Hearing aids - a comparison of types and features is worthwhile

The basic principle of all hearing aids is identical

All hearing aids are made up of the same components: microphone, sound processor and loudspeaker. The microphone picks up the sound and the sound processor adjusts it to the individual needs of the wearer. The loudspeaker then reproduces the sound accordingly.

Today, all hearing aids work digitally. The sound processor contains a microchip that adjusts the sounds and tones received according to the wearer's hearing profile. In the process, frequencies that are no longer optimally perceived are specifically amplified.

The two main types of hearing aids

There are basically two types of hearing aids: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids.

As the name suggests, behind-the-ear hearing aids have a housing with a microphone, sound processor and loudspeaker behind the pinna. A small tube directs the amplified sound to a custom-made ear mould in the ear canal.
The modified design for behind-the-ear models works with an external receiver (loudspeaker). Microphone and sound processor are located in the housing, which is worn behind the ear. The loudspeaker is positioned in the earmold directly in the ear canal. It receives the adapted sound information via a thin cable. The loudspeaker, which is positioned directly in the ear canal, produces a better sound, and the cables are much less conspicuous than the tubes of conventional behind-the-ear hearing aids.

In-The-Ear hearing aids combine all components in a custom-made housing that is worn in the ear canal - almost invisibly. However, they are not suitable for all auditory canals; auditory canals are anatomically different from person to person.

Hearing aids - a comparison of the possible additional options is recommended

Furthermore, it is advisable to find out about additional comfort and design options. For example, you can choose between particularly discreet models and hearing solutions with an exceptionally good ergonomic fit. Extremely small in-the-ear hearing systems are also available.

Comfort options can expand the technical features of a hearing aid. For example, an automatic directional effect can be integrated to reduce background noise in noisy environments and highlight the voice of the person you are talking to. Automatic recognition of hearing situations and simultaneous adjustment of the hearing programs of the devices can be programmed.

Very practical are wireless interfaces, which can be used to connect telephones, music systems and television sets directly to the hearing aids. It is also possible to set the different modes of the hearing aids via smartphone app.

The KIND collection offers a number of such options for hearing aids - it's worth comparing.