Since the times when your great, great granddad used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Even 10 years ago, hearing aids weren’t capable of doing the things they can do today. The advancement of hearing aid tech permits users to participate in activities that seemed unlikely in the past. Hearing aids can now do the following things.
1. Don’t Fall Out While Exercising
Jogging or riding a bike while wearing a hearing aid would have been risky in the past. When you are physically active, hearing aids can fall out even high quality ones. These days whether you are an athlete or beginner you can exercise while your hearing aid is in.
The change here is not in the technology, however. You can still break or lose your hearing aids if they fall out. Innovation wins out with a simple idea: hearing aid retention cords. Think of it as a lanyard for your hearing aids. They attach to the hearing aid and then clip to your clothes for safety. Kids will also benefit from hearing aid retention cords.
2. Resist Water
While it is true most hearing aids are water resistant, they still don’t do well when fully submersed. Instead, if you want to swim you’ll need to invest in waterproof hearing aids and think about some add-ons.
Protective coverings are available for your hearing aids. Your device is protected by waterproof sleeves that fit tightly over them while still allowing you to hear. A cord is also included with most sleeves so you won’t lose your hearing aid when enjoying summer activities.
Another thing you might want to invest in is a dehumidifier for your hearing aids. Some water will get into the case regardless of what you do. The device is dried out by the dehumidifier without causing damage to the fragile components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more taking the hearing aid out when your phone rings. Not all hearing aid brands do this, though. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are features you will want to consider when shopping for new hearing aids. The same way that earbuds or headphones use Bluetooth to connect to your phone, these type of hearing aids also do that.
Want to stream a movie? This is another case where wireless functionality come in handy. Sound from your MP3 player or TV can be received by a hearing aid that has Bluetooth technology.
The majority of hearing aids have a telephone adaptation, also, that works for both cell phones or landlines. Signals from your phone can be heard in your hearing aid thanks to a telecoil.
4. Learn
That’s right, hearing aids have machine learning features. Some devices will make volume adjustments depending on the environment by remembering your preference and you won’t need to do anything.
You can also just press a button and recall a particular setup stored in one of the numerous programs.
5. Stopping The Ringing
Hearing loss and tinnitus are closely linked for many people. Hearing aids which come with tinnitus maskers or sound generators will play a low-level sound in the background that masks the ringing, so you hear sounds clearer. The ringing will subside after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Tinnitus masking is a specific feature, though, and not available from all brands. Be sure you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
Data logging is one of the more recent features in hearing aid technology but a compelling one. The devices log things like when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume adjustments and what background sounds you come across.
Critical modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer a*/ccess this data improving sound quality.
7. Go Remote
You can conveniently adjust the volume, change the program, or use your hearing aid as a Bluetooth streaming device if you have a remote.
All of these functions enable you to do things that were impossible years ago even though they aren’t all brand new. Also, advancements in hearing aid technology are always being made. Be sure to take a look at the latest features when you’re shopping for a new hearing aid. Schedule an appointment with a hearing care expert to see them all.