Since the times when your great, great grandpa used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Newer hearing aids are capable of so much more than they could do even a decade ago. The innovation of hearing aid technology enables users to do activities that seemed unlikely in the past. Just consider these seven things hearing aids are currently capable of doing.
1. Stay Put Even When You are Moving
At one time, it would have been unheard of 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. These days whether you are an athlete or novice it is possible to exercise while wearing your hearing aids.
The evolution here is not in the technology, however. Hearing aids that fall out can still become broken or lost. Innovation wins out with a simple concept: hearing aid retention cords. It’s kind of like putting your hearing aids on a lanyard. They slide on 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 won’t do well when fully submersed. Waterproof hearing aids and a few accessories will be needed if you plan to swim with your hearing aid.
Protective coverings are available for your hearing aids. Waterproof Sleeves fit securely over the devices to protect them from water damage while still letting you hear. The majority of the sleeves come with cords that connect to your clothing too, so you don’t lose the hearing aids while enjoying some summer fun.
A dehumidifier is an additional piece of equipment you might want to invest in. No matter how cautious you are, some water will get into the case. The dehumidifier dries the units out without damaging their complex electronic components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
Now when your phone rings you won’t have to take your hearing aids out. Not all hearing aid brands do this, however. 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? This is another situation where wireless functionality come in handy. Sound from your MP3 player or TV can be received by a hearing aid that is equipped with Bluetooth technology.
Also, for cell phones or landlines, these hearing aids have a phone function. Telephone adaptation makes use of a telecoil to receive signals from the phones so you can hear them through your hearing aids.
4. Learn
That’s correct, hearing aids have machine learning capabilities. Some devices can remember what volume you prefer in different situations and will make the adjustment without you having to do anything, for example.
They can also include multiple programs so you can store a particular setup in the memory and push a button to recall it when you need it.
5. Make the Ringing Go Away
For many people tinnitus and loss of hearing are closely linked. You will hear sounds better because your hearing aid can produce tinnitus masking noises. The masking sound cancels out the tinnitus, and that ringing goes away. Not all brands come with this tinnitus masking tech. Make certain you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
A powerful new function in hearing aids is data logging. Volume adjustments, when you use the hearing aid, and background noises you encounter are examples of things that are logged by these devices.
The advantage is your audiologist or hearing aid retailer can pull up this data to make crucial adjustments to the devices to improve their sound or give you insight to go on when buying 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.
All of these features allow you to do things that weren’t possible years ago even though they aren’t all brand new. Also, progress in hearing aid technology is always being made. If you go shopping for new hearing aids, be certain to check out the latest and greatest features. To see them all, schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist today.