Since the times when your great, great granddad used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Even 10 years ago, hearing aids weren’t able to do the things they can do today. The innovation of hearing aid technology enables users to participate in activities that were unlikely at one point. Hearing aids can now do the following things.
1. Don’t Fall Out While Exercising
At one time, it would have been unheard of to ride a bike or jog with your hearing aids in place. When you are physically active, hearing aids can fall out and that even goes for high quality devices. Today whether you are an athlete or novice it is possible to exercise while wearing your hearing aids.
However, the evolution is not only in the technology. Hearing aids that fall out can still get damaged or lost. The straightforward principle of a hearing aid retention cord wins the day. It’s kind of like putting your hearing aids on a lanyard. They attach to the hearing aid and then clip to your clothes for safety. Hearing aid retention cords area smart option for kids, too.
2. Resist Water
Most hearing aids don’t do well when fully submerged despite the fact that they are water resistant. Waterproof hearing aids and some accessories will be needed if you want to swim with your hearing aid.
Begin with a raincoat for your hearing aids. Waterproof Sleeves fit tightly over the devices to protect them from water damage while still letting you hear. Most of the sleeves come with cords that attach to your clothing too, so you won’t lose the hearing aids while enjoying some summer fun.
A dehumidifier is an additional piece of equipment you may want to get. Some amount of water will get inside the case no matter what you do. The unit gets dried out by the dehumidifier without causing damage to the sensitive components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more having to remove your hearing aid 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 the same way Bluetooth earbuds or headphones do.
Interested in streaming a movie? Wireless comes in handy in this situation, as well. With Bluetooth or wireless, the hearing aids can pick up sound from your TV or MP3 player.
Most hearing aids have a telephone adaptation, also, that works for cell phones or landlines. 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. Some devices will make volume adjustments depending on the setting by remembering your preference and you don’t have to do anything.
You can also just press a button and load a particular setup stored in one of the numerous programs.
5. Make the Ringing Stop
Hearing loss and tinnitus go hand in hand for many people. 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 better. The masking noise cancels out the tinnitus, and that ringing stops. Not all brands include this tinnitus masking tech. If you are investing in hearing aids, and require this function, you will have to ask for it.
6. Store Data
A compelling new function 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 sounds you encounter.
The benefit is your audiologist or hearing aid retailer can pull up this data to make essential modifications to the devices to improve their sound or give you information to go on when shopping for 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 were impossible years ago. Also, advancements in hearing aid technology are always being made. Be sure 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.