Since the times when your great, great granddad used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Modern hearing aids are able to do so much more than they could do even a decade ago. Activities that were not possible a few years ago are currently possible because of advancements in hearing aid tech. Hearing aids can now do the following things.
1. Prevent Accidental Damage While Exercising
At one time, it would have been risky 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. Now you can to wear your hearing aids when you’re working out whether you are a novice or an athlete.
The change here is not in the technology, though. Hearing aids that fall out can still get broken or lost. The straightforward concept of a hearing aid retention cord wins the day. It’s sort 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
While it is true many hearing aids are resistant to water, they still won’t do well when fully submerged. Waterproof hearing aids and a couple of accessories will be required if you want to swim with your hearing aid.
Start with a raincoat for your hearing aids. Waterproof Sleeves fit securely over the devices to protect them from water damage while still allowing you to hear. Most of the sleeves come with cords that connect to your clothing too, so you won’t lose the hearing aids when you are enjoying some summer activities.
A dehumidifier is an additional piece of equipment you may want to invest in. No matter how careful you are, some water is going to get inside the case. The dehumidifier dries the units out without damaging their delicate electronic components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
Now when your phone rings you won’t need to remove your hearing aids. Not all hearing aid brands do this, though. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are capabilities you will want to consider when purchasing 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 situation where wireless features come in handy. With Bluetooth or wireless, the hearing aids can pick up sound from your TV or MP3 player.
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, machine learning features 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 push a button and load a specific setup stored in one of the multiple programs.
5. Stopping The Ringing
Hearing loss and tinnitus are closely linked for many people. You will hear sounds more clearly because your hearing aid can generate tinnitus masking noises. The ringing will disappear after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Not all brands come with this tinnitus masking tech. Be sure you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
A compelling new function in hearing aids is data logging. The devices log things like when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume changes and what background sounds you come across.
Essential modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer pull up this information bettering sound quality.
7. Go Remote
Hearing aids that come with remotes enable you to quickly change programs, lower the volume or even act as a Bluetooth streaming device.
All of these features enable 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. Be certain to take a look at the latest features when you go shopping for a new hearing aid. Schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional to see them all.
