In the 21st century, there is an increasing problem with ear health. Most often, this problem affects the elderly, however, in recent years, hearing loss has become more frequent in young people. The cause of this problem lies in the traumatization of the ear organ or in case of complications of inflammation.
In case of ineffectiveness of drug therapy, doctors prescribe hearing aids to patients. In this material, we will analyze the question of which hearing aids are considered the best. This is a really important issue, since many aspects of human life depend on the comfort and convenience of adaptation.
Exists two types of hearing aids:
- mono;
- stereo.
So, in the case of using a hearing aid on two ears at once allows you to quickly parse human speech. In addition, the binaural use of the device allows you to:
- Facilitate sound localization.
- Each ear functions with the same load.
- In the case of using two devices at once, it is easier for a person to distribute the pitch of sounds.
Remember that stereo devices are not intended for mass use. In addition, the pricing policy in this case is much higher. Therefore, before buying this type of device, consult your doctor.
Appearance
In addition to the functionality of the device, the design of the hearing aid is also important. To date, the hearing aid market has three types:
- Intravenous devices. They differ from other species in their size. It is believed that they are the smallest and most comfortable, as they are placed in the ear canal itself. Therefore, they are invisible to the prying eye. However, in-canal devices have some limitations in terms of their power and require special care.
- Behind the ear is no less in demand. They are located behind the ears, and a small tube is sent into the ear canal, which has a behind-the-ear insert. They differ from other types, for example, from intra-ear ones, in a smaller size, but despite this they are considered one of the most powerful.
- Intra-ear apparatus located on the auricle and inside the ear canal. They differ from others in large sizes, but thanks to this they have more power.
Remember that it is necessary to choose a hearing aid with the help of a doctor-seudrologist. Each drug is individual, and the patient has specific goals.
When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the convenience of the device when worn, since the hearing aid is used daily.
Hearing device power
Please check the following specifications before purchasing your device:
- The device must have several channels. This is necessary to set up the device.
- The device must be capable of amplifying multiple frequencies simultaneously. At the same time, the apparatus must preserve the naturalness of sound waves.
- One of the main features of the device for maintaining hearing is the ability to suppress noise and extraneous sounds. This function is necessary for the intelligibility of human speech with numerous extraneous sounds, for example, when a person is in crowded places with a large number of people.
- The device must have microphones. They come in two types: omnidirectional and with a specific range.
On some devices, there are additional features that were not described above. Yes, n Some digital devices have the ability to adjust to the acoustic environment, and some types are regulated independently or using a special remote control.
In some cases, devices have the function of wireless signal transmission. Thanks to this, they can be linked to computers, tablets or mobile phones.
Top Hearing Aid Companies
Among the world manufacturers, firms are noted Phonak, Siemens, Widex. Among other world firms, there are also worthy devices that are attentive to the consumer.
When choosing a device, also pay attention to the quality assurance and the availability of a service system. So, in the event of a device breakdown, the company must have repair centers. Therefore, preferring firms unknown in Russia, you may encounter a service problem.
Hearing aids for young people
It is believed that the best devices for young people manufactured by Siemens. The company's products are affordable. So, the average price of the device varies from four thousand. The maximum price of a hearing aid reaches up to eighty thousand rubles.
The devices of this company are compact and reliable. These factors have earned them the trust of customers.
Among Russian representatives, pay attention to the company "Sonata".
They differ from similar Russian firms in their quality of the manufactured product, as well as pricing.
So, the hearing aid of this company will cost you about ten thousand rubles.
Among the top ratings, the company is separately noted Widex. This company is focused on the manufacture of intra-ear digital devices. They differ from other representatives of similar companies in the most clear sound.
The company's hearing aids reduce all noise while maintaining speech clarity and ambient sounds such as birdsong or the sound of rain. The price of one device varies from twenty to seventy thousand rubles.
Conclusion
Once you have purchased a hearing aid, it is important to learn how to use it. Remember that hearing aids require some maintenance. Only if it is kept clean and carefully used will it last quite a while.
