Since the times when your great, great grandpa used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Newer hearing aids are able to do so much more than these devices could do even a decade ago. The development of hearing aid tech permits users to do activities that were impossible in the past. Just think about these seven things hearing aids are currently capable of doing.
1. Don’t Fall Out While Exercising
At one time, it would have been unheard of to ride a bike or go jogging with your hearing aids in place. Even the highest quality hearing aids can be damaged if they fall out while you are exercising. Now it’s possible to keep your hearing aids in while working out whether you are a beginner or an athlete.
The evolution here is not in the technology, though. Hearing aids that fall out can still become broken or lost. Innovation wins out with a simple approach: hearing aid retention cords. It’s kind 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
Most hearing aids don’t do well when fully underwater despite the fact that they are water resistant. Waterproof hearing aids and some accessories will be required if you want to swim with your hearing aid.
Begin with a protective covering for your hearing aids. Your device is protected by waterproof sleeves that fit securely over them while still allowing you to hear. Many of the sleeves have cords that connect to your clothing too, so you won’t lose the hearing aids while enjoying some summer activities.
A dehumidifier is another item you might want to get. Some amount of water is going get inside the case regardless of what you do. The dehumidifier dries the devices out without damaging their complex electronic parts.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more having to remove your hearing aid when your phone rings. However, some brands don’t have this feature. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are features you will want to consider when purchasing new hearing aids. This technology allows them to pair with your phone the same way Bluetooth earbuds or headphones do.
Interested in streaming a movie? This is another case where wireless functionality come in handy. Sound from your MP3 player or TV can be picked up by a hearing aid that has Bluetooth technology.
The majority of hearing aids have a telephone adaptation, also, 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 will make volume adjustments depending on the environment by remembering your preference and you won’t need to do anything.
You can also just press a button and load a particular setup stored in one of the numerous programs.
5. Getting Rid of The Ringing
For lots of people tinnitus and loss of hearing are closely linked. 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 particular feature, though, and not available from all brands. Make certain you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
Data logging is one of the more recent features in hearing aid technology but a compelling one. The devices log things such as when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume changes and what background sounds you encounter.
Crucial adjustments can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer a*/ccess this data enhancing sound quality.
7. Go Remote
Hearing aids that come with remotes enable you to quickly change programs, adjust the volume or even act as a Bluetooth streaming device.
All of these functions enable you to do things that weren’t possible years ago even though they aren’t all brand new. Hearing aid technology is always progressing, too. Be certain to take a look at the latest features when you go shopping for a new hearing aid. Make an appointment with a hearing care specialist to see them all.