Since the days when your great, great grandpa used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Even ten years ago, hearing aids weren’t able to do the things they can do now. Activities that were impossible a few years ago are now possible due to innovations in hearing aid technology. Hearing aids can now do the following things.
1. Prevent Accidental Damage While Exercising
Jogging or riding a bike with a hearing aid in would have been unheard of in the past. Even top quality hearing aids are subject to damage if they fall out while you are on the move. Now you can to wear your hearing aids while working out whether you are a novice or an athlete.
The evolution here is not in the technology, though. Hearing aids that fall out can still get broken or lost. Innovation wins out with a simple approach: hearing aid retention cords. It’s kind of like putting your hearing aids on a lanyard. They clip to your clothes and slide on to the hearing aid as a safety measure. Kids will also benefit from hearing aid retention cords.
2. Resist Water
While it is true many hearing aids are water resistant, they still won’t do well when fully submerged. Instead, if you want to go swimming you’ll need to get yourself waterproof hearing aids and consider a few add-ons.
Start with a protective covering for your hearing aids. Your device is shielded by waterproof sleeves that fit securely over them and still allows you to hear. A cord is also included with most sleeves so you won’t lose your hearing aid when enjoying summer activities.
A dehumidifier is an additional piece of equipment you might want to get. It doesn’t matter how careful you are, some water will get into the case. The dehumidifier dries the units out without damaging their delicate electronic components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
Now when your phone rings you don’t need to remove your hearing aids. Not all hearing aid brands have this feature, however. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are capabilities you will want to think about when purchasing new hearing aids. This technology allows them to pair with your phone just like Bluetooth earbuds or headphones do.
Interested in streaming a movie? Wireless comes in handy there, too. With Bluetooth or wireless, the hearing aids can pick up sound from your TV or MP3 player.
Most hearing aids have a telephone adaptation, also, that works for cell phones or landlines. Signals from your phone can be heard in your hearing aid thanks to a telecoil.
4. Learn
That’s correct, machine learning features are available in many models. Certain devices will make volume adjustments depending on the setting by remembering your preference and you don’t need to do anything.
They can also include a number of programs so you can store a particular setup in the memory and press a button to recall it when you need it.
5. Stopping The Ringing
Hearing loss and tinnitus go hand in hand for lots of people. 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 masking sound cancels out the tinnitus, and that ringing goes away. Not all brands include this tinnitus masking tech. Make sure you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
A powerful new feature in hearing aids is data logging. The devices log things such as when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume adjustments and what background noises you come across.
Crucial modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer pull up this data bettering sound quality.
7. Go Remote
Hearing aids that come with remotes permit you to quickly change programs, lower the volume or even act as a Bluetooth streaming device.
All of these functions enable you to do things that weren’t possible years ago despite the fact that they aren’t all brand new. Also, progress in hearing aid technology is always being made. Be sure to check out the latest features when you’re purchasing a new hearing aid. To see them all, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional right away.