Best Hearing Aid Technology

Hearing aids are one of the most popular forms of treatment that audiologists, like Desert Hearing Care, will offer to help patients with hearing loss, but that doesn’t mean that they’re a one size fits all solution. There are many kinds of hearings aids. Different types are suited to different levels of hearing loss, manual dexterity, lifestyle needs and more.

As a result, hearing aids have become even more diversified lately, offering new features and technology helping their wearers in more, new ways. Here, we’re going to look at some of the most interesting developments in hearing aid technology and just what they can offer you.

Own voice processing

When starting to use hearing aids for the first time, the amplification of your own voice can be distracting and uncomfortable. Own voice processing uses software that allows the device to acclimate to your voice. When it does, your own voice is processed separately by the device and masks it, eliminating the problem.

Wireless connectivity

Bluetooth technology has become more widely available in more and more devices as of late. With as many wirelessly connecting devices as there are in the world right now, this means that your hearing aid can connect to many more devices seamlessly than ever before. This includes the ability to connect directly to phones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs, for instance, in order to stream their audio output directly to your hearing aid. Wireless connectivity could also allow you to connect to a growing range of smartphone and tablet apps designed to be used with your hearing aid. For instance, more hearing aid manufacturers are creating programming adjustment apps so you can configure your hearing aid without having to physically fiddle with the controls on the device’s shell.

Internet connectivity

The “internet of things” is also growing and more common devices are getting connected online, meaning the hearing aid can work with even more devices. For instance, internet-connected doorbells, alarm systems, ovens and more can potentially be connected to your hearing aid. All these systems use sounds to alert the user of changes, but people with hearing loss would previously have trouble perceiving them. If it’s connected through the internet, a hearing aid could ensure you hear the doorbell, security alarms, fire alarms and much more.

Telecare programming

Most hearing aids need to be programmed to ensure that they work as effectively as possible for the user. Different programming profiles will amplify and mask the individual levels of sound differently and it can take some tweaking to find the right one. Hearing aid wearers who aren’t confident about programming their own devices could have a problem if they don’t like the programming, however, having to wait for an appointment with their audiologist to fix the problem. Telecare allows support providers, such as the manufacturers, to change the programming remotely. Now, with some hearing aids, you can arrange a video call or a live chat with an assistant, tell them your problems and watch as they adjust the settings on your hearing aid even though they’re not in the same room.

Rechargeable batteries

Battery care is an essential part of hearing aid maintenance. You need to make sure that you have charged batteries on hand at all times to ensure that your device isn’t at risk of powering down. Rechargeable batteries aren’t an unfamiliar technology to most, but they have only just started to be implemented for hearing aids. This means that those who may not always have access to electricity because of their location or lifestyle are able to ensure that they are not left vulnerable by the fact their batteries may run out.

Hearing aid sensors

Many hearing aid wearers may also have other health concerns that warrant some caution. For instance, many users may be at risk of seriously hurting themselves seriously if they slip, trip or fall. Now, hearing aids are being developed with inertial sensors. Not only can the device sense when the wearer has fallen, but it can transmit an alert to ensure that they receive help as promptly as possible. For many hearing aid wearers, this could potentially be a life-saving feature.

The hearing aid market is large and diverse. While that means there’s even more value to be found, it can be difficult to navigate it. If you want to make sure you find the right device for you, your audiologist at Desert Hearing Care can make sure you’re heading in the right direction, so don’t hesitate to make an appointment at (480) 374-1846.