during operation, excellent amplifying ability, as well as compactness and lightness. It is powered by just one battery (A10). As for the negative aspects, there are not too many of them here: the risk of losing the device due to its small size, fragility due to its lightweight design.
6. DrClinic SA-903 (2 thousand rubles)
An amazing model at an affordable price is liked by buyers for the presence of a case in the kit, ease of use, sound amplification up to 40 decibels, as well as an automatic noise suppression system. When worn, the device is clearly visible, but if desired, you can choose the color of the body, merging with the skin.
7. Widex Mind 440 (70 thousand rubles)
The high price of the device is due to the 15-channel setup, ease of use, as well as accurate sound processing. It enables its owner to perceive sounds in all its glory, without moving away from the surrounding world. In addition, this device completely eliminates the possibility that an elderly person will misunderstand or simply not hear the speech sent to him by the interlocutor.
8. Axon K-83 (1400 rubles)
Another cheap model that attracts the attention of many people has a lot of positive reviews. Despite the low cost, it performs its functions quite well, it has an excellent design, compactness, and high reliability parameters. The build quality here is pretty good. In addition, the device is capable of amplifying sound up to 130 decibels. The only drawback is visibility to others, as there is no way to choose the color of the case.
9. Bernafon Chronos 5 CP (22 thousand rubles)
Thanks to this device, each person will be able to freely communicate with others, enjoying it. It does not cause inconvenience, independently reduces noise, eliminates the resulting feedback and catches wireless sound from the TV and phone. Finding flaws, with the exception of the cost, is quite difficult for this device.
10. Siemens Motion 101 SX (27 thousand rubles)
The behind-the-ear model is considered to be fully automated, therefore it does not require additional settings by the user. The device can focus on a specific voice, suppress harsh sounds, as well as feedback. With him, you certainly will not have to endure annoying whistling and other problems. The downside is the extended perception of too high frequencies.
Each device from the list is unique in its own way. If it is difficult to make a choice, then you should definitely pay attention to this list, because it is not so difficult to choose the best option from it.
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Content
All the wonders of the world around us are available to us thanks to the senses, among which hearing is one of the main ones. When it is violated, the beauty of the universe goes out for a person. Advances in modern medicine allow hearing-impaired people to overcome such difficulties. Good-looking, inexpensive hearing aids are now on the market, and for those who need them, it is easy to find the right one from the best manufacturers.
What is a hearing aid
This is the name of a device whose main purpose is to amplify sounds entering the human ear. There are different models and types. The device perceives sound, amplifies it, transforms it taking into account frequency and dynamic requirements. When you first contact a specialist, the task will be to choose the right type of device and determine which one is required in a particular case.
How does it work
The principle of operation of the devices is the same for any models. A hearing aid is a type of electronic device that contains a microphone that picks up sounds, converts them into an electrical signal, and sends them to an amplifier. After that, a more powerful signal enters the receiver, the sound source, which emits it loudly, accurately and clearly. Modern devices consist of a large number of components that can be customized to the needs of the user and have different modes of operation.
Types of hearing aids
They differ in how they fit on the ear and how they reproduce sound. There are behind-the-ear models and intra-ear ones. Devices can process the signal digitally or analogously. Devices made using digital technology represent the latest generation. They can be configured using a computer. There are also differences in the way sound is reproduced. Some of them use the bone type of conduction. Suitable if the hearing loss is conductive.
Air conduction devices are appropriate for any degree of hearing loss. The sound in them is emitted through a special insert. Choosing a device on your own will be difficult. It is better to seek help from an audiologist. Often used intracanal devices, invisible from the outside. In order to make other people's speech more intelligible, some of them have a directional microphone and are designed to perceive sounds coming from a person standing opposite.
Modern hearing aids
Medical centers are working tirelessly to improve devices to improve hearing. The market is constantly replenished with new products that differ in power and design, the prices for hearing aids are also different. The most popular devices:
- SA-950
Price: 3500 r.
The SA-950 is an in-the-ear device with small dimensions. The device has all the necessary functions to compensate for hearing loss. Included: the device itself, a case, three ear tips, a charging unit.
- The sound is amplified up to 40 dB.
- Weight about 10 g.
- Automatic noise elimination.
- Long battery life.
- There are contraindications.
- Cyber Sonic
Price: 1 020 rubles
Belongs to the behind-the-ear class and is suitable for people with mild hearing loss. The analog device has a curved shape, due to which it is fixed tightly on the ear. Suitable for the elderly.
