Since the times when your great, great grandpa used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Even 10 years ago, hearing aids weren’t capable of doing the things they can do today. Activities that were impossible a few years ago are currently possible because of innovations in hearing aid tech. Just consider these seven things hearing aids are now able to do.
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. These days whether you are an athlete or beginner it is possible to exercise while wearing your hearing aids.
The evolution 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 concept: hearing aid retention cords. It’s sort 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 underwater despite the fact that they are water resistant. Waterproof hearing aids and some accessories will be necessary if you want to swim with your hearing aid.
Raincoats are available for your hearing aids. Your device is shielded by waterproof sleeves that fit securely over them while still allowing you to hear. A cord is also included with most sleeves so you won’t lose your hearing aid when enjoying summer activities.
A dehumidifier is another item you may want to invest in. It doesn’t matter how cautious you are, some amount of water will get inside the case. The unit gets dried out by the dehumidifier without causing damage to the sensitive components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
Now when your phone rings you don’t have to remove your hearing aids. Not all hearing aid brands do this, however. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are features you will want to think about when buying new hearing aids. This technology allows them to pair with your phone just like Bluetooth earbuds or headphones do.
Want to stream a movie? This is another case where wireless functionality come in handy. Sound from your MP3 player or TV can be received by a hearing aid that has Bluetooth technology.
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 right, hearing aids have machine learning capabilities. Certain devices will make volume adjustments depending on the environment by remembering your preference and you won’t have to do anything.
You can also just push a button and recall a specific setup stored in one of the numerous programs.
5. Make the Ringing Go Away
For lots of people tinnitus and loss of hearing are closely linked. 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 better. The masking sound cancels out the tinnitus, and that ringing stops. Tinnitus masking is a particular feature, though, and not available from all brands. Be certain you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
Data logging is one of the more recent functions in hearing aid technology but a powerful one. The devices log things like when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume adjustments and what background sounds you encounter.
Critical modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer a*/ccess this information bettering sound quality.
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 functions allow you to do things that weren’t possible years ago despite the fact that they aren’t all brand new. Also, progress in hearing aid technology is always being made. Be certain to check out the latest features when you’re shopping for a new hearing aid. Schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional to see them all.