Since the times when your great, great granddad used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Even a decade ago, hearing aids weren’t able to do the things they can do now. Activities that were impossible a few years in the past are now possible due to developments in hearing aid tech. Hearing aids can now do the following things.
1. Stay Put Even When You are Moving
At one time, it would have been risky to ride a bike or go jogging with your hearing aids in place. When you are moving around, hearing aids can fall out even high quality ones. Today whether you are an athlete or novice it is possible to exercise while your hearing aid is in.
However, the change is not just in the technology. You still can break or lose your hearing aids if they fall out. The basic principle of a hearing aid retention cord solves the problem. It’s sort of like putting your hearing aids on a lanyard. They clip to your clothes and connect to the hearing aid as a safety measure. Kids will also benefit from hearing aid retention cords.
2. Resist Water
While it is true most hearing aids are resistant to water, they still won’t do well when completely immersed. Waterproof hearing aids and a few accessories will be required if you want to swim with your hearing aid.
Protective coverings are available for your hearing aids. Your device is protected by waterproof sleeves that fit securely over them and still allows you to hear. Most of the sleeves have cords that connect to your clothing too, so you won’t lose the hearing aids while enjoying some summer fun.
Another thing you may want to invest in is a dehumidifier for your hearing aids. No matter how cautious you are, some water will get into the case. The unit is dried out by the dehumidifier without causing damage to the fragile components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more taking the hearing aid out when your phone rings. However, certain brands don’t have this feature. You want to invest in 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? This is another case where wireless functionality come in handy. With Bluetooth or wireless, the hearing aids can receive sound from your TV or MP3 player.
Most 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 capabilities. Some devices can remember what volume you prefer in different environments and will make the adjustment without you having to do anything, for instance.
You can also just push a button and recall a particular setup stored in one of the multiple programs.
5. Make the Ringing Go Away
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 clearer. The ringing will go away after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Not all brands come with this tinnitus masking technology. If you are shopping for hearing aids, and need this function, you will need to ask for it.
6. Store Data
A powerful new function in hearing aids is data logging. Volume changes, when you use the hearing aid, and background noises you encounter are examples of things that are logged by these devices.
Essential modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer pull up this information bettering sound quality.
7. Go Remote
You can conveniently adjust 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 let you do things with your hearing aids that were impossible years ago. Also, progress in hearing aid technology is always being made. Be sure to take a look at the latest features when you go shopping for a new hearing aid. Schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional to see them all.