Download about the sense of hearing

01 HEARING
02 HEARING SYSTEMS
03 ACCESSORIES AND MORE
ABOUT THE SENSE
OF HEARING
HEARING SYSTEMS
FROM AUDIO SERVICE
CHAPTER
HEARING
GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HEARING 04 – 13
From sound wave to sensation
06 – 07
Listen to yourself
08 –09
Pay attention to your hearing
10 – 11
Take the hearing test
12 – 13
CHAPTER
HEARING SYSTEMS
HEARING CONNECTS
Fully enjoy hearing again
All-round performance
Hearing system designs
Our expertise – Your benefits
Experience maximum convenience
14 – 27
16 – 17
18 – 19
20 – 25
26
27
CHAPTER
ACCESSORIES AND MORE
THE KEY TO HEARING
Perfectly adjusted to your needs
The ultimate in ease of operation
Simply a must
28 – 35
30 – 31
32 – 33
34 – 35
A
kind word, good advice, an upbeat conversation.
Human communication is diverse and colorful. It is the
link to our environment, it informs us and enriches our
life.
Our sense of hearing allows us to take an active part
in living with others – hearing, understanding and
sharing are inextricably linked. However, if our hearing
fades, then our quality of life diminishes too.
For over 35 years Audio Service has been pursuing
the aim of helping people with hearing impairment
to enjoy their environment again with all their
senses.
In the following pages we would like to explain in
greater detail the sense of hearing and its importance
for speech comprehension and tell you more about
what advanced hearing systems can do for you.
Your Audio Service team
CHAPTER 01 HEARING
FROM
SOUND WAVE
TO SENSATION
UNDERSTANDING AND REACTING
IN RECORD TIME.
Ossicles (hammer,
anvil, stirrup)
Cochlea
Concha
Auditory nerve
INN
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Eardrum
MI
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Auditory canal
7
T
he world is full of sound. Sounds are waves which
are gathered by the concha and directed through
the auditory canal to the eardrum. This begins to
vibrate, which then sets the three ossicles in the
middle ear - hammer, anvil and stirrup - into motion.
A membrane transfers the vibrations to the cochlea
which is filled with fluid. There the sensory hair
cells are set into motion, as a result of which the
sound waves are converted into nerve impulses.
Different sensory hair cells move, depending on the
wavelength. The auditory nerve sends impulses to
the corresponding areas in the brain where they are
perceived as sounds.
Only if these complex processes work perfectly is
the original sound, such as speech, music, a ringing
phone or some other everyday noise, correctly
interpreted and triggers comprehension, reactions
and also emotions within a fraction of a second.
CHAPTER 01 HEARING
LISTEN TO
YOURSELF
IDENTIFYING AND UNDERSTANDING
THE FIRST SIGNS.
Many people simply don’t notice the first signs of slowly
deteriorating hearing or barely notice them over a long
period and therefore ignore them. Although the ability
to hear decreases slowly, this loss is not noticed at first
because the usual auditory impressions seem
unchanged. Initially, only the high frequencies are
affected – wind noise or birdsong become steadily
quieter and finally disappear completely from the
usual auditory impression. Then speech comprehension
also begins to decline more and more, only occurring in
noisy situations at first. It then becomes impossible to
clearly detect high unvoiced consonants which leads to
frequent questions and misunderstandings.
9
THERE ARE SEVERAL LEVELS
OF HEARING LOSS:
SLIGHT HEARING
DETERIORATION
MODERATE HEARING
DETERIORATION
SEVERE HEARING
DETERIORATION
Perception range
In addition, the brain tries to complete what was not heard and quickly tires as a result.
So it’s especially important to
interpret these signs correctly,
particularly in the initial stages of
hearing loss. Although our brain can
compensate changes in hearing and
hearing loss over a longer period,
in the long term it loses the ability
to recognize and decode sound
signals. The result: the brain must
first reacquire this ability. For this
PROFOUND HEARING
DETERIORATION
Hearing deterioration
reason, hearing experts recommend
the timely use of hearing systems to
prevent communication difficulties
and limitations in quality of life from
happening in the first place.
CHAPTER 01 HEARING
PAY ATTENTION
TO YOUR HEARING
THE EAR IS A SENSITIVE SENSORY
ORGAN WHICH WOULD LIKE TO BE
HANDLED WITH CARE.
W
ith our ear, we are continually connected to our
surroundings. Like vision, hearing is an important
sense for our social interaction. Yet, while we can
close our eyes, our ear is in a state of permanent
readiness. We are always perceiving sounds, even
while sleeping. This has a long-term effect not only
on hearing but also the autonomic nervous system.
