A partially deaf dancer is one of the first in the UK to wear a new waterproof hearing aid.
Kirsty Swain, 30, from Hackbridge, finished fourth in the BBC talent show, So You Think You Can Dance, last summer.
She has now been unveiled as one of the first people in the UK to wear the Siemens waterproof and shock resistant hearing instrument, Aquaris.
The hearing instrument has opened up a whole new world to the jazz dancer who has spoken out against the stigma associated with hearing loss.
As a child she was excluded and embarrassed to wear her hearing aids and her active lifestyle as a dancer, teacher and performer has posed a number of issues.
Unable to find a hearing aid that could withstand the sweat and rigours of dancing, she preferred to dance without.
As a result, her dancing career has been shaped by the struggle to hear rhythm and she has learned to dance by music vibrations and copying others to pick up routines.
She said: “I have had trouble in the past with hearing instruments getting sweaty, slipping and being uncomfortable when exercising, but with the Aquaris I can run along hearing everything, without the slightest problem.
“I’ve been swimming with it and couldn’t believe how amazing it was. I could hear people standing beside the pool chatting as I swam underwater, more than most people, which made me feel quite special.”
She was also fitted with a miniTek, which uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly communicate sound between her Aquaris hearing instrument and television, mobile phone and MP3 player.
Resource :http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/9469393.Good_vibrations_for_BBC_deaf_dancer_s_hearing_aid/
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Good vibrations for BBC deaf Hackbridge dancer's hearing aid
A partially deaf dancer is one of the first in the UK to wear a new waterproof hearing aid.
Kirsty Swain, 30, from Hackbridge, finished fourth in the BBC talent show, So You Think You Can Dance, last summer.
She has now been unveiled as one of the first people in the UK to wear the Siemens waterproof and shock resistant hearing instrument, Aquaris.
The hearing instrument has opened up a whole new world to the jazz dancer who has spoken out against the stigma associated with hearing loss.
As a child she was excluded and embarrassed to wear her hearing aids and her active lifestyle as a dancer, teacher and performer has posed a number of issues.
Unable to find a hearing aid that could withstand the sweat and rigours of dancing, she preferred to dance without.
As a result, her dancing career has been shaped by the struggle to hear rhythm and she has learned to dance by music vibrations and copying others to pick up routines.
She said: “I have had trouble in the past with hearing instruments getting sweaty, slipping and being uncomfortable when exercising, but with the Aquaris I can run along hearing everything, without the slightest problem.
“I’ve been swimming with it and couldn’t believe how amazing it was. I could hear people standing beside the pool chatting as I swam underwater, more than most people, which made me feel quite special.”
She was also fitted with a miniTek, which uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly communicate sound between her Aquaris hearing instrument and television, mobile phone and MP3 player.
Resource :http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/9469393.Good_vibrations_for_BBC_deaf_dancer_s_hearing_aid/
Kirsty Swain, 30, from Hackbridge, finished fourth in the BBC talent show, So You Think You Can Dance, last summer.
She has now been unveiled as one of the first people in the UK to wear the Siemens waterproof and shock resistant hearing instrument, Aquaris.
The hearing instrument has opened up a whole new world to the jazz dancer who has spoken out against the stigma associated with hearing loss.
As a child she was excluded and embarrassed to wear her hearing aids and her active lifestyle as a dancer, teacher and performer has posed a number of issues.
Unable to find a hearing aid that could withstand the sweat and rigours of dancing, she preferred to dance without.
As a result, her dancing career has been shaped by the struggle to hear rhythm and she has learned to dance by music vibrations and copying others to pick up routines.
She said: “I have had trouble in the past with hearing instruments getting sweaty, slipping and being uncomfortable when exercising, but with the Aquaris I can run along hearing everything, without the slightest problem.
“I’ve been swimming with it and couldn’t believe how amazing it was. I could hear people standing beside the pool chatting as I swam underwater, more than most people, which made me feel quite special.”
She was also fitted with a miniTek, which uses Bluetooth technology to wirelessly communicate sound between her Aquaris hearing instrument and television, mobile phone and MP3 player.
