Hearing aids included on TAP
Instruction
In this topic you will learn about two types of behind-the-ear hearing aids.
Hearing aids
Hearing aids are electronic devices worn on the ear. They assist a person by making some sounds louder so that the person can hear better.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids
These hearing aids are positioned behind a person’s ear.
Two types of digital behind-the-ear hearing aids are included on TAP:
1. Preprogrammed
These are already programmed according to common types of hearing loss.
Programmes can be selected:
- Manually
- By an app on a smartphone or tablet.
Preprogrammed hearing aids are recommended for adults.
2. Programmable
These are adjusted according to individual needs.
They can be adjusted by:
- Computer software
- An app.
They provide extra programming features to make sounds clearer.
Programmable hearing aids are recommended for children.
Important features
Hearing aids should have the following features to be safe and effective:
- Comfortable and easy to wear behind the ear
- Different sizes of standard earmoulds
- Easy to use and maintain
- Make sounds clearer for people with a range of different types of hearing loss
- Programmed manually or using computer software or smartphone/tablet app
- Durable when exposed to light rain, humidity and dust (average lifespan of five years).
Essential adjustments:
- A minimum of four sound processing channels to make the sounds clearer and more comfortable to hear
- Fitting range for mild to severe hearing loss.
Other features
Hearing aids may also have other features including:
- Rechargeable hearing aid and/or battery
- Programming can be done wirelessly (Bluetooth) or using a cable
- Additional channels.
Hearing aids may have extra features which make:
- It easier to hear speech sounds in noisy environments
- Sounds that are loud more comfortable to hear.
Parts of a hearing aid
- Microphone
- Ear hook
- Standard earmould
- Battery
- Volume switch
- Programme switch.
Activity
Look at the diagram of the parts of a hearing aid.
Match the numbered list of parts with the correct explanation of what the part does.
Part and function
- Microphone: Detects the sound
- Ear hook: Connects the body of the hearing aid to the earmould
- Standard earmould: Attaches to the ear hook to connect the hearing aid to the person’s ear
- Battery: Provides power to the electronic parts
- Volume switch: Increases or decreases the volume of sound
- Programme switch: Button or switch that changes the programme of the hearing aid