由 home-healthhaven 
Hearing loss and deafness can affect anyone, regardless of their background. There are several types of hearing loss, but the most common ones are noise-induced and age-related. To help people manage hearing loss and maintain their quality of life, the healthcare industry has developed various devices. In 2013, several new aids were introduced, and these are becoming more available through both private and state-run healthcare providers.
### How Does Hearing Loss Happen?
Hearing is a complex process with two main stages: capturing sound and translating it into meaningful information. Sound travels as vibrations through the air, which are picked up by tiny hair cells in the inner ear. These hair cells then send the vibrations via the hearing nerve to the brain.
With age-related hearing loss, these hair cells gradually die or get damaged simply due to aging. For noise-induced hearing loss, the damage occurs from exposure to loud noises. Both types result in difficulty capturing certain frequencies rather than complete deafness. Digital and analog hearing aids can help reduce the impact of these conditions on daily life.
### Hearing Aids and New 2013 Devices
Traditionally, people have relied on hearing aids, which are small devices that fit in or around the ear. These aids capture sound waves and amplify them before sending them into the ear. While they are helpful, they don’t solve every hearing problem. That’s why the industry has developed alternative devices:
– **TV Amplification Aids**: Regular hearing aids might not be effective when watching TV, especially when trying to accommodate both hearing and hard-of-hearing individuals. TV hearing aids use infrared or Bluetooth connections to amplify sound directly from the TV to the user’s ear. This allows those with normal hearing to listen at regular volumes while providing amplified sound for those with hearing loss.
– **Amplified Phones**: Many traditional hearing aids can be uncomfortable to use with phones. Desk and mobile phones designed for the hard of hearing offer louder ringers and speakers, making conversations easier without needing a hearing aid. There are also apps available that can amplify sound on smartphones, though the volume should be kept within the device’s safe limit.
– **Alerting Devices**: These are designed to notify hard of hearing and deaf individuals of events. Common examples include loud alarm clocks that also use vibrating pads placed under pillows and flashing lights to alert the user.
By using these innovative aids, people with hearing loss can better manage their condition and enjoy a higher quality of life.