移频
When hearing-impaired children cannot hear sounds above 4000 Hz well, each time they learn a new word, they need to listen three times as often as normal children (Pittman, 2008), which is why we emphasize the importance of high-frequency hearing One of the reasons for sex.However, the reality is often cruel. Due to technical limitations, many children cannot fully compensate for high-frequency hearing with hearing aids. Therefore, compared with traditional amplification, the range can be expanded. The concept of frequency shifting is to move high-frequency information to the low-frequency area. Although the technology and concept have been controversial, they are often used in daily adjustment and fitting. The technology can be divided into the following three types.
Noise suppression
A large number of studies have confirmed that in many noise suppression techniques, directional microphones are one of the most effective methods, but for infants or young children, audiologists have different opinions on the use of directional microphones.
Adaptive directionality (adaptive directional microphone)
◆Automatically in the omnidirectional microphone mode when it is quiet, and automatically switch to a directional microphone in a noisy environment.
◆Some hearing aids may be more advanced. When the processor determines that the background sound is voice, it can still maintain the omnidirectional microphone mode, which allows users to hear more information in meetings and arenas.However, audiologists have different opinions on whether this technology is suitable for children and infants. Some audiologists believe that unless children have the ability to keep facing the direction of the main source of information, it is not recommended to turn on this function, because it will disrupt the main information. Radio.
Binaural efficiency + noise processing
Some advanced hearing aids have binaural microphone linkage function to achieve the “super directional” effect as the manufacturer says. As shown in the figure below, when the bilateral hearing aids have binaural processing functions, their directionality and The noise reduction processing capability is greatly enhanced than single-sided.
Digital FM system
This is a technology similar to Bluetooth technology. It has been in the market for some time. According to feedback from most users, this FM system is more effective than traditional FM systems, is more convenient to use, and suffers less interference from other signals.
waterproof
Some hearing aid products advertise that they can be worn for swimming, but according to user feedback, they are not all waterproof. Unlike fully waterproof cochlear implants that can be worn for swimming, most hearing aids are only waterproof for life, and use nanotechnology to reduce sweat. And earwax damage, some hearing aids can also be water-repellent or short-term immersion.
Original source:
Neumann, S., & Wolfe, J. (2013). What’s new and notable in hearing aids: A friendly guide for parents and hearing aid wearers? Volta Voices, 20(3), 24-29.
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