Remember that in addition to beauty and power, the device must be comfortable to wear and use. Because hearing aids are designed for everyday use, pay special attention to this.
Hearing loss is always a big problem, because how a person hears depends on his life and opportunities. Deafness occurs due to many factors such as working conditions, injuries, heredity, age, so hearing aids can be used to solve such a problem. How to choose the right one and what you need to know for this is described below.
The meaning of hearing
Hearing is an important part of life. Even before birth, the embryo distinguishes sounds, thanks to which it maintains a connection with the inner world. It ensures human safety, as it allows you to identify objects that are approaching or atmospheric phenomena in time and recognize them by rustles, noises and other sounds. Moreover, this can be done even in the dark, when vision cannot help in this.
Hearing is of considerable importance when communicating with people, as it provides the basic functions of mutual understanding. It also helps to experience various emotions - from delight and joy to horror and sadness. So it turns out that initially a person learns about everything by hearing, and then the picture is supplemented by visual images.
Kinds
It is essential to know how to choose a hearing aid as staff and scientists at medical centers work to improve them by constantly adding new models to the market. Each time the power and design are modernized. All devices that improve hearing can be divided into several types.
Depending on the processing of the incoming signal:
- Digital devices are created using modern technologies, they are perfect for people of all ages with varying degrees of deafness. Available in the market in various designs. The main advantage of such devices is the maximum possibility for hearing correction, suppression of external noise and sound filtering.
- Analog. Such devices are designed in such a way that they amplify all the sounds of the surrounding world. Their main disadvantage is the inability to isolate the human voice and at the same time suppress unnecessary noise. To date, their use is welcomed less and less, but still the main advantage is the low price. How to choose hearing aids of this configuration, the doctor or consultant of a special center will tell you, since their adjustment is an important factor, and a specialist should also carry it out.
Depending on the type, the devices are divided into:
- intracanal;
- glasses;
- behind the ear;
- intra-ear (which can also be classified into half-conchs and conchs);
- Pocket.
Depending on the possibility of sound conduction:
- With air transmission. The speech that enters the microphone begins to be amplified, and then a louder sound is transmitted to the ear canal thanks to the earpiece.
- with bone conduction. Such devices are used in cases where there is a violation of sound propagation. At the time of use of such a device, only vibration is transmitted.
Setting methods
According to this criterion, the setting of devices can be divided into two main groups:
- The programmable devices are adjusted according to the final results of the patient's audiogram. At this point, the computer calculates the most optimal gain settings. This automatically takes into account the age and experience of wearing the device.
- Trimmer devices are configured exclusively in manual mode. To do this, turn the regulator with a screwdriver. Of course, using this method, it is quite difficult to set the specified parameters, so the adjustment accuracy is much lower here.
Before the purchase
There are rules on how to choose a hearing aid. Recommendations are as follows:
- It is required to check the level of hearing with an audiologist and listen to his prescriptions for a suitable device specifically for these characteristics.
- A hearing center that wants to purchase a device must have a license. Little-known organizations need to be treated with caution, as they can sell a cheap fake instead of a quality device. And also, do not believe the masters who claim that over time, such devices improve hearing or completely remove background noise. Those who want to understand how to choose a hearing aid need to know that even the highest quality device cannot do this.
- Before buying, you need to ask if the device has a test period, such a trial wearing. Sometimes it takes several days to figure out whether the chosen model really suits the client. Some hearing centers offer this service free of charge.
- Given the ability of hearing to gradually deteriorate, it will be useful to ask the doctor if the selected model has a margin for amplifying the sound.
- Any device must have a warranty period.
After the purchase
It will take some time to get used to the device. If the client figured out how to choose the right hearing aid, then after a while he will feel quite comfortable, and it will also be wonderful to perceive amplified sounds.
You need to pay attention to some nuances:
- the device will never make hearing normal, will not even restore it, it is only intended to amplify the necessary sounds and eliminate loud background noises;
- the device can be used in various places and situations to train your hearing;
- do not be upset if you cannot immediately manage the hearing aid: the longer it is worn, the faster the person will get used to it, and there is even a chance that they will stop noticing it.