Resource :http://www.suttonguardian.co.uk/news/9469393.Good_vibrations_for_BBC_deaf_dancer_s_hearing_aid/
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Types Of Hearing Aid Devices Offer You Many Choices
Hearing aid devices amplify the sound and enables the user to percept speech and other sounds properly. The technology used in hearing devices have come a long way since Harley Fletcher invented the first hearing aid known as Body worn aids. Now there are several devices available which offers better comfort and efficiency than their earlier counterparts.
1. Behind the ear aids (BTE)
BTE is the cheapest and easiest to use among hearing aids. This comes with a case that is placed behind the ear and a tube that runs down to the ear mould. The amplifier is inside the case which routs the sound into the ear through the tube. Since, the case sits outside, BTE requires less frequent cleaning. BTE is available in different colors and shade to match with the skin. Advancement in technology has now produced miniature BTEs which has thin hair like tubes which are less visible. It also uses a larger vent to keep the ear canal more open.
2. In the ear aids(ITE)
ITE devices are made to fit in the outer ear bowl. These are custom made devices for each individual and are sometimes visible while standing close to someone. Traditionally ITEs are recommended for children since these needed to be replaced frequently as the child grows. However the new ITEs made with silicon provides a solution to the problem.
3. Receiver In the Canal/Ear (CRT/RIC/RITE)
This is similar to the BTE with one significant difference. The receiver is placed in the ear canal and instead of the tune electrical wires are used. This device offers better reception of sound since it does not need to be routed in to the ear from an outside part. The RITE devices eliminate many limitations of the BIT.
4. In the canal (ITC), mini canal (MIC) and completely in the canal aids (CIC)
ITC devices are smaller and invisible since it fits inside the ear, but it is also more expensive because it needs to be custom made for each individual.
5. Invisible In canal hearing aids (IIC)
The IIC is the most comfortable among the several ear aid devices available. It sits deep in the ear canal making it invisible even when directly looking at the ear bowl. Since it is placed inside the ear, it gives a more natural experience of hearing. Furthermore in this aid, the ear canal is not blocked with a large shell.
6. Extended wear hearing aids
Extended wear hearing aids are placed inside the ear, with the help of a professional and is kept in the ear for 1-3 months continuously. These are probably the most comfortable aids since it avoids daily insertion, removal and cleaning. Also since the aid is placed near to the ear drum it gives a more clear and natural amplification of sounds.
7. Open-fit devices
Designed to mitigate the occlusion effect in other devices, OFT is similar to the BTE. It has a small case sitting outside the ear and a tube running into the ear ending.
8. Personal, User, Self, or Consumer Programmable
These new age devices allow the user to program the devices according to their own preferences using a PC. If an individual is unable to customize the settings, manufactures and dealer could do it remotely.
9. Disposable hearing aids
The battery in the disposable hearing aids is non-replaceable. The device becomes useless once the battery runs out but the fact that the battery need not be recharged often makes it easy to use.
10. Bone anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)
BAHA is a hearing instrument that needs to be surgically placed inside the skull. Children under the age 5 require wearing it outside on a head band. The device placed inside the skull vibrates the inside of the ear, stimulating the nerve fibres and allowing hearing.
The hearing aid devices are useful for individuals with mild, moderate and severe hearing loss. Recently, the advancement in technology has helped invent a number of devices that are more efficient and easy to use.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6696222
1. Behind the ear aids (BTE)
BTE is the cheapest and easiest to use among hearing aids. This comes with a case that is placed behind the ear and a tube that runs down to the ear mould. The amplifier is inside the case which routs the sound into the ear through the tube. Since, the case sits outside, BTE requires less frequent cleaning. BTE is available in different colors and shade to match with the skin. Advancement in technology has now produced miniature BTEs which has thin hair like tubes which are less visible. It also uses a larger vent to keep the ear canal more open.
2. In the ear aids(ITE)
ITE devices are made to fit in the outer ear bowl. These are custom made devices for each individual and are sometimes visible while standing close to someone. Traditionally ITEs are recommended for children since these needed to be replaced frequently as the child grows. However the new ITEs made with silicon provides a solution to the problem.
