Archive for November 2009
Open Fit or Standard Fit Hearing Aids –Whats the Difference
Mike Roberts asked:
If it is decided you need a Hearing Aid after having a hearing test, you will find that there is now a wide choice. Not only are there various styles of Hearing Aids, such as Behind the Ear, In the Ear, In the Channel and Completely in the Channel, but there is now a further choice between Open Fit and Standard Fit Hearing Aids.
Standard Hearing Aids have changed considerably over the last few years, especially due to the miniaturisation of the Electronics within the Aid. Its miniaturisation has enabled the Aids to be made much smaller and therefore Behind the Ear Aids can be almost invisible. Also because of the extremely small size, Completely in the Channel Aids are virtually impossible to see. However, all standard Hearing Aids suffer from one major problem called occlusion, which is caused by the ear channel being completely blocked by the earmold . This gives a feeling of listening to sounds as if you were inside a barrel. Sufferers of high frequency hearing loss and low frequency response , are affected mostly..
Open Fit Hearing Aids overcome this problem because they do not completely close up the ear channel – Open Fit. There are two types of Open Fit, one has an earmould just like a Standard Fit Hearing Aid but it has small holes cut into the mould to allow the air and low frequency sounds to pass through, thus overcoming the blocked ear effect. A second type does not have an earmould at all but a very thin tube connects the Hearing Aid to the ear channel through which the amplified sound passes. This has the major advantage in that it does not block the ear channel at all and also, because the tube is very thin it can hardly be seen.
The Open Fit type of Hearing Aid which has small apertures in the ear mould can be used where the Aid is situated in the ear channel i.e. In the Ear. In the Channel and Completely in the Channel Hearing Aids, whereas the Open Fit using the very thin tube is used for the Behind the Ear type Hearing Aid.
The Open Fit Hearing Aid has other major advantages especially at the fitting stage. Whereas Standard Hearing Aids have to have an earmould specially designed to fit the suffers ear, the Open Fit Aid does not need a special earmould or in the case of the thin tube type, an earmould is not needed at all.
Because of the ease of fitting the open fit Hearing Aid can be fitted immediately with no waiting for an earmould to be made .
In conclusion the open fit Hearing Aid has a number of advantages over the Standard Fitting Hearing Aid especially for sufferers of Hearing Loss at the higher frequencies.However it must be pointed out that however good or expensive the Digital Hearing Aid is it will never be able to return the sufferers hearing to its origional state.
If it is decided you need a Hearing Aid after having a hearing test, you will find that there is now a wide choice. Not only are there various styles of Hearing Aids, such as Behind the Ear, In the Ear, In the Channel and Completely in the Channel, but there is now a further choice between Open Fit and Standard Fit Hearing Aids.
Standard Hearing Aids have changed considerably over the last few years, especially due to the miniaturisation of the Electronics within the Aid. Its miniaturisation has enabled the Aids to be made much smaller and therefore Behind the Ear Aids can be almost invisible. Also because of the extremely small size, Completely in the Channel Aids are virtually impossible to see. However, all standard Hearing Aids suffer from one major problem called occlusion, which is caused by the ear channel being completely blocked by the earmold . This gives a feeling of listening to sounds as if you were inside a barrel. Sufferers of high frequency hearing loss and low frequency response , are affected mostly..
Open Fit Hearing Aids overcome this problem because they do not completely close up the ear channel – Open Fit. There are two types of Open Fit, one has an earmould just like a Standard Fit Hearing Aid but it has small holes cut into the mould to allow the air and low frequency sounds to pass through, thus overcoming the blocked ear effect. A second type does not have an earmould at all but a very thin tube connects the Hearing Aid to the ear channel through which the amplified sound passes. This has the major advantage in that it does not block the ear channel at all and also, because the tube is very thin it can hardly be seen.
The Open Fit type of Hearing Aid which has small apertures in the ear mould can be used where the Aid is situated in the ear channel i.e. In the Ear. In the Channel and Completely in the Channel Hearing Aids, whereas the Open Fit using the very thin tube is used for the Behind the Ear type Hearing Aid.
The Open Fit Hearing Aid has other major advantages especially at the fitting stage. Whereas Standard Hearing Aids have to have an earmould specially designed to fit the suffers ear, the Open Fit Aid does not need a special earmould or in the case of the thin tube type, an earmould is not needed at all.
Because of the ease of fitting the open fit Hearing Aid can be fitted immediately with no waiting for an earmould to be made .
In conclusion the open fit Hearing Aid has a number of advantages over the Standard Fitting Hearing Aid especially for sufferers of Hearing Loss at the higher frequencies.However it must be pointed out that however good or expensive the Digital Hearing Aid is it will never be able to return the sufferers hearing to its origional state.
Hearing Aids Market in India 2011 – Research and Market
Center for Hearing Aids asked:
Digital hearing aids gaining market share with the changing consumer perception.
The market is expected to show steady growth owing to the increasing participation of Indian players in manufacturing. Currently, the market is dominated by foreign players.