How to choose a hearing aid and its selection without a doctor
Most often, it is the elderly who do not like to be in the hospital, so their relatives are wondering if it is possible to purchase a device without visiting suitable centers. It should be noted that most often a trip to the doctor remains mandatory, since buying "by eye" can lead to impaired hearing. In the best case, the patient will experience constant discomfort, will not be able to get used to the product and will generally be disappointed in hearing aids. If the person is elderly and there is no way to get to the store, then you can call a specialist at home. Many centers offer this service. The doctor will take all the hearing test devices with him and, based on the received audiogram, will recommend the purchase of one or another product.
If, nevertheless, it is not possible to visit a doctor or invite him to your house, then it is better to give preference to trim devices. They require no digital adjustment and can be adjusted without special skills. It is enough to know the degree of your hearing loss.
Modern Device Improvements
Those who are thinking about which hearing aid to choose need to know that their developers are constantly working to make a person with such a device feel more confident in any situation. Therefore, innovations are added to the devices:
- The directional microphone system is a technology that enhances the ear's ability to fully receive sounds from the environment. It also helps to take into account the difference in incoming vibrations of unequal orientation (left-right, rear-front).
- Telephone adapters - this technology is called telecoil. Many hearing aids have a similar embedding that allows the wearer to pick up sounds coming from the phone. Many models automatically switch to talk mode as soon as the device is near the ear. But you need to take into account that not all mobile phones are suitable for this purpose, but only those that have the function of connecting to the hearing aid telecoil.
- Bluetooth technology. Innovative hearing aids communicate with MP3 players and computers through an interface that wirelessly amplifies and directs the signal. To hear the sounds from the phone, it is not necessary to hold it near your ear.
- Remote control. Some important functions of the devices, such as noise reduction increase or volume, can be controlled without touching the device itself.
Indications
The main signs indicating that a person with hearing loss urgently needs a device are:
- loss of the ability to adequately respond to induction sounds that were previously perceived without any problems;
- age-related changes leading to narrowing of the ear canal, as well as thickening of the eardrum;
- the appearance in the ears of extraneous noise, which causes discomfort and discomfort.
Contraindications
It is very important to know when a hearing aid is not recommended for use:
- decreased function of the vestibular apparatus;
- inflammatory processes of the inner and middle ear;
- upper limb dysmotility.
In addition to all this information, doctors strongly do not recommend the use of these devices for people with epilepsy, convulsive neuroses and other similar diseases that are accompanied by lightning-fast seizures and uncontrolled actions.
How to choose a hearing aid for the elderly
Types of devices for improving hearing today are presented very extensively, so the device is selected in several stages. Initially, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis, which helps to identify the nature and extent of the violation. A professional study has no negative consequences and takes very little time, since it is performed only with special equipment, which allows you to accurately check the dynamics of changes in hearing indicators. In order to figure out how to choose a hearing aid for the elderly, you need to use only the data obtained. Based on the inspection, a device is selected and configured. To ensure absolute tightness (due to a loose fit to the ear of the earmold, a whistle may appear) and reliable fixation, you can order the manufacture of the earmold according to an individual impression.
Many people who have lost their hearing and want to regain a full life can only do this with the help of a hearing aid. How to choose and how to choose the right device is already known from the material above.
But there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
- At the time of purchase, the emphasis should be on the aesthetic and functional side. Pay attention to the practicality of the device - it should be easy to maintain and use.
- It is necessary to decide whether additional functions are needed, and also whether a person will be able to independently control this device and change its settings.
- Be sure to inquire about the warranty.
- Before choosing one or another device, you should consult a high-class doctor.
Price
We figured out how to choose a hearing aid. The price in Moscow and other cities may vary due to many factors. Conventionally, devices can be divided into five price classes:
- basic;
- economical;
- average;
- top premium;
- top hi-class.