3. Receiver In the Canal/Ear (CRT/RIC/RITE)
This is similar to the BTE with one significant difference. The receiver is placed in the ear canal and instead of the tune electrical wires are used. This device offers better reception of sound since it does not need to be routed in to the ear from an outside part. The RITE devices eliminate many limitations of the BIT.
4. In the canal (ITC), mini canal (MIC) and completely in the canal aids (CIC)
ITC devices are smaller and invisible since it fits inside the ear, but it is also more expensive because it needs to be custom made for each individual.
5. Invisible In canal hearing aids (IIC)
The IIC is the most comfortable among the several ear aid devices available. It sits deep in the ear canal making it invisible even when directly looking at the ear bowl. Since it is placed inside the ear, it gives a more natural experience of hearing. Furthermore in this aid, the ear canal is not blocked with a large shell.
6. Extended wear hearing aids
Extended wear hearing aids are placed inside the ear, with the help of a professional and is kept in the ear for 1-3 months continuously. These are probably the most comfortable aids since it avoids daily insertion, removal and cleaning. Also since the aid is placed near to the ear drum it gives a more clear and natural amplification of sounds.
7. Open-fit devices
Designed to mitigate the occlusion effect in other devices, OFT is similar to the BTE. It has a small case sitting outside the ear and a tube running into the ear ending.
8. Personal, User, Self, or Consumer Programmable
These new age devices allow the user to program the devices according to their own preferences using a PC. If an individual is unable to customize the settings, manufactures and dealer could do it remotely.
9. Disposable hearing aids
The battery in the disposable hearing aids is non-replaceable. The device becomes useless once the battery runs out but the fact that the battery need not be recharged often makes it easy to use.
10. Bone anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA)
BAHA is a hearing instrument that needs to be surgically placed inside the skull. Children under the age 5 require wearing it outside on a head band. The device placed inside the skull vibrates the inside of the ear, stimulating the nerve fibres and allowing hearing.
The hearing aid devices are useful for individuals with mild, moderate and severe hearing loss. Recently, the advancement in technology has helped invent a number of devices that are more efficient and easy to use.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6696222
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Different Types Of Hearing Aids
People with impaired hearing should be thankful to technology for the major improvements that have been made in "hearing aids". It was not too long ago that people with impaired hearing had to live their lives without a hearing aid. It was the transistor technology that heralded the early electronic hearing aids.
The sound amplification unit was the size of a deck of cards that could be carried in the pocket with a cord attached to the speaker that was placed in the ear. Normal AA sized batteries powered the amplification unit, and there was a volume control knob on the unit. This type of hearing aid was worn in one ear.
In the nineteen fifties and sixties, when thick rimmed glasses were in fashion, hearing aids were fitted in the frame of the glasses. However, you could not use one without the other. These did help people who had impaired vision and hearing.
As technology advanced, behind the ear hearing aid became popular. This aid consists of a case, a tube and an ear mold. The case is placed behind the ear and a tube connects it to the ear mold. The sound amplification system is in the case, and the sound is routed through the tube to the ear mold. Sound can be routed either acoustically or electrically. If the sound is routed electrically, the speaker is placed in the ear mold. The ear mold is made from an impression taken of the person's outer ear. This ensures that it fits the ear comfortably. A variety of materials are used in making ear molds, and there is a choice of colors as well.
For people with mild to severe hearing problems, a second type of hearing aid is available that is fitted in the outer ear bowl. These are made to fit the shape of the ear bowl of customers. There used to be a feedback problem in the earlier versions of this device. However, those have now been gotten rid of. The modern day device is made from silicon and does not need to be replaced in growing children.
Another type of hearing aid is called the ear canal device. The device is similar to the behind the ear device and the only difference is that the speaker is placed within the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is the most invisible one and does not block the ear passage.
There are very small in the ear hearing devices, but they are quite expensive, as they are custom-made to fit the ear of each individual. There are other types of hearing devices that are surgically placed inside the ear canal. However, these again are quite expensive. You can also buy disposable hearing devices online. They do not have a battery that can be replaced and they usually work for three to four months. These are typically behind the ear devices.
With advancements in wireless technologies, now there are hearing devices transmit the sound to the ear speaker by wireless. FM systems are used for sound transmission in these hearing devices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5867020
The sound amplification unit was the size of a deck of cards that could be carried in the pocket with a cord attached to the speaker that was placed in the ear. Normal AA sized batteries powered the amplification unit, and there was a volume control knob on the unit. This type of hearing aid was worn in one ear.
