助听器
什么是助听器?
美国有近3600万成年人吸烟.S. 有某种程度的听力损失. Hearing aids can help improve hearing and speech especially in persons with sensorineural hearing loss (hearing loss in the inner ear due to damaged hair cells or a damaged hearing nerve). Sensorineural hearing loss can be caused by virus or bacteria, 噪音, 受伤, 感染, 老化, 某些药物, 出生缺陷, 肿瘤, 血液循环问题或高血压, 和中风.
Hearing aids are electronic, battery-operated devices that can amplify and change sound. 麦克风以声波的形式接收声音. The sound waves are then converted into electrical signals.
助听器有哪些不同类型?
The type of hearing aid recommended for the individual depends on the person's home and work activities, 他或她的身体限制和医疗状况, 个人偏好. There are many different types of hearing aids on the market, 随着公司不断发明新产品, 每天改进助听器. However, there are 4 basic types of hearing aids available today. Consult your health care provider for additional information on each of the following types:
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助听器类型 |
描述 |
|---|---|
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耳内(ITE)助听器 |
These hearing aids come in plastic cases that fit in the outer ear. 一般用于轻度至重度听力损失, ITE hearing aids can accommodate other technical hearing devices, 比如telecoil, a mechanism used to improve sound during telephone calls. However, their small size can make it difficult to make adjustments. In addition, ITE hearing aids can be damaged by ear wax and drainage. |
|
耳后助听器(BTE) |
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, as the name implies, are worn behind the ear. This type of hearing aid, which is in a case, connects to a plastic ear mold inside the outer ear. These hearing aids are generally used for mild to severe hearing loss. Poorly fitted BTE hearing aids can cause feedback, an annoying "whistling" sound, in the ear. 然而，所有的助听器都可以有反馈. |
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运河艾滋病 |
运河艾滋病 fit directly in the ear canal and come in two sizes: in-the-canal (ITC) aid and completely-in-canal (CIC) aid. Customized to fit the size and shape of the individual's ear canal, canal aids are generally used for mild to moderate hearing loss. However, because of their small size, removal and adjustment may be more difficult. In addition, canal aids can be damaged by ear wax and drainage. |
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身体艾滋病 |
一般用于重度听力损失, or if the other types of hearing aids will not accommodate, body aids are attached to a belt or pocket and connected to the ear with a wire. |
谁可能是助听器的候选人?
Anyone who has hearing loss that may be improved with hearing aids can benefit from these devices. The type of hearing aid recommended may depend on several factors, including, but not limited to:
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The shape of the outer ear (deformed ears may not accommodate behind-the-ear hearing aids)
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Depth or length of the ear canal (too shallow ears may not accommodate in-the-ear hearing aids)
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听力损失的类型和严重程度
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The manual dexterity of the individual to remove and insert hearing aids
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The amount of wax buildup in the ear (excessive amounts of wax or moisture may prevent use of in-the-ear hearing aids)
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Ears that require drainage may not be able to use certain hearing aid models
戴助听器
一旦耳朵装上助听器, the individual should begin to gradually wear the hearing aid. 因为助听器并不能恢复正常的听力, it may take time to get used to the different sounds transmitted by the device. The American Academy of 耳鼻喉-头颈外科 recommends the following when beginning to wear hearing aids:
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Be patient and give yourself time to get used to the hearing aid and the sound it produces.
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Start in quiet surroundings and gradually build up to noisier environments.
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Experiment where and when the hearing aid works best for you.
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Keep a record of any questions and concerns you have, and bring those to your follow-up examination.
照顾好助听器
助听器需要保持干燥. Methods for cleaning hearing aids vary depending on the style and shape. 其他保养助听器的建议包括:
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让助听器远离热源和湿气.
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电池应该定期更换.
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Avoid the use of hairspray and other hair products when the hearing aid is in place.
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不使用助听器时，请关闭助听器.
购买助听器时的注意事项
A medical examination is required before purchasing a hearing aid. Hearing aids can be purchased from an otolaryngologist (a doctor who specializes in disorders of the ear, 鼻子, 喉咙, 以及头部和颈部的相关结构), an audiologist (a specialist who can evaluate and manage hearing and balance problems), 或者一个独立的公司. 款式和价格差别很大. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders recommends asking the following questions when buying hearing aids:
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Can the hearing loss be improved with medical or surgical interventions?
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Which design will work best for my type of hearing loss?
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我可以在一段时间内“测试”助听器吗?
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助听器要多少钱?
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Do the hearing aids have a warranty and does it cover maintenance and repairs?
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Can my audiologist or otolaryngologist make adjustments and repairs?
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Can any other assistive technological devices be used with the hearing aids?
