Since the days 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 these devices could do even ten years ago. Activities that were not possible a few years in the past are currently possible due to developments in hearing aid tech. Just think about these seven things hearing aids are currently able to do.
1. Prevent Accidental Damage While Exercising
Jogging or riding a bike with a hearing aid in would have been risky in the past. When you are physically active, hearing aids can fall out and that even goes for high quality devices. Now it’s possible to wear your hearing aids when you’re working out whether you are a novice or an athlete.
However, the evolution is not only in the technology. You can still break or lose your hearing aids if they fall out. The simple principle of a hearing aid retention cord solves the problem. It’s sort of like putting your hearing aids on a lanyard. They slide on to the devices and then clip to your clothes for safety. Kids will also benefit from hearing aid retention cords.
2. Resist Water
Most hearing aids don’t do well when fully submerged even though they are water resistant. Waterproof hearing aids and a few accessories will be necessary if you plan to swim with your hearing aid.
Start with a raincoat for your hearing aids. Your device is protected by waterproof sleeves that fit snugly over them and still allows you to hear. Most of the sleeves have cords that attach to your clothing too, so you won’t lose the hearing aids when you are enjoying some summer activities.
The second thing you might want to get is a dehumidifier for your hearing aids. No matter how careful you are, some amount of water is going to get into the case. The device is dried out by the dehumidifier without causing damage to the sensitive components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more taking the hearing aid out every time your phone rings. Not all hearing aid brands have this feature, however. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are features you will want to think about 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? Wireless comes in handy there, too. Sound from your MP3 player or TV can be received by a hearing aid that has Bluetooth technology.
Also, for cell phones or landlines, these hearing aids have a phone function. Signals from your phone can be heard in your hearing aid thanks to a telecoil.
4. Learn
That’s correct, hearing aids have machine learning capabilities. Some devices can remember what volume you prefer in different environments and will make the adjustment without you doing a thing, for instance.
You can also just press a button and load a particular setup stored in one of the multiple programs.
5. Make the Ringing Go Away
Loss of hearing and tinnitus are closely linked for many people. You will hear sounds better because your hearing aid can generate tinnitus masking noises. The ringing will go away after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Not all brands have this tinnitus masking tech. If you are investing in hearing aids, and need this feature, you will need to ask for it.
6. Store Data
Data logging is one of the newer features in hearing aid technology but a compelling one. Volume changes, when you use the hearing aid, and background noises you encounter are examples of things that are logged by these devices.
Critical adjustments can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer pull up this data improving 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.
All of these features permit 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. If you go shopping for new hearing aids, make certain to take a look at the latest and greatest features. To see them all, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional today.