Hearing Aid Presentation

8/13/2019 Hearing Aid Presentation

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Amplification

Hearing Aids, Auditory Trainers

and Group Amplification

Ann Licata

Jenn MarkLindsay Frericks


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Learning Objectives

Differentiate between the types of hearing aids.

Know the basic functions of a hearing aid.

Understand what a sound field system and an FMsystem is.

Understand the difference between primary andsupplementary amplification.


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The History of Hearing Aids

First available in 1899. Large cumbersome boxes which took up as much room as a

small suitcase.

Early hearing aid typically consisted of a separatemicrophone, an amplifier, headphones and a bulky battery.

The device worked best when placed on a table and usedwith a pair of headphones.

Although the battery was large, it only lasted for a couple ofhours at a time.

They were expensive, and only few people could afford tobuy them.


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The History of Hearing Aids

In 1902 a smaller, portable device which could be worn wasintroduced.

Although the design was smaller, the amplifier and batterieshad to be hung around the neck and the microphone had tobe held in the hand in order to hear properly.

The invention of the transistor in 1947 revolutionizedhearing aid technology- increased amplification, longerbattery life.

Body aids were then the new transistor-style hearing aiduntil 1960.

In 1960 the types of aids that we see today began to comeinto production.


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Hearing Aid Facts

Hearing aids help a person hear better, but it won'treturn hearing to normal levels.

Analogue aids boost all sounds, not just those theperson wishes to hear.

While the aid amplifies sound, it doesn't necessarilyimprove the clarity of the sound.

Monaural = a hearing aid for one ear.

Binaural = for two ears.


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All Hearing Aids Consist of

Amicrophoneto convert soundinto electricity.

An amplifierto increase the

strength of the electrical signalsand alter the balance of thesound.

A receiverto turn electricity

back into sound.

A batteryto provide

the power needed for

the amplifier.

Additional features can

be added to certain aids.


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How A Hearing Aid Works

The microphonepicks up sound waves from the airand converts them into electrical signals.

The amplifiermakes these signals louder.

The receiverthen converts the processed signalsback into sound waves and directs them into the

ear.


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Types of Hearing Aids


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Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Can provide better sound

quality.

Can be more reliable thansmaller aids.

Recommended for childrenbecause of its large size.

Used with more severe hearinglosses.

Less chance of whistlingbecause microphone is locatedfurther from the receiver.

Banana-shaped case conveys

sound via a tube to the ear mold.

The electronics are housed in acase that is fitted behind the ear.

More power.


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In-The-Canal (ITC)

Easier to maintain. Offer better acoustics because

of position of the microphone.

Because of size, difficultieswith use of volume, insertion

of battery, etc. can occur. Does not have the power oflarger aids.

Less powerful than ITE.

Used with a variety of hearing

losses. $ Expensive $

Fits in the lower portion

of the ear.

Less-visible.


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Completely-In-The-Canal (CIC)

Lesser chance of feedbackor whistling while ontelephone.

Low battery life.

Some types of hearing lossor ear canal shapes cannotwear.

Better high-frequencyamplification.

Smallest, least visible.

Needs less volume b/c

closer to ear.
http://www.hearing-aid.com/index.htm


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Body Hearing Aid

A large microphone, amplifier, and power supply areplaced inside a case that is attached to the personsclothing.

The receiver attaches directly to the ear mold whichreceives its power through wires from the amplifier.

Often used by people with profound hearing loss oryoung children.

The most powerful hearing aids.


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Disposable Hearing Aids

A one-size hearing aid Because of the soft material, fits almost all adults.

Can be fitted in one visit.

Wearer will automatically receive new hearing aidsapproximately nine times a year.

The hearing aid costs about $40 per hearing aid Is designed to last for about 40 days.

Costs approximately $1,800 over a five year period = onemodern high quality digital hearing aid which typically lasts 4 to5 years.

Primarily intended for people who are suffering from mild tomoderate hearing loss.


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Analog Hearing Aids

All the above mentioned hearing aids.

Pick up sound and convert it into electrical

signals.

Non-programmable.

Less-expensive.


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Digital Hearing Aids

Newest technology- a computer chipprocesses the sound, separating unwantedsound from the desired speech information.

Adapts to changes in the listeningenvironment automatically.


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When a Hearing Aid Whistles

The whistling that you hear is feedback from thehearing aid.

Ear wax can force sound back out of the ear.

