People rely heavily on technology today. They feel lost and isolated if they misplace their smartphones. They feel bored if they don’t have access to the internet. But when it comes to people with hearing loss—360 million people worldwide—technology has a completely different meaning. New hearing technology is a game changer for those with hearing loss. Hearing aids are an incredible combination of technology and science. And the improved functionality and adaptivity of modern hearing aid models is nothing short of astounding.
Here’s why.
There’s an app for that
One of the biggest game changers in hearing technology is the smartphone app, which has brought hearing aids into the 21st century. Since most people are just as dependent on their phones as they are on their hearing devices, it only makes sense that the two would be brought together.
Some hearing aids can now be connected to downloadable apps, right from your smartphone. Once they’re connected, you can then use your hearing aids as headphones to make calls, listen to music, or listen to videos. In addition, a smartphone app can also allow users to easily adjust hearing aid settings, such as treble, bass, and volume. Some apps can also allow users to turn their phones into microphones to help improve clarity of speech.
Connecting to the world
Wireless connectivity in hearing aids is another significant advancement in hearing technology. In order to help people with hearing loss fully connect to the world—and peoplearound them—most hearing aids are now equipped with connectivity options, like Bluetooth. This allows the hearing aids to be wirelessly connected to, and communicate with, other deviceslike telephones, tablets, televisions, stereos, MP3 players, and many Apple products such as an iPad or iPhone.
In the future, this technology may be installed in schools, cinemas, and other public places in order to further improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss.
Cut through the noise
Hearing technology is used, of course, to help people hear more. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that people with hearing loss want to hear everything around them. New hearing aid features can now help “cut through the noise” to help improve listening comfort and reduce listening effort.
Some hearing aids, for example, are equipped with digital noise reduction, which reduces background noises like music in retail settings, sounds from busy streets, and background chatter at a busy restaurant. As a result, users can have an easier time listening to important speech.
Impulse noise reduction technology, too, can improve listening comfort by softening short transient sounds.
What’s more, many hearing aids come with adaptive directional microphones to help users focus on the important conversations happening in front of them. These microphones automatically adjust their direction as well as soften the sounds occurring behind and at the sides of users.
Choices for all
Cosmetic concerns are one of the top reasons people with hearing loss object to wearing hearing aids. Though the hearing aids of the past were larger and more noticeable, they’re now smaller, more compact, and less noticeable than ever before. Users now have more freedom of choice.
Most hearing aids are now equipped with digital processors. These digital processors can do more in less space. Some hearing aids can fit deep in the ear canal, making them invisible, while still being equipped with a multitude of features. Therefore, people with hearing loss have a wide variety of options for hearing aid styles and sizes, as well as features, to choose from these days. Modern hearing aids also come in more colors in order to match skin and hair color more effectively.
Schedule an appointment with Associated Audiologists to discuss your hearing needs. We’ll help you find the best hearing solution for you.
