Hearing Aid Accessories & Tinnitus
FM Systems
FM systems, or Frequency Modulation systems, are assistive listening devices designed to enhance the listening experience for individuals with hearing impairments. These systems work by directly transmitting audio from a microphone used by the speaker to a receiver worn by the listener. This direct transmission helps to minimize background noise, reverberation, and distance from the sound source, making it easier for the listener to hear and understand speech.
Purpose and Users
FM systems are primarily used to improve speech understanding in noisy environments, large groups, or settings where the speaker is at a distance. They’re beneficial for individuals with hearing loss, including students in classrooms and attendees in meetings or religious services.
Components
An FM system typically consists of a transmitter microphone used by the speaker and a receiver that delivers the sound directly to the listener’s hearing aid, cochlear implant, or headphones.
Benefits
- Reduces background noise
- Enhances speech clarity
- Can be used with most types of hearing aids and cochlear implants
- Portable and easy to use
Applications
They are versatile and can be used in various settings, including educational environments, workplaces, public venues, and for personal TV and music listening.
Technology
Modern FM systems use digital technology to provide high-quality audio transmission. They can automatically adjust to optimize listening conditions and may offer multiple channels to avoid interference.
Types of Receivers
Receivers can be integrated directly into hearing aids, worn as a neckloop for telecoil-equipped hearing aids, or be a part of a personal amplifier for those without hearing aids.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Many systems offer connectivity options through Bluetooth or direct audio input, making them compatible with a wide range of devices beyond hearing aids, like smartphones and tablets.
Regulation and Accessibility
In many countries, public facilities are required to have FM systems or other assistive listening devices available to comply with accessibility regulations.
Custom Ear Protection
Protecting your hearing is crucial. Custom ear protection offers a tailored fit that enhances comfort and effectiveness, designed specifically for your ear canal. At Katherine Mills Audiology, we provide specialized ear plugs for noise reduction, swimming, and sleeping, ensuring that each pair meets the unique needs and preferences of our patients.
- Noise Plugs
Noise plugs are essential for individuals frequently exposed to high-decibel environments such as concerts, factories, or construction sites. These custom-fitted devices help prevent hearing damage by significantly reducing the levels of harmful noise your ears are exposed to.
Features
Made from high-grade, durable materials, these plugs are designed to offer maximum noise attenuation while maintaining clarity of sound, allowing for communication and awareness of environmental sounds.
Benefits
Custom noise plugs are more effective at blocking harmful frequencies compared to standard earplugs. They are also comfortable for long periods of use, which is critical in occupational settings.
- Swim Plugs
Swim plugs are designed for swimmers, surfers, and water sports enthusiasts to prevent water from entering the ear canal. This is particularly important for individuals prone to ear infections or those with perforated eardrums.
Features
These plugs are crafted from waterproof materials that float on water, making them easy to handle and preventing loss. They can be customized in various colours and styles to suit personal preferences.
Benefits
By providing a tight seal, swim plugs keep out water and bacteria, reducing the risk of swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) and other related conditions. They are also comfortable and secure, ensuring they stay in place during vigorous activities.
- Sleep Plugs
Sleep plugs are ideal for those who need to block out ambient noises for a good night’s rest, such as in noisy neighbourhoods or while traveling.
Features
Made from soft, hypoallergenic materials, these plugs are designed to be comfortable enough for wear throughout the night without causing ear pain or discomfort.
Benefits
They effectively block out disturbances such as traffic noise, snoring, or loud neighbours, which can improve sleep quality and prevent sleep disturbances.
Custom ear protection is an investment in your auditory health and overall well-being. Each type of ear plug is designed with specific activities and needs in mind, providing optimal protection. Whether you need protection from loud noises, water exposure, or nighttime disturbances, custom ear plugs offer a superior, comfortable fit tailored specifically for your ears.
Tinnitus Assessment & Management
Tinnitus is characterized by the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the absence of any external auditory stimuli. It can be considerably disruptive, impacting daily activities and sleep quality. However, various strategies are available for the assessment and management of tinnitus, including an approach known as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT).
Tinnitus Assessment
These are conducted to determine if there is a correlation between hearing loss and the tinnitus experienced by the patient. Participants are required to listen to various sounds through headphones, which aids in a more accurate understanding of their hearing capabilities and the nature of their tinnitus.
During this process, an audiologist may present various sounds to identify those that most closely resemble the tinnitus perceived by the patient. This technique assists in gaining a deeper understanding of the patient’s specific condition.
These function similarly to surveys in which individuals provide descriptions of their tinnitus experiences, the impact on their lives, and the intensity and annoyance levels of the tinnitus. This information is crucial for customizing the treatment to meet individual needs.
Tinnitus Management
For individuals experiencing both hearing loss and tinnitus, hearing aids can be beneficial. They enhance the ability to hear external sounds, which may reduce the prominence of tinnitus.
This method involves listening to neutral or pleasant sounds to divert attention away from the tinnitus. Such sounds may include white noise, natural sounds, or music, with the objective of rendering the tinnitus less disturbing by refocusing attention.
Engaging with a professional to discuss tinnitus can provide valuable insights into managing the condition. An understanding of what tinnitus is and what it is not can alleviate stress and reduce its intrusion into daily life.
TRT combines sound therapy and counselling to instruct individuals on how to divert their focus from tinnitus. The intent is to train the brain to disregard the tinnitus as insignificant background noise.
Each patient’s tinnitus experience is unique, necessitating a personalized approach to assessment and management. The overarching goal is to enhance quality of life and provide relief from the symptoms of tinnitus.
