Hearing devices play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for people with hearing impairments. Here is a breakdown of the different types of hearing devices and their importance:
- Hearing Aids
Function: Hearing aids in Sri Lanka amplify sound and are typically used for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They consist of a microphone (to pick up sound), an amplifier (to boost sound), and a speaker (to deliver sound to the ear). You can find analogue and digital hearing aids online in Sri Lanka.
Importance: They help users hear more clearly in various situations, such as conversations, television, or public places. This can greatly enhance communication, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
- Cochlear Implants
Function: Cochlear implants are electronic devices surgically implanted into the inner ear. They convert sound into electrical signals that stimulate the auditory nerve directly, bypassing damaged parts of the ear.
Importance: They are used for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit sufficiently from hearing aids. Cochlear implants can significantly improve the ability to understand speech and environmental sounds.
- Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHAs)
Function: BAHAs are surgically implanted devices that use bone conduction to transmit sound vibrations directly to the inner ear. They are suitable for people with conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness.
Importance: BAHAs help individuals with issues like ear canal abnormalities or chronic ear infections, enabling them to hear through the vibrations transmitted through the skull bone.
- Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs)
Function: ALDs enhance sound in specific situations, such as in noisy environments or large spaces. They include devices like FM systems, infrared systems, and induction loop systems.
Importance: ALDs help users hear more clearly in challenging environments, improving their ability to participate in activities such as lectures, meetings, and conversations in noisy places.
- Alerting Devices
Function: These devices help individuals with hearing loss to detect important sounds, like doorbells, smoke alarms, or alarm clocks, through visual signals (flashing lights) or vibrations.
Importance: Alerting devices ensure that individuals with hearing impairments are aware of important sounds in their environment, enhancing safety and daily functioning.
- Captioning Services
Function: Although not a device, captioning services provide text versions of spoken dialogue in real-time or through recorded media.
Importance: Captioning makes audiovisual content accessible to individuals with hearing impairments, allowing them to follow along with TV shows, movies, and online videos.
These devices and services are essential because they bridge communication gaps, enhance safety, and improve the overall quality of life for those with hearing impairments. The hearing aid price in Sri Lanka varies depending on brand, features and vendor, and also the availability of accessories and hearing aid batteries online in Sri Lanka.
How to protect your hearing device: Five essential tips
Protecting your hearing device is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Here are five essential tips to keep your hearing aids or other devices in good condition:
- Keep Them Dry
- Tip: Avoid exposing your hearing devices to moisture. Remove them before swimming, showering, or engaging in activities that involve water. If they do get wet, let them dry completely before using them again.
- Why: Moisture can damage the electronic components and affect the functionality of your hearing devices.
- Clean Regularly
- Tip: Clean your hearing devices according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe them down, and make sure to clean the microphone and receiver openings with a brush or tool designed for hearing aids.
- Why: Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of earwax, dirt, and other debris that can affect performance and cause damage.
- Store Properly
- Tip: When not in use, store your hearing devices in a dry, cool place. Use a storage case or a dehumidifier box specifically designed for hearing aids to keep them protected from dust and moisture.
- Why: Proper storage prevents physical damage and exposure to environmental factors that could harm the device.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures
- Tip: Do not expose your hearing devices to extreme heat or cold. Avoid leaving them in hot places like a car or near a heater, and keep them away from direct sunlight.
- Why: Extreme temperatures can affect the battery life and overall functionality of your hearing devices.
- Handle with Care
- Tip: Handle your hearing devices gently. Avoid dropping them or applying excessive pressure, and always remove and insert them carefully.
- Why: Rough handling can cause physical damage to the delicate components of the device.
Importance of protecting your hearing device
Protecting your hearing device is essential because:
- Longevity and Durability: Proper care and protection can extend the lifespan of your hearing device. By avoiding moisture, extreme temperatures, and physical damage, you reduce the risk of wear and tear, ensuring that your device lasts longer.
- Optimal Performance: Hearing devices are finely tuned electronic instruments. Regular maintenance and protection help ensure they function correctly, providing clear and accurate sound. Preventing dirt, wax buildup, and moisture-related issues keeps the device performing at its best.
- Cost Efficiency: Hearing devices can be expensive, and repairs or replacements can be costly. Protecting your device helps prevent damage, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements and saving you money in the long run.
- Consistent Hearing Quality: Consistent care ensures that your hearing device continues to meet your hearing needs effectively. When devices are well-maintained, you are more likely to experience stable and reliable hearing performance, which is crucial for daily communication and quality of life.
- Safety: Protecting your hearing device also protects your safety. For instance, ensuring that devices are in good working condition helps you stay aware of your surroundings, which is important for navigating safely in various environments.
- Comfort: Well-maintained hearing devices are more comfortable to wear. Regular cleaning and proper storage help avoid issues like itching, irritation, or discomfort caused by debris or moisture buildup.
Protecting your hearing device is about maintaining its functionality, extending its life, and ensuring that it continues to meet your hearing needs effectively.