Hearing aid
Hearing Aid
A Hearing Aid (pronunciation: /ˈhɪərɪŋ eɪd/) is a device designed to improve hearing by making sound audible to a person with hearing loss.
Etymology
The term "Hearing Aid" is derived from the English words "hearing" (from Old English 'hīeran', meaning 'to hear') and "aid" (from Old French 'aide', meaning 'help').
Definition
A Hearing Aid is an electronic device that amplifies sounds to assist those with hearing loss. It can be worn behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), in the ear canal (ITC), or completely in the canal (CIC).
Function
Hearing aids receive sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves to electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.
Types of Hearing Aids
There are several types of hearing aids, including:
- Behind The Ear (BTE): These hearing aids hook over the top of your ear and rest behind the ear.
- In The Ear (ITE): These are custom-made devices, all parts of which fit in the ear.
- In The Canal (ITC): These are custom-made and fit partly in the ear canal.
- Completely In The Canal (CIC): These are custom-made to fit completely in the ear canal and are nearly invisible.
Related Terms
- Audiology: The branch of science that studies hearing, balance, and related disorders.
- Cochlear Implant: A surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing.
- Tinnitus: The perception of noise or ringing in the ears.
- Otitis Media: An infection or inflammation of the middle ear.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hearing aid
- Wikipedia's article - Hearing aid
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