People with age-related hearing loss have very effective options for regaining the ability to listen to and understand sounds. The world of devices to improve hearing has experienced significant advancements since the days of the ear trumpet, a large, bulky and unsatisfactory tool to boost listening ability. In the 21st Century, an individual can obtain a barely noticeable Hearing Aid in Norwich CT instead.
Hearing aids are electrical devices that amplify sound. They originally were only available in analog versions, but now also are provided in digital form. Digital hearing aids tend to produce better wearer satisfaction, but many people still choose analog devices because they cost substantially less. In contrast, the old-fashioned hearing trumpet was a mechanical tool. It essentially functioned as a large outer ear, funneling sound waves into the middle and smaller inner ear, or cochlea. The elevated pressure on the membrane known as the eardrum allowed the person to hear better.
Anyone can get a sense of how this works simply by cupping the hands around the ears. Especially in a quiet environment, barely noticeable sounds now become more obvious. People who are having trouble hearing for one reason or another often do this instinctively.
An electrical Hearing Aid in Norwich CT dispenses with the ineffective mechanical methods for improving hearing. Instead, it acts as a microphone and speaker combined. The microphone amplifies the sound and the speaker emits it into the ear. The components are powered by a tiny battery.
Some individuals still dislike the idea of getting hearing aids. They worry that doing so is associated with growing old and that the devices will be very noticeable to other people. In truth, a certain degree of problematic hearing loss is common even before the age of 60. Improvements in technology have made hearing aids more effective, and have reduced or eliminated some of the issues with earlier ones, such as having trouble distinguishing among several voices in a conversation. The products also are much smaller than they once were. Anyone who realizes he or she has developed hearing loss may get free consultation at a clinic such as County Hearing and Balance.
