The last decade has seen significant advancements in hearing aid technology due to maturing digital technology. Gone are the days of clunky, inefficient hearing aids. Today, analog technology is on its way out as the vast majority of hearing aids use digital signal processing. And not only are these digital hearing aids smaller, but they also allow for more features, in a smaller package.
Here’s what you need to know about the features of the latest hearing aid technology available to you.
1. Digital noise reduction
Important speech has never been clearer thanks to digital noise reduction. This feature of the latest hearing aid technology can analyze incoming sound to identify unwanted sounds and filter out speech. The system effectively reduces the noise level when unwanted sounds are detected to make background noise less annoying to the wearer, leading to improved listening comfort.
2. Impulse noise reduction
Another feature of the latest hearing aid technology is impulse noise reduction. Similar to digital noise reduction, this feature also improves listening comfort. It detects transient noises, such as rattling dishes or rattling car keys, and helps softens them.
3. Directional microphone
The adaptive directional microphone features allow you to focus on the speech of the people directly in front of you. The sounds that come from behind you—or to your sides—are made softer. In addition, the sound is automatically adjusted in the direction of more important speech sounds.
4. Built-in Bluetooth
Some hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or connectivity options, which enables connections to outside devices, such as televisions, stereos, laptops, smartphones, and iPods. With this feature, you’ll be able to connect your hearing aid directly to devices that you want to hear, so you can easily talk on the phone or listen to your favorite music or TV show.
What’s more, some hearing aids can be seamlessly connected to your smartphone, allowing you to adjust controls and increase or reduce the volume right on your phone.
5. More durable design
Just a few years ago, extreme care had to be utilized with hearing aid technology.Thanks to improvements in case design and materials, many newer hearing aids are more durable against moisture and dirt.New case designs are also more shock-resistant, helping to reduce repairs from regular wear and tear.
6. “Invisible” hearing aids
Many people with hearing loss object to wearing hearing aids because of cosmetic concerns. With advanced technology, hearing aid components are also much smaller, allowing for discreet designs.With today’s options, there are many color options to better match skin or hair color. In addition, there are also hearing aids that fit deep in the ear canal for certain types of hearing loss, which are completely invisible.
7. Programmable processors
The digital processors that reside in hearing aids are now more programmable than ever before, allowing amplification characteristics to be precisely fine-tuned and allowing for greater customization. The number of channels and features used for processing have increased, which allows for increased flexibility and customization when it comes to programming different frequency responses and advanced signal processing.
Not only are hearing aids a smart investment in your health, but due to the latest hearing aid technology, they are also smaller, less noticeable, and more effective than ever before. Request an appointment with a doctoral-level audiologist at Associated Audiologists. An audiologist will be able to help you identify the ideal hearing aids for you and offer recommendations on features and customization specifically for your needs.