However, every day the lines that separate the classes become more and more transparent. The industry is expanding so much that even the most demanding user will be satisfied with the device of the lowest category, as it may contain a sufficient set of functions to meet the needs.
- The hearing categories of the budget group (basic and economy) are equipped with the possibility of both manual and software settings, as well as analog or digital sound processing. There are no noise reduction and speech extraction functions. This is the cheapest class, and devices can be purchased at a price of 10 thousand rubles.
- The price threshold of the middle class varies from 25 to 40 thousand. These are, of course, programmable digital devices with noise reduction and ease of speech extraction. Often there is a system of two microphones. Such devices are multi-channel and multi-program.
- Top devices offer maximum functionality and individuality, their cost starts from 40 thousand rubles, and there is no limit to this perfection.
The choice of a hearing aid is a responsible matter. The hearing aid is a device for individual use. Poor quality or improperly fitting hearing aids not only irritate the wearer, but can also cause irreparable damage to their residual hearing.
Often people use the advice of a sales assistant who guarantees 100% hearing in absentia when buying any of the hearing aids available in their company's assortment. Do not trust such promises!
Do not use the advice of a sales assistant who does not have a special education. Trust your hearing to professionals.
If you are not sure which hearing aid is right for you or your loved ones, it is best to seek the advice of an audiologist.
Tips for choosing the right hearing aid:
First of all, you need to determine the shape of the hearing aid, i.e. where you are going to place your hearing aid - behind the ear (behind the ear) or inside the ear (in the ear, canal).
In addition to your requirements for appearance, the hearing aid must fulfill its intended purpose - to amplify the sound with high quality and clearly, without distortion. Good speech intelligibility in any situation, natural sound sensations, simplicity and ease of use are the main parameters that you should pay attention to first of all.
A few tips that you will read below will undoubtedly help you make the right choice.
Choosing the shape (appearance) of the hearing aid
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If you have chosen an in-the-ear hearing aid or a variation of the in-the-ear hearing aid for cosmetic reasons, then you need to remember that:
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An excellent cosmetic solution today are hearing aids OpenFit or "open ear" - a hybrid of the convenience and practicality of behind-the-ear form and intra-ear cosmeticity. The minimum size of the hearing aid itself and the thinnest tube that conducts amplified sound into the ear canal makes it almost invisible. |
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Behind-the-ear hearing aids are traditional. They are located behind the auricle. Modern technology allows you to create a powerful hearing aid in a small case. Therefore, modern behind-the-ear hearing aids are small and very comfortable. Technological capabilities are much wider than those of their intra-ear counterparts. The hearing aid is attached to the auricle using an earmould, which is recommended to be made individually. The effectiveness of hearing aids largely depends on the shape of the earmould. |
Choosing the power of the hearing aid
The power of the hearing aid is determined by a hearing test, which must be carried out by an audiologist. An improperly performed hearing test can lead to the wrong choice of hearing aid. Minor hearing loss will require compensation with a low power hearing aid, moderate hearing loss with medium power, and accordingly, with a large hearing loss, high power or super power hearing aids are used.
The power of the hearing aid must be carefully adjusted by the hearing care professional so that the hearing aid is not more powerful than your hearing requires. But even the lower power of the device will not provide sufficient amplification. Usually for computer-programmed hearing aids, the program itself will "prompt" the recommended power in a particular technological class of hearing aids.
Hearing aid specifications
An important characteristic, in addition to power, is number of channels. A channel is a range of frequencies over which the gain can be adjusted independently. The greater the number of channels, the more accurately you can adjust the hearing aid for hearing impairment and, as a result, get better speech intelligibility. However, one should not think that the number of channels is the only characteristic that determines the sound quality and speech intelligibility in a hearing aid.
Compression system- uneven amplification of sounds of different intensity. A more advanced compression system improves hearing aid comfort by allowing the hearing aid to be adjusted to hear soft sounds without making loud sounds uncomfortably loud, while maintaining a natural sense of volume.
