How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids amplify volume - that much seems clear at first. However, hearing aids are no longer limited to this function alone. Hearing loss also means that hearing is blurred or certain noises sound unpleasant. This is why modern hearing aids with their noise reduction functions, improved phone calls via Bluetooth, feedback prevention and can even be adapted to current hearing conditions via smartphone.
But how does it all work? In order to better understand the answer to this question, you first need a basic understanding of the structure of hearing aids and the hearing process. You can find all the explanations in this article.
How do hearing aids work? - Structure of hearing aids
Hearing aids consist of three basic components - a loudspeaker, a processor/amplifier and a microphone. Depending on the model, they are powered by a rechargeable battery or a battery. BTE hearing aids are available with sound tubes as well as with Ex receivers. Sound tubes extend from the housing of the hearing aid into the earmold/dome, which sits in the ear. An ex receiver is placed behind the ear and connected to the loudspeaker via a thin cable, which in turn is placed in the ear canal. ITE hearing aids sit directly in the ear canal and are fitted with a custom-made earmold.
How do hearing aids work? - How does hearing work and how do hearing aids support hearing?
In the hearing process, the pinna picks up sound from the environment and transmits it to the middle ear. Here, the eardrum vibrates and the ossicles amplify and conduct the sound. The sound is transmitted to the cochlea, where it is converted into electrical impulses. These impulses are transmitted from the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are finally processed into an auditory impression
If natural hearing function and sound transmission are impaired, hearing aids can help. The hearing aid can be used to amplify sounds, even in very specific frequency ranges. The device also filters out background noise, translates sounds into audible frequencies and thus cleans up the sounds. To do this, the sound is first picked up by the microphone and passed on to the processor. This is where the signals are processed, adjusted, amplified and filtered. The signals are then translated into electrical impulses and output as processed sounds via the loudspeaker. Depending on the model, the sounds must be passed through the sound tube or cable (for BTE) beforehand or are played directly in the ear canal (ITE).