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Definition
A
hearing aid is a device that can amplify sound waves in
order to help a deaf or hard-of-hearing person hear sounds
more clearly.
Purpose
Recent technology can help most people with hearing loss
understand speech better and achieve better communication.
Precautions
It's
important that a person being fitted for a hearing aid
understand what an aid can and can't do. An aid can help a
person hear better, but it won't return hearing to normal
levels. Hearing aids amplify sound, it doesn't necessarily
improve the clarity of the sound. A hearing aid is a
machine, and can never duplicate the true sound that people
with normal hearing experience, but it will help the person
take advantage of the hearing that remains.
Description
Hearing Aids include a microphone (to pick up sound), an
amplifier (to boost sound strength), a receiver or speaker
(to deliver sound to the ear), and are powered by a
battery. Depending on the style, it's possible to add
features to filter or block out background noise, minimize
feedback, lower sound in noisy settings, or boost power when
needed. Two common types of Hearing Aids are: In-the-Ear
and Behind-the-Ear.
Disclaimer
Please inspect before use. "According to the FDA, it is in your best
health interest to obtain a professional medical evaluation before
purchasing a hearing aid and you are encouraged to do so". As an
informed adult you have the right to waive the requirement to consult
with a doctor before purchasing a hearing aid. Within the first month
of getting an aid, the patient should make an appointment for a full
hearing examination to determine if the aid is functioning properly.
Risks While there are no medical risks to hearing aids, there is a risk
associated with hearing aids: many people end up not wearing their aids
because they say everything seems loud when wearing them. This is
because they have lived for so long with a hearing problem that they
have forgotten how loud "normal" sound can be. Normal results A hearing
aid will boost the loudness of sound, which can improve a person's
ability to understand speech.
Copyright 1999-2007 by BSS, Inc.
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