Also important noise suppression system. The more advanced this system, the more speech intelligibility and comfort the hearing aid provides in noisy environments. There are devices that not only suppress noise, but can also amplify speech in the presence of noise.
Microphone system. Microphones may not have any directionality, they may be fixedly directed. The most perfect directivity system is adaptive, in which case the directivity changes automatically depending on the acoustic environment. The most advanced hearing aids also give the user the ability to control the directivity of the microphones.
In addition to those listed, there are many more parameters that affect the sound quality, comfort and speech intelligibility (gain formula, feedback suppression system, smoothing of sharp impulse sounds, etc.). A qualified specialist will help you understand how important this or that parameter is for you.
Choosing a hearing aid class
A hearing aid class is a set of features and capabilities for its successful and efficient use. The class of the device determines its value. There are 5 classes of these devices: basic (lowest), economic, medium, business class and premium class.
The basic class includes hearing aids with manual adjustment that have predetermined parameters (for example, for a specific hearing loss - a separate device), and with a change in hearing, it becomes necessary to replace this device with another one that suits the already changed hearing.
The economy class includes programmable hearing aids, which have the advantage that they do not have specific frequency-amplitude parameters. Before such a device starts working, it is necessary to set its operating mode. Otherwise, it will only "make noise". This process is called hearing aid programming.
This is very convenient, because just as hearing can change over time, so individual wishes for sound perception are not constant.
The middle class are digital programmable devices with a specific set of features for speech extraction and noise reduction. This functionality is of an average level and has certain requirements for the acoustics of the room where the user is located.
Business and premium level devices are the most efficient and comfortable. They not only improve hearing, but also restore and maintain speech intelligibility. The basis of such digital devices is a special electronic processor, a digital converter, which provides complex sound processing algorithms. Such devices are more accurate, reliable, comfortable.
The division into classes is due to the fact that each subsequent technological class takes into account the shortcomings of previous models and has additional options for regulation along the way to the best intelligibility and naturalness of sound.
A few more tips:
- If you are concerned about the performance of your hearing aid in different acoustic environments (e.g. in a noisy street, theater, workshop, lecture, etc.), choose hearing aids with multiple programs, the mode of operation of which is selected for a particular acoustic situation.
- If you are not sure that the hearing aid model offered to you has the speech signal isolation function, which is so necessary for the most intelligible speech perception, be guided by the cost of the device, which in this case cannot be less than 20,000 rubles.
Additional functions
Despite the fact that most digital hearing aids automatically adjust to the acoustic environment, many devices allow you to independently adjust the volume, switch additional programs. A program is a hearing aid operating mode for specific conditions (noisy environments, watching TV, listening to music, etc.). The hearing aid can be controlled by buttons or switches located on the case or by using the remote control.
The most advanced hearing aids have wireless data transmission technologies (for example, Widex Link), which allow communication with mobile phones, audio players, computers through additional devices.
The hearing aids may have specific features, such as the Zen program for people with tinnitus, the frequency transposition function for deep hearing loss in the high frequency region, etc. A specialist will tell you about such functions.
Choosing the price of a hearing aid
Conventionally, devices can be divided into five price classes: basic, economic, medium and TOP (Premium or Hi-class).
However, every day the lines dividing them are becoming more transparent - the industry is developing so rapidly that even a demanding user can be satisfied with a device of the lowest price category - it may have a sufficient set of functions to meet the needs of a particular user.
Auditory categories of the budget group have the possibility of both manual and programmable settings, analog or digital sound processing. They have one acoustic program (not counting the telecoil), usually 1 or 2 processing channels. There are no speech extraction and noise reduction functions. This is the cheapest class of hearing aids.
The price threshold of the middle class lies, as a rule, in the range of 25 thousand - 40 thousand rubles. These are necessarily digital programmable hearing aids with noise reduction systems and a simple speech extraction system. It is possible to have a system of two microphones (fixed or adaptive). Multichannel and multiprogram devices.
High-end devices offer the user maximum functionality and individuality of hearing aids.