The usage of digital hearing aids is increasing as people are becoming prone to newer technology and their perceptions are changing. Digital units are however priced higher than analog ones which have been traditionally present in the market. Indian market for hearing aids is dependent on imports especially for the digital hearing aids that attract zero duty. Due to growing target population, the market offers huge prospects for players to grow and serve the market in a lucrative way.
The report begins with the introduction section which offers a brief description of the segments in the hearing aids market in India. The market overview section provides an insight into the market and highlights the market size and growth. It also depicts the market segmentation in terms of types of hearing aids popular in the market. It also provides import and export figures of hearing aids in India in terms of both volume and value. Regional break-up of the imports and exports have been included.
An analysis of the drivers explains the factors for growth including changing demographics, growing target consumer group, low market penetration, changing lifestyles, government initiatives and donation programmes by NGOs. Key challenges include lack of standard regulatory structure and lack of awareness.
The competition section provides an overview of the competitive landscape in the industry and highlights the pricing and features of major players operating in the market. It also includes a brief profile of the major players in the market along with their financials. The report also contains information on price comparison for digital and analog models of hearing aids.
Hearing Aids are available as: analog and digital with Bluetooth and Wireless technology. Today behind the ear is common and in this year 2011 invisble hearing aid may take the market. Digital Hearing aids price starts from Rs 10000 to Rs 180000 (INR).
Center for hearing aids is the leader in the field of custom hearing aids, complete ear check up for proper audio perception, hearing aid accessories, all types of hearing aids services and fittings. We use state of the art hearing aid technologies and style to provide personalized and true High Definition hearing and comfort. We sell all major brands of hearing aids and their corresponding batteries and accessories, we have professional audiologists for checking your hearing loss and detecting early stages of hearing problems . We deal in all the types and major brands like Phonak, Siemens Widex, ReSound, Starkey, Barnafone, Oticon, Alps and Unitron.
Rama Vision & Hearing provides care with hearing aids at retail outlet prices. We are proud to be one of the only companies to provide transparent pricing.
Digital hearing aids gaining market share with the changing consumer perception.
The market is expected to show steady growth owing to the increasing participation of Indian players in manufacturing. Currently, the market is dominated by foreign players.
The usage of digital hearing aids is increasing as people are becoming prone to newer technology and their perceptions are changing. Digital units are however priced higher than analog ones which have been traditionally present in the market. Indian market for hearing aids is dependent on imports especially for the digital hearing aids that attract zero duty. Due to growing target population, the market offers huge prospects for players to grow and serve the market in a lucrative way.
The report begins with the introduction section which offers a brief description of the segments in the hearing aids market in India. The market overview section provides an insight into the market and highlights the market size and growth. It also depicts the market segmentation in terms of types of hearing aids popular in the market. It also provides import and export figures of hearing aids in India in terms of both volume and value. Regional break-up of the imports and exports have been included.
An analysis of the drivers explains the factors for growth including changing demographics, growing target consumer group, low market penetration, changing lifestyles, government initiatives and donation programmes by NGOs. Key challenges include lack of standard regulatory structure and lack of awareness.
The competition section provides an overview of the competitive landscape in the industry and highlights the pricing and features of major players operating in the market. It also includes a brief profile of the major players in the market along with their financials. The report also contains information on price comparison for digital and analog models of hearing aids.
Hearing Aids are available as: analog and digital with Bluetooth and Wireless technology. Today behind the ear is common and in this year 2011 invisble hearing aid may take the market. Digital Hearing aids price starts from Rs 10000 to Rs 180000 (INR).
Center for hearing aids is the leader in the field of custom hearing aids, complete ear check up for proper audio perception, hearing aid accessories, all types of hearing aids services and fittings. We use state of the art hearing aid technologies and style to provide personalized and true High Definition hearing and comfort. We sell all major brands of hearing aids and their corresponding batteries and accessories, we have professional audiologists for checking your hearing loss and detecting early stages of hearing problems . We deal in all the types and major brands like Phonak, Siemens Widex, ReSound, Starkey, Barnafone, Oticon, Alps and Unitron.
Rama Vision & Hearing provides care with hearing aids at retail outlet prices. We are proud to be one of the only companies to provide transparent pricing.
Digital Hearing Aids – Which Is The Best For You?
Hearing Expert asked:
Digital hearing aids – which is the best one for you?
Digital hearing aids are a vital part of life for many people, especially when they get older.
However, not all hearing aids are the same. The type of hearing aid you need would depend on your lifestyle and the degree of hearing difficulty that you’re experiencing.
There are some digital hearing aids that can fit completely inside the ear canal so that they are barely visible from the outside. The main benefit of these is the way they look. They are very discrete, of that there is no doubt.
However, these hearing aids are mostly suitable for people with mild or moderate hearing loss. These in the ear hearing aids are sometimes more limited because their limited size prevents many of the more advanced hearing aid features, such as dual microphones and telecoils. The hearing aid market has improved way beyond the completely in the canal hearing aid capability.Another type of hearing aid is one that fits partly into the ear canal (ITC). This style is barely noticeable, but will maintain the important features that many people look for in the latest digital hearing aids. Some of these hearing aids come with a remote control that can help you control the volume and other advanced features of your digital hearing aid.