In the nineteen fifties and sixties, when thick rimmed glasses were in fashion, hearing aids were fitted in the frame of the glasses. However, you could not use one without the other. These did help people who had impaired vision and hearing.
As technology advanced, behind the ear hearing aid became popular. This aid consists of a case, a tube and an ear mold. The case is placed behind the ear and a tube connects it to the ear mold. The sound amplification system is in the case, and the sound is routed through the tube to the ear mold. Sound can be routed either acoustically or electrically. If the sound is routed electrically, the speaker is placed in the ear mold. The ear mold is made from an impression taken of the person's outer ear. This ensures that it fits the ear comfortably. A variety of materials are used in making ear molds, and there is a choice of colors as well.
For people with mild to severe hearing problems, a second type of hearing aid is available that is fitted in the outer ear bowl. These are made to fit the shape of the ear bowl of customers. There used to be a feedback problem in the earlier versions of this device. However, those have now been gotten rid of. The modern day device is made from silicon and does not need to be replaced in growing children.
Another type of hearing aid is called the ear canal device. The device is similar to the behind the ear device and the only difference is that the speaker is placed within the ear canal. This type of hearing aid is the most invisible one and does not block the ear passage.
There are very small in the ear hearing devices, but they are quite expensive, as they are custom-made to fit the ear of each individual. There are other types of hearing devices that are surgically placed inside the ear canal. However, these again are quite expensive. You can also buy disposable hearing devices online. They do not have a battery that can be replaced and they usually work for three to four months. These are typically behind the ear devices.
With advancements in wireless technologies, now there are hearing devices transmit the sound to the ear speaker by wireless. FM systems are used for sound transmission in these hearing devices.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5867020
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The Latest & Greatest in Bluetooth Hearing Aid Technology
When people think of hearing aids, they might think more of old ear trumpets than high-quality, advanced devices, but the integration of Bluetooth with hearing aid technology is changing that. Hearing aid manufacturers are lately using Bluetooth as a tool to improve their products, and each manufacturer is taking a different approach. I first became aware of Bluetooth technology and hearing aids in 2009, when I purchased a set of Oticon Epoq aids through my audiologist. The Bluetooth technology used by Oticon allows my hearing aids to communicate to each other, allows me to listen to music without headphones, and make calls without holding the phone up to my ear. What is Bluetooth? Bluetooth has actually been around since 1994, created by Ericsson, a telecommunications company.
Bluetooth can seem mysterious, but it's actually pretty simple – it uses radio frequencies to allow devices to communicate without cables or wiring. Bluetooth essentially creates a tiny wireless network between multiple devices, for a multitude of purposes. What Good is Bluetooth for Hearing Aids? Bluetooth can be used to allow a wearer's hearing aids to communicate with hands-free devices, like music players and cellphones. It can also be used to allow two hearing aids to communicate to one another, which enhances a user's hearing experience. Bluetooth hearing aids often come with an additional device, specific to each manufacturer. The cost of this device could be bundled into the price of the aids or could come at an additional cost What Are Some Examples? The hearing aid manufacturer
Read more:http://www.articlesbase.com/hearing-articles/the-latest-greatest-in-bluetooth-hearing-aid-technology-4210411.html
Bluetooth can seem mysterious, but it's actually pretty simple – it uses radio frequencies to allow devices to communicate without cables or wiring. Bluetooth essentially creates a tiny wireless network between multiple devices, for a multitude of purposes. What Good is Bluetooth for Hearing Aids? Bluetooth can be used to allow a wearer's hearing aids to communicate with hands-free devices, like music players and cellphones. It can also be used to allow two hearing aids to communicate to one another, which enhances a user's hearing experience. Bluetooth hearing aids often come with an additional device, specific to each manufacturer. The cost of this device could be bundled into the price of the aids or could come at an additional cost What Are Some Examples? The hearing aid manufacturer
Read more:http://www.articlesbase.com/hearing-articles/the-latest-greatest-in-bluetooth-hearing-aid-technology-4210411.html
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