The main manufacturers of hearing aids presenting their products in Russia are Widex (Denmark), Siemens (Germany), Bernafon (Switzerland), Oticon (Denmark), Fonak (Switzerland).
However, even the most modern hearing aid will be completely useless if it is not properly programmed. Hearing aid fitting is 50% of the success of hearing aids in general. And the higher the technological class of the device, i.e. the more expensive the cost of a hearing aid, the more demanding it is to approach the professional qualities of a specialist.
Answering the question of how to choose a hearing aid, first of all we want to pay attention to the fact that it is necessary to select the device together with a specialist. The hearing aid is a complex medical device, so its choice must be taken very seriously after a hearing diagnosis.
According to the results of the study, a device with optimal power parameters is selected, which will allow you to compensate for hearing loss as accurately as possible. In addition, each model is characterized by a certain set of functions and programs, which are selected depending on the noise environment in which the device will be operated.
One of the clear signs of age-related hearing loss is a more complex perception of female voices. Due to the fact that the female voice has a higher frequency than the male one, people with hearing problems stop picking it up. But hearing loss is not always a sign of age, it can be a consequence of previous diseases, rupture of the eardrum, impaired blood flow, etc. A high-quality hearing aid will help restore the sound picture of the world.
What are the varieties depending on the method of attachment? How to choose the right device and which company will help rating the best hearing aids in 2018.
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Briefly about the main |
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One of the smallest hearing aids on the market and 30% smaller than traditional in-ear hearing aids. |
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Tiny economy chip with no wireless features, giving 40dB gain. |
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State-of-the-art adaptive signal processing with a more organized soundstage. |
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Increase the sound by 48 dB. The maximum volume is 135 dB. |
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Design using Invisible Open Technology (IOT) technology. |
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The first economy class device with an audibility range expander and a SmartSpeak voice message generator. |
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Despite the size, they give more amplification and than in-the-ear models. |
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Analog for the correction of mild, moderate and moderately severe hearing loss, including with FUNG. |
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Digital heavy-duty 8-channel device with automatic switching to a mobile phone. |
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Convenient and simple with 3 channels of sound processing and the ability to customize. |
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Heavy duty for compensation of I-IV degree of hearing loss. |
Types of hearing aids
Today, there are 4 main types on sale:
- Pocket;
- behind the ear;
- intra-ear;
- intracanal.
In turn, pocket and behind-the-ear are divided into analog and digital. The choice of this or that device is determined by age, degree of hearing loss and ease of use.
The most inexpensive devices available to almost all pensioners and the elderly. The device consists of an insert inserted into the auditory canal and a block with control levers. The device does not interfere, whistle and acoustic feedback.
Behind the ear
Simple and reliable, not "striking" in the eye, easy to use. It consists of a microphone with an insert in the auditory canal and an operating part behind the ear. Operation is not always easy for older people, since you need to move the wheel (analogue) to adjust the volume.
It is more convenient to choose a digital model with automatic tuning. For mild hearing loss, you can choose a device with a remote receiver (RIC), which improves the sound and does not cause acoustic interference.
Intra-ear
In-the-ear and in-the-ear devices are difficult to use by the elderly due to their small size and sensitivity to earwax. These models are more suitable for young people, but with certain limitations - there is no external or otitis media, and there has not been a rupture of the eardrum.
Intracanal ear tips
With the most snug fit, the sound of the device almost corresponds to natural. The earbuds are made of PVC or silicone, they are standard or made to order according to the impression of the ear. An impression is made by a hearing prosthetist using a silicone mass and a cotton pad. The procedure is painless and absolutely necessary for the quality of the hearing aid. The average is 3 months.
Devices of the smallest size among other varieties of hearing aids. They are very compact and are located quite deep in the auditory canal, therefore they are invisible to people around them.
WIDEX UNIQUE CIC-MICRO
Representative of the new Widex Dream collection. Comfortable in-the-canal hearing aid with invisable technology - “there is no less”. Compensates for mild to moderate hearing loss. Unique are more discerning than other hearing aids. Equipped with advanced A/D converters to create a wide range of perception, intelligent self-adjustment and a wind noise reduction system resulting in an improvement in SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) by 8.4 dB. A 10 type battery is used.
