Things have changed since your great, great grandpa held an ear trumpet up to his ear. Newer hearing aids are able to do so much more than these devices could do even ten years ago. The innovation of hearing aid tech allows users to participate in activities that were unlikely in the past. Just consider these seven things hearing aids are currently able to do.
1. Prevent Accidental Damage While Exercising
Jogging or riding a bike with a hearing aid in would have been risky in the past. Even top quality hearing aids can be damaged if they fall out while you are on the move. Today whether you are an athlete or beginner it is possible to exercise while your hearing aid is in.
However, the change is not just in the technology. Hearing aids that fall out can still get broken or lost. Innovation wins out with a simple concept: hearing aid retention cords. Consider it a lanyard for your hearing aids. They attach to the hearing aid and then clip to your clothes for safety. Hearing aid retention cords area great choice for kids, too.
2. Resist Water
While it is true most hearing aids are resistant to water, they still don’t do well when fully submersed. Instead, if you want to swim you’ll need to get yourself waterproof hearing aids and consider some accessories.
Start with a raincoat 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 while enjoying summer activities.
A dehumidifier is an additional item you may want to invest in. It doesn’t matter how careful you are, some water will get inside the case. The device is dried out by the dehumidifier without causing damage to the delicate components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
Now when your phone rings you don’t have to take your hearing aids out. Not all hearing aid brands have this feature, however. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are features you will want to think about when buying new hearing aids. The same way that earbuds or headphones use Bluetooth to connect to your phone, these kinds of hearing aids also do that.
Interested in streaming a movie? This is another case where wireless capabilities come in handy. Sound from your MP3 player or TV can be picked up by a hearing aid that is equipped with Bluetooth technology.
The majority of hearing aids come with a telephone adaptation, as well, 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 setting by remembering your preference and you don’t need to do anything.
You can also just press a button and load a specific setup stored in one of the multiple programs.
5. Stopping The Ringing
For many people tinnitus and hearing loss are closely linked. Hearing aids which include tinnitus maskers or sound generators will play a low-level sound in the background that masks the ringing, so you hear sounds clearer. The masking noise cancels out the tinnitus, and that ringing goes away. Not all brands have this tinnitus masking technology. Be sure you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
A compelling 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.
The advantage is your audiologist or hearing aid retailer can use this data to make critical modifications to the devices to improve their sound or give you insight to go on when shopping for new hearing aids.
7. Go Remote
You can quickly adjust the volume, change the program, or use your hearing aid as a Bluetooth streaming device if it comes with a remote.
All of these functions allow you to do things that weren’t possible years ago even though they aren’t all brand new. Hearing aid technology is always advancing, too. If you go shopping for new hearing aids, make certain to take a look at the latest and greatest features. Schedule an appointment with a hearing care specialist to see them all.