Hearing aids may be tiny, but they pack an incredible amount of technology that allows you to hear well in complex listening environments like Penny Lane Coffeehouse. There are many parts that work together to accomplish this, which we review below.
Microphone
The process of better hearing starts with the microphone. Its job is to pick up sounds in your environment and convert them into electric signals that can be understood the processor.
Microphones today are able to differentiate between important speech sounds, which they amplify, and distracting background noise, which they reduce.
In addition, most modern hearing aids have two sets of microphones: directional and omnidirectional. Directional microphones pick up the sounds in front of you, like your conversation partner, so you can better hear them. Omnidirectional microphones pick up sounds all around you, providing a natural soundscape.
Processor
The processor, also known as the amplifier, is essentially the computer or motherboard of the hearing aid. Its job is to take the electric signals from the microphone, convert them into digital signals, and manipulate them to the wearer’s specifications.
At this point, the processor also adds any features the hearing aid offers, like wind noise reduction and tinnitus masking.
After all the adjustments have been made, the processor converts the digital signals back into analog signals and sends them to the receiver.
Receiver
Finally, the receiver converts the signal once again into audible output, then delivers the amplified sound signal to the ear.
The receiver is located in different places depending on what type of hearing aid you have. For behind-the-ear (BTE) models, the receiver is housed on the portion of the hearing aid worn behind the ear, then the sound is channeled via thin tubing to an earmold worn in the ear canal. For receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) and in-the-ear (ITE) devices, the receiver is worn directly in the ear canal.
Make the Investment in Hearing Aids
While this may seem like a lot of steps, keep in mind this entire process happens in just a fraction of a second. Hearing aids are amazing technological devices that can improve your communication and quality of life, so what are you waiting for? It’s time to make the investment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Hearing Healthcare Center, Inc. today.
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