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Total Resource Guide:
There is a new cochlear implant
soon to hit the market known as the “bionic ear.” On its
last leg of the research stage, the bionic ear is nearing FDA approval
in the United States. The bionic ear will benefit persons with total
deafness or who have profound hearing loss, by stimulation of nerves
in the inner ear. Clinical trials report exceptional results, including
patients who experience hearing for the first time. The Bionic ear
also comes with a bionic price tag—$50,000, but insurance companies
are expected to cover it. Check this site for all the details: http://www.cochlearimplant.com
Traditional hearing aids are
not discussed in this section because they are very specialized.
These hearing aids must be prescribed by an audiologist and custom
made specially for each individual, which is an education in itself.
However, be aware of the new, revolutionary digital types reported
to be very effective — especially for persons with high-end
hearing loss. Digital sound has distinct advantages over analog
sound, not just in hearing aids, but also in music production because
digitizing sound can be very precise in controlling tonal quality
and in blocking out background noise.
Digital refers to Digital Audio
Processing (DAP). A hearing instrument that is truly digital converts
an analog sound wave into digital code, a series of 0s and 1s. Specific
sections of coded or digitized sound can then be isolated and processed
or amplified based upon the specific hearing loss and listening
preferences of the user. In addition, a truly digital hearing instrument
does not add noise to the signal as it passes through the electronic
circuit. A DAP hearing instrument is virtually distortion free.
"Digital" is often confused with a "computer"
hearing instrument. The latter always refers to the way the controls
of the hearing instrument are set using a computer or programming
box. This has nothing to do with the way the sound signal is processed
which distinguishes a true digital hearing instrument.
Here are two digital hearing instruments on the market.
DigiFocus at http://www.oticonus.com/Default.htm
& Widex at http://www.widex.com
Two biomedical engineers at the University of Southern
California, Theodore Berger and Jim-Shih Liaw, have designed a new
type of voice recognition device that is capable of listening better
than any set of human ears. It is a neural network that actually
mimics the way the brain interprets speech—a cybernetics concept.
To learn more, visit:
www.usc.edu/ext-relations/news_service/real/real_video.html
Hearing aids are worn in all situations, whereas
an assistive listening device (ALD) is made to enhance listening
through amplification in specific situations—on the telephone,
at a theatrical or concert performance, at a lecture, for televisions,
etc. In practice, the ability to selectively amplify signal, but
not background noise, is the biggest advantage of an assistive listening
device. Some are compatible with hearing aids. ALDs also compensate
for less than ideal acoustics.
There are three different types:
FM, infrared, and inductive loop.
Infrared systems
transmit sound through light waves to receivers worn by users. They
are typically found in courtrooms, movie theaters, and playhouses.
They are susceptible to interference from bright light.
FM radio systems
transmit radio waves to receivers and work well in classrooms when
the speaker (or sound source) moves around a lot. They are susceptible
to light and radio interference. Sound field systems, or speakers,
are also utilized in similar situations and are helpful to persons
with mild or moderate hearing loss. Sound field systems can be used
with FM receivers that connect to the ear.
Inductive or audio loop
systems transmit through an electromagnetic field and require no
receiver if the hearing aid wearer has a telecoil. Receivers can
be provided for others. They are susceptible to EMI interference.
Coupling devices,
such as headsets, earbuds, and neck loops are also helpful. Sometimes
you may attend a conference or lecture where a CART System is used
(computer assisted real-time transcription). A stenographer types
what is being said verbatim and it is converted into English (or
another spoken language such as Spanish) and displayed on a monitor
or screen. The CART System requires a fast, accurate typist who
can summarize. There are various systems that accomplish the transcription,
such as C Print and computer assisted note-taking (CAN).
(Also ask your doctor or friends for referrals):
Assistech, Inc.
http://www.assistivedevices.net
Assistive products and information for the hearing, vision, and
speech impaired.
Assistive Listening Device
Systems Inc.
http://www.alds.com/
ALDS Inc. manufactures infrared assistive listening devices, telephone
and loop testers, and T-switch training aids. Products are developed
and tested with the help of hard of hearing people and are distributed
worldwide.
Audex
http://www.audex.com
Proprietors of a large variety of ALDs
Audiology Awareness Campaign
http://www.audiologyawareness.com
Information about hearing loss, ALDs, how to locate an audiologist,
etc.
Centrum Sound
http://www.centrumsound.com
Infrared, FM, loop systems, personal systems, sound columns, mixers,
etc.
Global Assistive Devices,
Inc.
http://www.globalassistive.com/
International manufacturer-distributors of alerting systems, alarm
clocks, bed shakers, TV caller ID, door signalers, and personal
amplifiers
Sound Choice Assistive
Listening, Inc.
http://sysnergy-emusic.com/soundchoice.html
Consultation, design, manufacturing and sales of assistive technologies
for the hearing impaired.
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