K.gonzalez1999
Technology Used by the Deaf Hearing Aids Definition=a small device…
Technology Used by the Deaf
Hearing Aids
Definition=a small device that is worn in or on the ear in order to amplify sound
There are several different types of hearing aids on the market, each suited for different needs. Three of the basic types are Behind The Ear: BTE, In The Ear: ITE and In The Canal: ITC.
BTE devices consist of a mold that goes into the ear and this is connected to a housing (which holds the electronics), which rests behind the ear flap. BTE devices are able to provide stronger amplification due to the larger batteries and stronger amplifier in the housing unit.
ITE devices have no tubing or housing connected to behind the ear. An ITE device is contained within the ear, but is still quite visible and moderate in size. Fairly strong amplifiers can still be used in these units and they are good for mild to severe hearing loss.
ITC devices are quite small and fit much farther into the ear canal. ITC devices are sometimes chosen for cosmetic purposes, but do have smaller amplifiers. However, ITC devices can still be used for mild to moderate hearing loss.
Cochlear implants (CI) are electronic devices that provide a representation of sounds that can be interpreted/understood by the person using the device. It does not amplify sound nor does it restore normal hearing. CI’s are implanted surgically and are mostly used for those with severe to profound hearing loss. There are several parts to a CI and include: microphone, speech processor, transmitter, receiver/stimulator, electrodes. The microphone and speech processor rest lightly on top of/behind the
ear. The transmitter attaches magnetically to the skull (this sticks to the internal receiver). The receiver/stimulator is surgically inserted underneath the skull. The receiver/stimulator then sends information to the electrodes that are implanted on the auditory nerve. The stimulus results in a replication of sound that becomes understood by the user over time and with speech therapy.
FM systems are most often used in educational systems in classroom settings or other similar environments. FM systems consist of a microphone used by the speaker (can be handheld or clipped on) and a receiver held by the listener. The microphone transmits amplified sound to the listener directly to a set of headphones or to the listener’s hearing aids. Hearing aids have a specific radio spectrum reserved for use with FM systems.
Closed captioning is a text display of any speaking or audio sounds of TV shows and movies. Closed captioning is required for specific shows by the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) and is monitored by the FCC. Laws now require that all TV’s be built with the ability to display closed caption content. Closed captioning is commonly used on TV’s and with movies watched within a home or private setting. Closed captioning can be turned on or off at the users discretion.
Rear Window Captioning
This is a form of captioning used in public movie theaters and allows users to choose to see the captioning. The captioning is seen only be the user rather than being displayed openly on the movie screen for the whole audience to see. Rear window captioning requires that the user (the person wanting to see the captions) have a panel that is placed in the cupholder or on the floor next to the seat. The panel is adjusted so it can be viewed while seeing the movie screen as well. The panel then reflects he captioning that is being displayed on the rear wall out of sight of the audience at large.
Open captioning is the text display on a screen of audio. Open captioning is permanently displayed for all to see. This is generally not used in public forums due to the fear that it would be intrusive or distracting to those that do not need captioning.
TTY/TDD
TTY stands for Text Telephone and TDD stands for Telecommunication Device for the Deaf. TTY is the more commonly used term since these devices can be used be people other than Deaf. The TTY uses a phone line to communicate in a text form from device to device. The headset of a telephone is placed on a specially designed keyboard and information is typed and then transmitted. A person can use a TTY
to communicate with a hearing person (or someone not using a TTY) by using a relay operator. The relay operator will have a TTY, receive information on the TTY and then speak that to the hearing person. The operator will also listen to the hearing person and then type this information into the TTY and send it.
TTYs were a great step in technology in terms of allowing access to telecommunication for the Deaf community. The Deaf community had not had access to such communication for many decades. However, as technology improves with other types of access to communication i.e. text messages, email, video phones the TTY is quickly fading away and becoming extinct.
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Consider how can this information help the hearing culture or help create more accessibility.