- Volume control.
- High quality sound.
- Easy to handle and manage.
- There is no variety of functions that are available in digital devices.
- Siemens Motion 101sx
Price: 27000 r.
The device belongs to the category behind the ear. Manufacturer: Siemens. The device is automated, which will save the user from having to configure any functions.
- Focusing on the voice, automatic.
- SoundSmoothing, a function to suppress harsh sounds.
- No whistle.
- Wind and noise suppression.
- There is no extended perception of high frequencies.
- Does not remember the acoustic environment.
- Phonak Virto Q90 13
Price: 140 000 rubles
In-the-ear device, premium class. Manufacturer: Swiss company Phonak. The device uses wireless technology, produces amplification up to 70 dB. The powerful digital apparatus has twenty channels for sound processing. Able to isolate the desired sounds.
- Eliminate noise and feedback.
- Wireless type of work.
- Catches speech in the wind.
- Binaural narrow-beam system with its own sound environment processing algorithm (auto StereoZoom).
- Gradual signal amplification system (auto acclimatization).
- High price.
- Bernafon Nevara 1-CPx
Price: 26,000 rubles.
Powerful mid-range BTE. Manufacturer: Bernafon. An external hearing aid is suitable for people with varying degrees of hearing loss. Bernafon devices are able to work equally well in quiet and noisy sound environments.
- Feedback suppression (AFC Plus).
- Noise elimination (ANR Plus).
- Increased speech intelligibility (Speech Cue Priority).
- Setting up the device is very easy.
- Not detected.
analog
The cheapest type of hearing aids. While simple, it has poor sound quality and can be annoying. Devices of this type increase the volume of sounds, but change and do not process them. They do not filter out sounds and frequencies, do not improve the quality, do not have additional settings, sometimes a person cannot make out what he hears.
Digital
There is a programmable chip that requires individual settings. Devices of this type can produce any change in sound. They analyze the sound signals that come to them, adjust the frequencies and volume, and respond to changes in the surrounding sound environment. They have a noise reduction system that eliminates, among other things, feedback. Fully digital devices can not only amplify and refine the sound coming from outside, but also change it.
It has a separate case in which the microphone, amplifier and battery. The phone of the device, together with the earmold, is placed in the ear. Devices of this type have good parameters in terms of power and sound clarity, since the microphone and telephone are removed to a considerable distance thanks to Bluetooth technology. The pocket device is capable of amplifying low sound frequencies, is able to distinguish speech from noise, and has volume settings.
Intra-ear
The device has a plastic case and is completely placed in the human ear. The device is made from a mold of the ear canal. In-the-ear devices are fully automatic, but in some cases they have a volume control and a "T" switch. Doctors warn that in-the-ear models are not suitable for people with chronic otitis media and diseases of the middle ear.
Behind the ear
It is attached behind the ear, has an insert, sometimes located on the tube, on which the sound source is attached. These devices are high power and are used in cases of severe hearing loss. Due to their large size, they have more functions. The full operation of such a device is possible only with a perfect fit to the owner's auricle. The tube of the device is soft, elastic. On the case there is a "T" type switch, as well as a wheel or lever volume control.
intracanal
It has the smallest size of all and is installed in the depth of the ear canal. The sound quality is recognized as high. There are a number of advantages associated with being deep in the ear. Such miniature devices are not affected by wind noise, it is much easier to use a cell phone with them. When using in-ear devices, it is possible to determine with greater certainty the direction of the sound source, the distance to it. The device is fully automatic.
For kids
The choice of a device for a growing organism is based on the results of an audiometric examination. The specialist will select a device for hearing amplification, based on the technical characteristics, and adjust it, taking into account the characteristics of a small patient. Doctors invariably believe that a custom-made insert made specifically for the child will be better. The device will hold better, and the fit will ensure its normal functioning.
How to choose a hearing aid
In most cases, the need for a hearing aid occurs in older people. When buying, consider the following points:
- Elderly people are more sensitive, which increases the adaptation time to the device.
- A device that is small or too complex in settings may not be acceptable. The simpler it is, the better. The best choice would be devices behind the ear, easy to operate.
- The power of the device must be accurately calculated, too loud sound can lead to increased deafness.
For children, the selection criteria are different:
- In-the-ear devices are not suitable: children grow quickly, the device will often have to be changed.
- For teenagers, appearance is important, so inconspicuous small models can be used.
- The main thing when choosing: comfort, sound quality, speech clarity, you should pay attention to the appearance and additional programs last.