There are also digital hearing aids that fill the whole ear (full shell) which will do the same job as the ITC hearing aid, but usually uses a larger hearing aid battery, thus giving longer battery life. These are not as discrete as the previously mentioned hearing aids.
The last conventional style hearing aid is a BTE (Behind The Ear) which is the traditional hearing aid fitting, and the style that would come from the NHS in the UK. These are fairly large hearing aids, sitting on top of the ear with a tube and a mould sitting in the ear. These are the most noticeable hearing aids, but for some people with severe or profound hearing loss, they may be the best digital hearing aid choice.
The newest and most exciting development in hearing aid technology is the open ear hearing aid, incorporating RITE (received in the ear) technology. These open ear digital hearing aids are incredibly discrete, wonderfully clear sounding, largely problem free and very light and comfortable. These open ear hearing aids usually comprise of a tiny ‘pod’ sitting on top of the ear, which houses most of the components and the battery, a small thin wire running from this into the ear, and a soft rubbery dome which houses the speaker unit and conveys the sound directly to the ear using a snug and comfortable fitting. The market leaders in this category of open ear hearing aids are considered to be Oticon hearing aids, Phonak and GN Resound. The Oticon Dual, the Phonak Audeo Yes and the ‘be’ by Resound are the newest versions of open ear hearing aids.
Hearing aids are comprised of three components: the microphone(s), amplifier and speaker. The microphone is the part of the hearing aid that picks up the sounds that are emitted around you. The amplifier helps to increase the volume of the sound so that you are able to hear it. The speaker component of the hearing aid relays the enhanced sound to the ear so you can hear it at a level tailored for your individual hearing loss.
Another basic part is the hearing aid battery. They will need to be replaced from time to time in all digital hearing aids. Battery life typically last between a week and three weeks, depending on the size of digital hearing aid, and the amount of time it is worn per day.
These hearing aid batteries are easily available and inexpensive. Some hearing care companies will offer free batteries and service as part of their overall package. To find out which is the most suitable digital hearing aid for you, find a hearing care retailer who will offer a free hearing test and independent advice, including hearing aid prices.
Digital hearing aids – which is the best one for you?
Digital hearing aids are a vital part of life for many people, especially when they get older.
However, not all hearing aids are the same. The type of hearing aid you need would depend on your lifestyle and the degree of hearing difficulty that you’re experiencing.
There are some digital hearing aids that can fit completely inside the ear canal so that they are barely visible from the outside. The main benefit of these is the way they look. They are very discrete, of that there is no doubt.
However, these hearing aids are mostly suitable for people with mild or moderate hearing loss. These in the ear hearing aids are sometimes more limited because their limited size prevents many of the more advanced hearing aid features, such as dual microphones and telecoils. The hearing aid market has improved way beyond the completely in the canal hearing aid capability.Another type of hearing aid is one that fits partly into the ear canal (ITC). This style is barely noticeable, but will maintain the important features that many people look for in the latest digital hearing aids. Some of these hearing aids come with a remote control that can help you control the volume and other advanced features of your digital hearing aid.
There are also digital hearing aids that fill the whole ear (full shell) which will do the same job as the ITC hearing aid, but usually uses a larger hearing aid battery, thus giving longer battery life. These are not as discrete as the previously mentioned hearing aids.
The last conventional style hearing aid is a BTE (Behind The Ear) which is the traditional hearing aid fitting, and the style that would come from the NHS in the UK. These are fairly large hearing aids, sitting on top of the ear with a tube and a mould sitting in the ear. These are the most noticeable hearing aids, but for some people with severe or profound hearing loss, they may be the best digital hearing aid choice.
The newest and most exciting development in hearing aid technology is the open ear hearing aid, incorporating RITE (received in the ear) technology. These open ear digital hearing aids are incredibly discrete, wonderfully clear sounding, largely problem free and very light and comfortable. These open ear hearing aids usually comprise of a tiny ‘pod’ sitting on top of the ear, which houses most of the components and the battery, a small thin wire running from this into the ear, and a soft rubbery dome which houses the speaker unit and conveys the sound directly to the ear using a snug and comfortable fitting. The market leaders in this category of open ear hearing aids are considered to be Oticon hearing aids, Phonak and GN Resound. The Oticon Dual, the Phonak Audeo Yes and the ‘be’ by Resound are the newest versions of open ear hearing aids.
Hearing aids are comprised of three components: the microphone(s), amplifier and speaker. The microphone is the part of the hearing aid that picks up the sounds that are emitted around you. The amplifier helps to increase the volume of the sound so that you are able to hear it. The speaker component of the hearing aid relays the enhanced sound to the ear so you can hear it at a level tailored for your individual hearing loss.
Another basic part is the hearing aid battery. They will need to be replaced from time to time in all digital hearing aids. Battery life typically last between a week and three weeks, depending on the size of digital hearing aid, and the amount of time it is worn per day.
These hearing aid batteries are easily available and inexpensive. Some hearing care companies will offer free batteries and service as part of their overall package. To find out which is the most suitable digital hearing aid for you, find a hearing care retailer who will offer a free hearing test and independent advice, including hearing aid prices.