Wearing the aid at full volume can cause feedback. An incorrect fitting ear mold can cause whistling.

Programmable hearing aids work best in reducingfeedback.


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What is an Auditory Trainer?

A devise which assists students with hearing losses by

amplifying sound.

It is used to help reduce the signal-to-noise ratio (teachersvoice, background noise).

The more background sound (fans, traffic, computers) themore difficult it is to hear the signal.

Auditory Trainers help to reduce the effects of noise on theclassroom, making it easier for the student to understandwhat the teacher is saying.


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An Auditory Trainer can be:

A Sound Field System

An FM System


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A Sound Field System

A system which is made up of:

A Teacher Microphone Transmitter

A receiver (also worn by the teacher) An amplifier

2-4 individual Speakers

or1 single ceiling mounted speaker


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How to use the Sound Field System

2-4 individual speakers should be placed around theroom (this will help ALL students to hear the teachervoice better).

The speakers will amplify the teachers voice 6-8 dB's.

This devise is not meant to be for small groups orindividual work and should not be used in place of an

FM system


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Advantages of the Sound Field System

Can be used by ALL students. Lower rate of malfunction compared to other

equipment which results in lower maintenance costsand longer equipment live.

Is not worn by the student so not as likely to berejected because of cosmetics.

Is said to have increased academic achievement,especially for young students.

Teaches sharing and enforces group learning whenusing a microphone that can be passed around.


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What is an FM system?

A wireless system that sends FMsignals from a teacher-worn

microphone and transmitterdirectly to an individual'sportable FM receiver.


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Components of the FM system

Teacher Components: Microphone-picks up sounds direct sounds and

converts it to electrical signal

Transmitter-Takes electrical signal and

broadcasts its by antenna.

Student Components: Receiver-picks up the electrical signal being sent

by the transmitter, amplifies the sound and thendelivers it to the student transducer.


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Types of FM systems

Basic: Earphones delivers sound to the child Personal: Uses the personal hearing aid to deliver

the sound

Direct-input

Silhouette Neckloop

Ear Level: Receiver is in the BTE, which also worksas a hearing aid

Boot or Shoe: FM Receiver that snaps onto the BTE


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Transmitter Frequencies

The transmitter can be the most expensivepart of the Fm system since it is vital for

Converting the sound

Types of Frequencies

Fixed Frequency

Variable Frequency


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Advantages of an FM system

Personalized to the student.

Can be used with the students Hearing Aid.

Can provide extra amplification for students withCochlear Implants.

Can be adjusted for various settings (full classdiscussion, reading groups, individual work).

Is easy to transport.


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Trends and Government Policies

Schools responsibility to provide students with any devicesthat are necessary for the child to receive reasonablebenefit from his or her educational environment.

Assistive devices that are purchased by the school may beused outside of the school day. This is permitted on anindividual basis, and must be part of the students IEP.

Schools are required to use all funds available to them toprovide services and devices free of charge to the studentsand their parents.

Evaluation for assistive technology must include a functionalevaluation of the children n their customary environment.


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Auditory Needs of Students

Must take into consideration that the child mayneed additional amounts or different types ofhearing assistance throughout the day.

Educators need to be aware of the students self-esteem and what they are comfortable using.

Teachers need to help the students demonstratethe system to the other students and allow themample adjustment time.

Keep in mind that the assistive devices may vary

according to the physical environment of the class,or area that the student is in.


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Amplification andAssistive Device Options

Hearing Aids

Cochlear Implants

Universal Amplifiers

FM systemsPersonal FM

Self contained FM

Sound Field FMHearing aid/ FM combination


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Ownership Options

School owned auditory devices

Student owned auditory devices

Joint ownership

(school purchases transmitter and studentpurchases receiver)


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Primary vs. Supplementary Amplification

Primary amplification is the childs personal hearingaids and hearing instruments.

Supplementary amplification provides the

enhancement of the auditory signal.

For example, the childs hearing aids and ear moldswould be the primary amplification while the FM

system would be the supplementary amplification.

i i d S d S


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Hearing - Impaired Sound Systemsin Hearing Classes

Studies have shown that field FM systems helphearing students as well as hearing-impairedstudents.

The FM systems improve the students performance

on spelling, reading and test scores. The field FM system amplifies the teachers voice tothe class, which eliminates some of the negativeaffects of background noise.

The students perception of what the teacher issaying and teaching is consistent in all areas of theroom when there is a field FM system.

Hearing Aid Presentation

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