A traditional hearing aid has many parts, and knowing what they are can help you troubleshoot problems. If you don’t understand the different components, ask your ENT, an expert in hearing aids, for help. An ENT in Eastern Oklahoma can help you identify Widex hearing aids parts and how to troubleshoot them. They can explain the parts of a hearing aid, including the earmold, processor, and amplifier.
Earmold
A hearing aid has many components. It starts with an earmold, a custom in-ear piece that connects the hearing aid to the ear. This piece allows air to enter and exit the ear, preventing infections and the feeling that the ear is plugged. It also contains a wax guard, a small hole that traps earwax before it can affect the device’s electronic components.
The earmold is a small plastic component that fits inside the ear canal. It provides a seal against outside noise and helps to improve hearing. Hearing aids have different ear mold shapes and sizes, so getting the proper one for your ear is essential. A poorly-fitting earmold may cause feedback or noise that is louder than the actual volume.
Processor
The processor in a hearing aid is the part that makes it work. It takes electric signals from the microphone and transforms them into digital signals. A hearing aid processor can also include features like noise reduction and speech amplification. It then sends the signals to a receiver. The receiver then decodes the digital signals to create the sounds that the wearer hears.
A hearing aid processor has several parts that work together to improve the user’s experience with the device. It consists of three main parts: a microphone, a processor, and a receiver. Microphones pick up sounds in the environment, and the processor increases the signal strength so the user can hear clearly.
Amplifier
Hearing aids are small pieces of electronic technology that improve your ability to hear sounds. While they come in various styles, they all have the same essential components. The device starts with a microphone that picks up sounds from the environment and converts them into an electrical signal. These signals then pass through an amplifier and are transmitted through the speaker to your ear.
The amplifier is responsible for boosting sound. A hearing aid’s amplifier does not simply increase the volume of sounds but boosts the strength of electrical signals. This is necessary because the sound signals will become distorted and unrecognizable. Luckily, most modern hearing aids use small amplifiers that do not require a lot of power.
Connecting Tube
When using a hearing aid, the connecting tube is an essential component. It transmits amplified sounds to the earpiece or mold for the reception. The tube is typically made of plastic and will need to be replaced at some point. This is done to maintain the integrity of the hearing instrument and prevent damage.
Before cleaning your hearing aid’s connecting tube, remove any debris or wax. Then, use a cleaning tool to clean it. You can get a cleaning wire by inserting it into the triangular end of the tubing. Once you’ve done this, you can start pushing the wax and debris out of the tube.
If you don’t have a spare connecting tube, you can get a replacement from your audiologist. They can give you extra tubing or show you how to cut and bend it to fit it.
Dome
A hearing aid’s dome is an essential component of the hearing device These hearing devices feature a dome affixed to the back of the hearing device, allowing the wearer to hear with the device while wearing it.
Choosing the right size dome is essential to prevent discomfort and redness around the ear canal. The dome should be slightly larger than the ear canal and should not put additional pressure on the skin of the ear. When inserted, an adequately sized dome should produce a light rustling noise. It should also offer some resistance when being removed. If the dome is too small, it will work better and will prevent the device from not fitting tightly in the ear.