Since the times when your great, great granddad used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Modern hearing aids are able to do so much more than these devices could do even 10 years ago. Activities that were impossible a few years in the past are currently possible due to advancements in hearing aid tech. Hearing aids can now do the following things.
1. Don’t Fall Out While Exercising
At one time, it would have been risky to ride a bike or jog with your hearing aids in place. Even top quality hearing aids are subject to damage if they fall out while you are exercising. Now it’s possible to wear your hearing aids while exercising whether you are a novice or an athlete.
The change here is not in the technology, though. You can still break or lose your hearing aids if they fall out. Innovation wins out with a straightforward idea: hearing aid retention cords. Think of it as a lanyard for your hearing aids. They slide on to the devices and then clip to your clothes for safety. Kids will also benefit from hearing aid retention cords.
2. Resist Water
While it is true many hearing aids are water resistant, they still don’t do well when fully immersed. Waterproof hearing aids and a few accessories will be required if you plan to swim with your hearing aid.
Protective coverings are available for your hearing aids. Your device is shielded by waterproof sleeves that fit securely over them and still allows you to hear. A cord also comes with most sleeves so you won’t lose your hearing aid when enjoying summer activities.
Another thing you may want to get is a dehumidifier for your hearing aids. No matter how careful you are, some water is going to get inside the case. The dehumidifier dries the units out without damaging their delicate electronic components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more having to remove your hearing aid every time your phone rings. However, some brands don’t have this feature. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are capabilities you will want to think about when purchasing new hearing aids. The same way that earbuds or headphones use Bluetooth to connect to your phone, these type of hearing aids also do that.
Would you like to stream 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.
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 right, hearing aids have machine learning capabilities. Some devices will remember what volume you prefer in different situations and will make the adjustment without you having to do anything, for instance.
You can also just press a button and recall a specific setup stored in one of the numerous programs.
5. Make the Ringing Go Away
Loss of hearing and tinnitus go hand in hand for many people. Hearing aids which come with tinnitus maskers or sound generators will play a low-level sound in the background that masks the ringing, so you hear sounds better. The ringing will disappear after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Not all brands include this tinnitus masking technology. Be certain you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
Data logging is one of the more modern features in hearing aid technology but a powerful one. The devices log things such as when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume changes and what background noises you come across.
Crucial modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer pull up this information enhancing sound quality.
7. Go Remote
Hearing aids that come with remotes let you to quickly change programs, adjust the volume or even act as a Bluetooth streaming device.
Not all of these functions are new, but they all let you do things with your hearing aids that weren’t possible years ago. Hearing aid tech is always advancing, too. Be certain to check out the latest features when you’re purchasing a new hearing aid. Make an appointment with a hearing care professional to see them all.