In addition to hearing loss, other physical symptoms
can result as well.
For this reason – protect your hearing. Avoid noisy
situations, use earplugs, set a noise limit for devices
you use with headphones and above all – give your
hearing a break every now and then.
11
EXPERTS DISTINGUISH BETWEEN TWO TYPES
OF HEARING LOSS:
Conductive hearing loss is a functional
disturbance in the outer or middle ear that can
be treated surgically or medically or that, in
specific cases, can be counterbalanced using
hearing systems.
sound waves may be directed perfectly into the
inner ear, but they can’t be adequately
processed as the sensory hair cells are often
damaged. Here, the support of cutting-edge
hearing systems is recommended.
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Sensorineural hearing loss affects either the
inner ear, the auditory nerve or even both. The
65-85
Noise damages hearing permanently. The
graphic shows the volume level of everyday
sounds. Starting at 85 dB, the auditory cells can
be weakened and damaged after long-term
55-65
40-60
30-40
20-30
exposure. Starting at 120 dB, sound is perceived
as pain. Starting at 130 dB, health damage can
occur; at 170 dB, there is a threat of complete
hearing loss.
CHAPTER 01 HEARING
E
veryone's hearing is different. Your personal hearing
can only be checked with a hearing test. You
therefore need to speak to a hearing specialist to
arrange a personal appointment.
The current level of technology offers effective
hearing solutions that can meet your needs to a
high degree and preserve your lifestyle, personal
independence, and safety. Today’s hearing systems
can reliably compensate for individual deficits. Worn
discreetly in both ears, cutting-edge hearing systems
work together with the remaining hearing ability
and offer natural ambient sound and better speech
comprehension.
13
TAKE THE
HEARING
TEST
REGULAR CHECKUPS WITH YOUR HEARING
SYSTEM SPECIALIST ARE THE BEST PRECAUTION.
pitch
low
high
quiet
Normal
hearing
volume
Speech
range
Limited
hearing
loud
The graphic shows the reduced degree to which
various sounds and the speech range are
perceived in the case of typical hearing loss:
everything within the light blue field is no
longer heard.
During a hearing test, hearing ability is checked
in the different pitches. The audiogram
resulting from this illustrates individual hearing
ability and is the basis for selecting and setting
hearing systems.
HEARING AND
COMPREHENSION
CONNECT
HEAR BETTER, LIVE BETTER.
G
ood hearing means having a high quality of life. Hearing
systems by Audio Service ensure both with natural sound, better
speech comprehension, and perfect spatial orientation.
Hearing system shown
in original size
CHAPTER 02 HEARING SYSTEMS
FULLY ENJOY
HEARING
AGAIN
INDIVIDUAL Cutting-edge hearing systems are customized to
HEARING personal hearing loss, generally by amplifying lowpitched tones differently to high-pitched tones.
Loud and soft sounds are also often processed
differently. Only in this way does the sound meet
your individual needs and is pleasant and natural.
Disruptive noise in the background, speech in the
foreground: hearing systems reproduce the human
brain’s natural function of filtering out unimportant
signals and emphasizing those that are important.
Hearing systems suppress disruptive background
noise and emphasize speech.
HEARING
AND
UNDERSTANDING
SPEECH
17
SPATIAL
HEARING
Pioneering abilities: High sounds are needed
for directional hearing – if they are no longer
heard, the source of the sound can no longer be
located. Modern hearing systems do not just
supplement the missing sounds but they also
detect which direction they are coming from.
In street traffic, this is of particular importance
and this also makes everyday life easier. To do
this, the modern hearing system technology
from Audio Service transfers the microphone
signals from the right to the left hearing system
and vice-versa. Processed together centrally,
they deliver a new generation of spatial hearing
(see p. 27).
CHAPTER 02 HEARING SYSTEMS
ALL-ROUND
PERFORMANCE
TO
S
U
C
THE WHOLE WORLD
OF HEARING SYSTEMS.
RIC / Receiver-In-Canal hearing systems
are worn behind the ear and the receiver
(speaker) is located in the auditory canal.
This ensures a natural sound experience.
RIC
People today are as colorful and
complex as the world they live in and
access with their senses. Audio Service
focuses on the sense of hearing and
comprehension and offers the right
hearing system for every individual
need. This ensures that the world is
easy to understand and full of variety
M
19
M (ITE)
Custom or ITE / In -The-Ear hearing
systems offer favorable acoustics by
virtue of their placement in the auditory
canal. They combine maximum
discretion with a perfect fit.