WIDEX UNIQUE CIC-MICRO
Degree of hearing loss I-III, maximum power 118 dB, maximum gain 61 dB. An ultra-compact CALL-DEX device is available as an option for transferring conversations directly to hearing aids from a mobile phone.
Phonak (Switzerland) newest series of in-the-ear devices. The smallest body of any in-the-ear model contains powerful technologies for recognizing the surrounding acoustic environment. Virto V instantly change settings depending on where the person is. The Virto V series implements the AutoSense OS sound processing algorithm, which copes with speech recognition in conditions of strong noise, echo, listening to music.
The Virto series is divided into 4 price categories - Economy, Standard, Business and Premium. They differ in the set of functions, the number of channels and programs for recognizing the acoustic environment. Phonak Virto V50-nano is a representative of the economy segment, it gives a maximum gain of 40 dB.
Using the AutoSense OS algorithm, Fonak recognizes and adapts to a wide variety of acoustic situations. Reduces vehicle-specific broadband noise, making communication easier and reducing hearing strain. Detects reverb frequency and reduces gain, eliminating distortion and increasing comfort.
A family of miniature devices with the most complete functionality. Suitable for all types of hearing loss grades 1-4. Oticon Agil digital 15 channel hearing aids offer the latest in adaptive signal processing, maximum sound quality up to 10 kHz and wireless audiology.
Spatial Sound 2.0 is specifically designed to preserve the surround characteristics and naturalness of the input sound. Speech Guard focuses on speech and makes it easier to understand the speaker. The family includes everything from CIC to BTE Power, including two attractive new models: CIC Power (up to 90 dB PS) and the very small RITE model (up to 110 dB PS).
AGIL CIC is a premium programmable hearing aid with Dynamic Feedback Cancellation 2 (DFC2) binaural, enhanced bass, music expansion and 3-level noise control.
In-the-ear devices are not suitable for hearing loss greater than 70 dB, while behind-the-ear models allow hearing with hearing loss greater than 120 dB. The choice of device should correspond to the degree of hearing loss. With the first degree of hearing loss, with an audibility threshold of 40 dB, any model will do, including in-canal and in-the-ear, if there are no problems with their installation in the ear canal.
Axon K-82
Amplifies the sound by 48 dB. The kit includes 3 ear pads (nozzles) for different sizes of ears, so you can easily choose the optimal ear size. Sound quality is checked at medium volume.
The device is powered by a battery, which is enough for 12 days of continuous operation. It is stored in a special hard case complete with nozzles.
The package includes the device itself, 3 nozzles of different sizes and a storage case. The case is made of plastic, the maximum volume: 135 dB, the sensitivity is above 50 dB. Color flesh-beige, weight 3 gr.
Digital channel intra-ear with wireless technologies. Developed on the latest primax and pure platform. The innovative SpeechMaster function activates all functions, including binaural ones, according to environmental changes to emphasize the speaker's voice and reduce the listener's effort in every acoustic situation.
This is achieved through three key technologies:
- Noise reduction - suppresses ambient noise.
- Directionality - focuses in the direction of the speaker.
- Amplification - amplifies the speaker's voice compared to the ambient noise.
All Insio primax models can be controlled remotely. There are 48 signal processing channels, 6 acoustic programs, 2 directional microphones, extended bandwidth, adaptive streaming control and feedback suppression. Recognizes and highlights speech at a distance of 3 steps.
In-the-ear gadget based on Invisible Open Technology (IOT) technology. Patented external microphone technology - its location provides complete protection against wind noise and speech intelligibility in all sound situations. The device is fully automatic - no setting needs to be adjusted manually.
Natural vents are present, which allows you to naturally hear your own voice and avoid the feeling of stuffy ear. The system, which clearly determines the presence of speech in the signal, works individually in each channel. Noise is suppressed, but speech is not affected.
