| Hearing aids have been a tremendous boon to the | | | | to spot than normal aids but they are unsuitable for |
| hard of hearing community. They are a small device of | | | | children as the ear mould has to be specific and a |
| varying type that amplifies sound, usually a small and | | | | child's changes rapidly. Smaller aids are available that |
| relatively concealable shape. | | | | are hardly noticeable but deal with less serious hearing |
| Original electronic hearing aids were kept in a pocket | | | | loss. |
| and while portable were inefficient and generally picked | | | | Many improvements are being made to the field. |
| up sound badly. The more modern model fits behind | | | | Wireless technology allows people to tune in hearing |
| the ear and has no battery pack, just a small zinc | | | | aids on each ear, use aids for communication, etc. |
| battery inside it. They are usable for any hearing loss | | | | Directional microphones focus in one direction, usually |
| from mild to serious and have a fairly inconspicuous | | | | straight forward, cutting out unwanted sound. They |
| clear plastic ear mould. They are durable and can be | | | | remove the trouble of picking up your own voice, the |
| used by adults or children, and come in more prominent | | | | sound of your clothing, traffic, etc. |
| colours for those who would prefer it. There are new | | | | When buying a hearing aid, specialist advice can be |
| external aids that are smaller and use a small tube | | | | found from shops that deal specifically with those |
| instead of an ear mould to reduce visibility and reduce | | | | products. Sometimes in the UK the NHS can help to |
| the problem of your own voice being amplified | | | | provide hearing aids as they can be very expensive to |
| because your ears are blocked. | | | | purchase. Still, the benefits are clearly impressive and |
| A type of hearing aid gaining popularity is an internal | | | | anyone with hearing difficulties can regain almost full |
| aid. ITE or 'in the ear' aids fit in the bowl of the ear and | | | | hearing with the right aid. |
| are made specifically to fit the user. They are harder | | | | |