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OPEN EAR HEARING DEVICES
If you are thinking about getting a hearing aid, you probably want one that is small, that no one can see, and one that can help you hear better and is comfortable. Well, there is good news for you! New Open Ear hearing aid technology has dramatically improved hearing capabilities and made them cosmetically appealing. Because it is so small, this hearing aid looks like it could be a bluetooth communication device or a fashion accessory.
Open ear hearing aids are housed in a miniature case that fits discreetly over or behind your ear. This style hearing aid sends the sounds into your ear in one of two ways. Some Open Ear style hearing aids use a small tube with an earbud (a soft tip) on the end that connects to your ear. A more recent innovation in Open Ear design is the receiver in the ear delivery system. Using this newer design provides several benefits. Because the speaker is actually in the ear, the sound quality is better and the hearing aid can provide more high frequency amplification. This hearing aid helps in reducing complaints related to loudness of a patient's own voice, known as the occlusion effect. Feedback (that annoying whistling sound) happens less often because the microphone and the speaker are further apart. Manufacturers of hearing aids have also made wax guards that are disposable for the speaker, which can be easily replaced. This style results in less breakdowns from earwax.
Many Open Ear aids can also be used for more than just high frequency hearing loss. By making a custom tip, they can be used for moderate to severe hearing loss at all frequencies. This allows even more hearing aid users to enjoy the technological and cosmetic advantages. Open Ear technology is the new breakthrough for hearing aid users. Because this aid is smaller, sufficient manual dexterity is necessary to ensure proper insertion and placement. See photo below.
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