Things have changed since your great, great grandfather held an ear trumpet up to his ear. Even 10 years ago, hearing aids weren’t able to do the things they can do now. The development of hearing aid technology allows users to do activities that seemed unlikely in the past. Just think about these seven things hearing aids are now capable of doing.
1. Stay Put Even When You are Moving
Once upon a time, it would have been risky to ride a bike or jog while wearing your hearing aids. Even the highest quality hearing aids can be damaged if they fall out while you are exercising. These days whether you are an athlete or beginner it is possible to exercise while wearing your hearing aids.
However, the change is not only in the technology. Hearing aids that fall out can still get damaged or lost. Innovation wins out with a straightforward concept: hearing aid retention cords. 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
While it is true most hearing aids are water resistant, they still don’t do well when fully immersed. Waterproof hearing aids and a couple of accessories will be needed if you plan to swim with your hearing aid.
Raincoats are available for your hearing aids. Waterproof Sleeves fit tightly over the devices to protect them from water damage while still letting you hear. A cord also comes with most sleeves so you won’t lose your hearing aid while enjoying summer activities.
The second thing you might want to invest in is a dehumidifier for your hearing aids. No matter how careful you are, some amount of water will get into the case. The dehumidifier dries the devices out without damaging their fragile electronic components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more having to remove your hearing aid every time your phone rings. Not all hearing aid brands do this, though. You want to purchase hearing aids that are Bluetooth-enabled or have the wireless streaming capability. 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 in this situation, too. With Bluetooth or wireless, the hearing aids can pick up sound from your TV or MP3 player.
Also, for cell phones or landlines, these hearing aids have a phone function. Signals from your phone can be heard in your hearing aid thanks to a telecoil.
4. Learn
That’s correct, machine learning capabilities are available in many models. Certain devices will make volume adjustments depending on the setting by remembering your preference and you won’t have 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 lots of people tinnitus and loss of hearing go hand in hand. You will hear sounds more clearly because your hearing aid can produce tinnitus-masking noises. The ringing will go away after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Tinnitus masking is a specific feature, though, and not available from all brands. If you are shopping for hearing aids, and want this feature, you will have to ask for it.
6. Store Data
A compelling new feature in hearing aids is data logging. The devices log things like when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume adjustments and what background sounds you come across.
The benefit is your audiologist or hearing aid retailer can use this data to make crucial modifications to the devices to enhance their sound or give you insight to go on when purchasing new hearing aids.
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 features are new, but they all help you to do things with your hearing aids that weren’t possible years ago. Also, progress in hearing aid technology is always being made. If you go shopping for new hearing aids, be sure to take a look at the latest and greatest features. To see them all, schedule an appointment with a hearing expert today.