B TE
BTE / Behind-The-Ear hearing systems
rest discreetly behind the concha, so
they are very comfortable to wear and
convenient to use.
for everyone. Modern features such
as connection with a variety of audio
devices – via remote control with
Bluetooth® wireless technology or via
a smartphone using an app – provide
support.
CHAPTER 02 HEARING SYSTEMS
Custom
–
THE DISCREET
TECHNICAL MARVEL IN
THE AUDITORY CANAL
Custom or in-the-ear hearing systems
are a cosmetically discreet solution for
anyone seeking a system that is as
inconspicuous as possible. They are
worn directly in the auditory canal.
State-of-the-art laser technology is
used for precise fitting of the
individually customized ear molds for
the in-the-ear hearing systems in the
auditory canal.
This allows us to achieve a perfect
fit, maximum discretion and
unimpeded speech comprehension.
The acoustic quality familiar to
everyone is significantly influenced by
the concha.
It picks up sound coming from all
directions, amplifies and concentrates
it, and passes it on to the eardrum.
In-the-ear hearing systems retain this
natural directional effect of the concha
well, since they are located in the
auditory canal and pick up the sound
and amplify it right next to the
eardrum.
Various performance characteristics
and features are available to meet
individual needs. Different types, from
the virtually invisible DIC Icon to the
Ida canal device, complete the range
supplied by Audio Service.
CHAPTER 02 HEARING SYSTEMS
Behind-the-ear hearing systems rest
discreetly behind the concha, so they
are very comfortable to wear. The
sound received is amplified by the
receiver and directed through the
sound tube into the auditory canal.
Depending on the individual hearing
impairment, the tube is held in place
either by a customized ear mold or a
standard ear mold.
Audio Service BTE models can
compensate for many different
types of hearing loss.
This style of hearing systems offers a
large selection ranging from basic to
high-tech hearing systems. Depending
on the hearing deterioration, the
housing shape varies from the small XS
for slight to the HP for severe hearing
loss. Many elegant housing designs
and a large selection of colors allow
you to decide whether you’d rather
wear a discreet hearing system or
consciously emphasize it.
BTE
–
THE ALL-ROUNDER
BEHIND THE EAR
23
XS
–
Exceptional design
DUO
–
Modern and
comprehensive
P
–
Powerful for
advanced
hearing loss
HP
–
For greater
amplification
CHAPTER 02 HEARING SYSTEMS
The design of RIC hearing systems allows for a
particularly small housing. In this case the receiver
(speaker) rests directly in front of the eardrum inside
the ear, while the hearing system is located behind the
concha. Both elements are connected by fine cables
that run through a discreet tube. The hearing system
microphone reproduces the ambient auditory
impression of the concha and carries the sounds
directly to the receiver in front of the eardrum.
Working together with the remaining
hearing ability, the best possible
reproduction of sound, sense of
space, and speech
comprehension is created.
Individually crafted ear molds hold
the receiver in the auditory canal and
guarantee optimum wearing comfort.
Depending on the degree of hearing
loss and personal requirements, RIC
hearing systems are available in a range
of different sizes and amplification versions.
quiX – THE ALTERNATIVE TO
THE RIC HEARING SYSTEM
–
quiX is worn directly in the auditory canal
which makes it virtually invisible. The standard
housing with an exchangeable standard ear
mold offers an instant hearing experience.
RIC
–
HEARING SYSTEMS
TAKEN TO A
NEW LEVEL
25
Rixx
–
Discreetly small
Mood
–
For the most
demanding requirements
Sun
–
Powerful and energy-efficient
quiX
–
The alternative to the
RIC hearing system
27
EXPERIENCE
MAXIMUM
CONVENIENCE
HIGH-END HEARING SYSTEMS
OFFER A RANGE OF
CONVENIENT FUNCTIONS.
Connectivity due to a Bluetooth remote control
permits connection to various audio devices.
The audio signals are transmitted to the
hearing systems. Optional use of apps
increases ease of operation.
Binaural signal processing enables both
hearing systems to be coordinated to each
other and thus reconstruction of natural
hearing with both ears. This is genuine spatial
hearing which you can even control.
Thanks to intelligent energy management
all functions are used efficiently. Even at top
performance the hearing systems use only
little power.
Wireless synchronization of both hearing
systems produces a natural, balanced and
agreeable sound.
