Since the days when your great, great grandpa used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Even a decade ago, hearing aids weren’t able to do the things they can do today. The innovation of hearing aid technology allows users to participate in activities that were unlikely in the past. Hearing aids can now do the following things.
1. Stay Put Even When You are Moving
Once upon a time, it would have been unheard of to ride a bike or go jogging with your hearing aids in place. Even the highest quality hearing aids are subject to damage if they fall out while you are on the move. Today whether you are an athlete or novice it is possible to exercise while wearing your hearing aids.
However, the evolution is not just in the technology. Hearing aids that fall out can still become damaged or lost. The straightforward idea of a hearing aid retention cord solves the problem. It’s sort of like putting your hearing aids on a lanyard. 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
Most hearing aids don’t do well when fully submerged even though they are water resistant. Waterproof hearing aids and a few accessories will be needed if you plan to go swimming with your hearing aid.
Protective coverings are available for your hearing aids. Waterproof Sleeves fit securely over the devices to shield them from water damage while still letting you hear. A cord is also included with most sleeves so you won’t lose your hearing aid when enjoying summer activities.
A dehumidifier is another item you might want to get. Some amount of water is going get into the case regardless of what you do. The dehumidifier dries the units out without damaging their complex electronic components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
Now when your phone rings you don’t need to take your hearing aids out. However, some brands don’t have this feature. You want to purchase hearing aids that are Bluetooth-enabled or come with the wireless streaming capability. This technology lets them pair with your phone just like Bluetooth earbuds or headphones do.
Interested in streaming a movie? Wireless is useful there, as well. With Bluetooth or wireless, the hearing aids can pick up sound from your TV or MP3 player.
The majority of hearing aids have a telephone adaptation, as well, that works for cell phones or landlines. Telephone adaptation uses a telecoil to pick up signals from the phones so you can hear them in your hearing aids.
4. Learn
That’s correct, machine learning features are available in many models. Some devices will remember what volume you prefer in different situations and will make the adjustment without you having to do anything, for example.
They can also come with a number of programs so you can store a particular setup in the memory and push a button to recall it when the time is right.
5. Make the Ringing Go Away
For many people tinnitus and hearing loss go hand in hand. Hearing aids which come with tinnitus maskers or sound generators will play a low-level sound in the background that covers up the ringing, so you hear sounds better. The ringing will subside after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Not all brands have this tinnitus masking technology. Make certain you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
A powerful new function in hearing aids is data logging. The devices log things such as when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume changes and what background noises you encounter.
Crucial modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer a*/ccess this information bettering sound quality.
7. Go Remote
You can conveniently lower the volume, change the program, or use your hearing aid as a Bluetooth streaming device if you have a remote.
Not all of these functions are new, but they all help you to do things with your hearing aids that were impossible years ago. Hearing aid tech is always advancing, too. Be sure to check out the latest features when you’re shopping for a new hearing aid. Make an appointment with a hearing care expert to see them all.