ear (technology)

Question 1

what issue do hearing aids address?

Answer 1

conductive hearing loss, difficulty detecting + interpreting low volume sounds

Question 2

how do hearing aids work?

Answer 2

electronic device
microphone which amplifies sound
worn behind the ear

Question 3

pros and cons of hearing aids

Answer 3

pros: increase volume of sound waves, relatively cheap + easy installation, can detect specific frequencies

cons: do not pick up all frequencies, rely on natural mechanisms to be functional (e.g. ear drum), requires battery replacement

Question 4

what does a cochlear implant address?

Answer 4

damage to hair cells

Question 5

how does a cochlear implant work?

Answer 5

transmitter on head with electrodes embedded in cochlea to stimulate auditory nerve

stimulate auditory centre of the brain

Question 6

pros and cons of a cochlear implant

Answer 6

pros: extremely effective, overcomes loss of hair cells + sensory neurons, increases quality of life + employment prospects for individuals

cons: high cost (30k), irreversible, requires surgery sound perception not as good as natural

Question 7

what does a bone conduction implant address?

Answer 7

damage to outer membrane or ossicles in middle ear, hearing loss but not complete deafness

Question 8

how does a bone conduction implant work?

Answer 8

mic for sound detection + transforms it into vibrations - vibrations detected by cochlear where they are processed (bypassed malformed or damaged outer ear)

Question 9

pros and cons of a bone conduction implant

Answer 9

pros: hearing amplification without ear mould, compatible with smartphones

cons: requires surgery (risky), expensive (10k)