Automatic functions (artificial intelligence)
automatically identify the situation you’re in
and optimize the technical settings.
THE
KEY TO
HEARING
HEARING COMFORT TAILORED TO YOU.
F
or your optimal hearing experience, we also have a wide range
of accessories and feature options available to enhance your
perfect hearing experience. Your hearing system specialist will
be happy to advise you on making the right choice.
Hearing system shown
in original size
CHAPTER 03 ACCESSORIES AND MORE
PERFECTLY
ADJUSTED TO
YOUR NEEDS
WIRELESSLY CONNECTED
WITH WEARABLES.
W
earables are small technical devices that are
worn directly on the body or under clothing and
enable connection to other smart devices. Hearing
systems also belong to the wearables category.
With an optional wireless remote control or using
a smartphone with the app, you can be connected
to other audio devices and mobile terminals. Audio
data with excellent speech and sound quality are
transmitted directly to your hearing systems, and
you can experience music and speech in top stereo
quality. In this way, hearing systems become wireless
headphones. They provide you with the ultimate
convenience and comfort.
SmartConnect
31
FUNCTIONS OF THE
BLUETOOTH REMOTE CONTROL:
Smart Connect
2
1
3
4
5
5
6
1
Wireless remote control
This multifunctional remote control system
is a control unit, transmitter, receiver and
microphone rolled into one.
4 Phone calls
Interference-free and with excellent speech
quality. The hearing system becomes a
convenient headset.
2
Transmitter
This functions as a Bluetooth adapter
between the selected audio source and the
remote control.
5
Listening to music
In outstanding stereo quality. Without
background noise and without disturbing
others. Hearing comfort like with a wireless
headset.
3 Television
News, entertainment programs or feature
films in stereo quality – high-speed data
transmission ensures perfect synchrony
between images and sound (lip-sync).
6 Computer
Audio data from the computer – watching
videos or playing games becomes a pleasure.
Additional functions:
A telephone coil for using induction loops, for example, in churches and theaters. An audio input
for using FM systems.
CHAPTER 03 ACCESSORIES AND MORE
THE ULTIMATE IN
EASE OF OPERATION
THE SMARTPHONE
AS A REMOTE CONTROL.
A
pps give you the option of both conveniently and
discreetly controlling the hearing systems using a
smartphone. Two different Audio Service apps are
available for this.
The Smart Remote app works without any other
accessories. The hearing systems are operated with the
smartphone using high-frequency sounds. This way,
hearing programs and volume can be personalized and
adjusted without anybody even noticing. The latest
technology also allows you to specify the direction and
width of the focused area which you wish to listen to.
33
The Smart Connect app is available as a supplement to the Smart
Connect remote control with Bluetooth® wireless technology. The
combination of remote control and app allows intuitive and simple
hearing system operation.
Along with program selection, volume
and tone settings, the directional
characteristics of the hearing systems
can also be specified, depending on
the technical features. This is a major
advantage in challenging hearing
situations, such as in the theater or
opera. Using the smartphone as a
remote control is especially practical if
you do not have Smart Connect with
you.
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DownloadthefreeSmart
Remote app or Smart Connect
app now
ACCESSORIES & APPS
ACCESSORIES & APPS
CHAPTER 03 ACCESSORIES AND MORE
SIMPLY
A MUST
NOTHING TOPS
OUR
HEARING SYSTEMS.
Filter systems
Specially developed filters, singly or
in combination, protect the delicate
microphones and speakers and keep
the sensitive technology inside the
hearing systems clean. They are also
used for distinguishing between left
and right.
IP67 certification
Virtually all Audio
Service BTE and RIC
hearing systems are
IP67-certified which
means that they are
water-resistant and
dustproof.
Surface finishes
All Audio Service hearing systems
have the ComforClean surface finish.
Dirt and moisture simply roll off the
surface, making it easy to care for your
hearing system. Positive secondary
effect: it extends the service life of
your hearing system. But that's not
all. On request, in-the-ear hearing
systems can be given the ComforMed
antibacterial and anti-germ finish
we have developed in-house which
ensures that the natural balance in the
ear is maintained.
35
USEFUL ACCESSORIES
MAKE LIFE EASIER.
Rechargeable or disposable batteries
Selected hearing systems can be operated with
either a disposable or a rechargeable battery. For
rechargeable batteries, an attractive charging station
is available as an option.
Remote controls
Optional for most RIC, BTE and in-the-ear hearing
systems. A remote control provides a convenient way
to switch to another hearing program and change
the volume.