Most often, older people are prescribed behind-the-ear devices. They are easy to put on and use, you can achieve maximum purity of sounds. At the same time, it is imperative that the earmold matches the anatomical features of the ear and does not cause problems, pain and discomfort when worn.
Widex Mind 220
The Widex Mind™ 220 Series is designed with innovative Audibility Extender and SmartSpeak technology to improve sound quality and wearer comfort.
Audibility Extender (frequency transposition) makes high frequency sounds audible again. For example, speech such as children's voices, birdsong, etc. The principle of operation is based on the transfer of inaudible high-frequency sounds to a lower frequency region, where they are perceived by the cells of the cochlea.
SmartSpeak uses actual speech to indicate functionality. For example, the system will warn you that the batteries are running low, that a particular program has been selected, etc.
Behind-the-ear and in-the-ear models are available to order.
Economy behind-the-ear devices with quality sound, elegant looks and reliable technology. Suitable for patients with 1-2 degrees of hearing loss. They are adjusted using special software according to the results of the audiogram.
13 type batteries are used for power supply. Oticon Get BTE has 4 channels and 4 programs. Benefits include high quality audio processing on the RISE platform, 100% feedback protection, quick and intuitive setup, direct audio input (DAI), FM compatibility and a program switch indicator.
Analog hearing aid in a miniature body for the correction of mild, moderate and moderately severe hearing loss, including FUNG. Producer Istok-Audio (Russia). Body type behind the ear (BTE). Average power level.
Provides a high degree of speech intelligibility, while maintaining the natural ratio of sounds of different volumes. Due to surface mount technology, it is reliable in operation, simple, objective, there is nothing to break there. The sensitive telecoil provides greater volume and clarity when talking on the phone.
Compact sound amplifying device to help people with hearing impairments. It has a microphone for capturing external sounds and encoding them into digital form, a microprocessor (which amplifies and processes the digital signal), a miniature loudspeaker that transmits sound directly into the auditory canal, and a battery.
Unitron 360+
Digital heavy duty 8 channel hearing aid with 2 automatic and 3 manual listening programs, adaptive directional microphone. Among the advantages - suppression of impulse noise AntiShock, suppression of feedback, wind noise, acoustic interference. Automatically switches to phone.
360 digital devices adopt 8-channel sound processing system, automatically adapt to the surrounding sound environment. Speech highlighting function has been implemented. The devices are equipped with a program switch and a volume control. The new housing design protects against water penetration.
Widex Menu ME-9
Digital, easily customizable to individual patient needs. It is sold in a convenient plastic case. The case is durable, so it is unlikely that you can accidentally damage the device inside it. Frequency range 100-7500 Hz, recommended for 1-3 degrees of hearing loss. Operating time without battery replacement 325 hours.
The device itself is a behind-the-ear part in a plastic case and silicone elements, including an insert. The size is small, and the behind-the-ear part is not thick, slightly expanding towards the end for better fixation on the auricle. The silicone insert is made individually for a particular patient's ear. It takes a week to make. That is, the selection of a hearing aid is carried out in two stages: a hearing test and the choice of a model at the first appointment, and at the second appointment, the doctor will already give a completely finished hearing aid and adjust it.
Heavy-duty standard digital behind-the-ear hearing aid developed on the Venture platform. Designed to compensate I-IV degree of hearing loss, including for the deaf. Runs on 13 batteries. Manufacturer Phonak (Switzerland), for 12 channels with the most advanced noise reduction system. Benefits include wireless functionality, FM compatibility, and nano-coating.
The new 2018 model incorporates the AutoSense OS algorithm to recognize the acoustic environment (situation options: quiet situation, speech in noise, comfort in noise). The Bolero family among analogues is considered the most thoughtful. Developed with the latest technology powered by the fast Quest processor for people with a variety of hearing losses, including the most severe, and lifestyles.
In a series of behind-the-ear digital devices, Siemens Motion Primax and SX with a rechargeable battery (price from 65 to 150 thousand rubles) can be noted.
VIDEO: How a hearing aid works