Things are different since your great, great grandpa held an ear trumpet up to his ear. Newer hearing aids are capable of so much more than they could do even ten years ago. The innovation of hearing aid technology allows users to do activities that were impossible at one point. Just consider these seven things hearing aids are currently able to do.
1. Prevent Accidental Damage While Exercising
Once upon a time, it would have been risky to ride a bike or go jogging while wearing your hearing aids. Even the highest quality hearing aids are subject to damage if they fall out while you are on the move. Today whether you are an athlete or novice you can exercise while your hearing aid is in.
However, the evolution is not just in the technology. Hearing aids that fall out can still become broken or lost. The basic idea of a hearing aid retention cord solves the problem. Consider it a lanyard for your hearing aids. They slide on to the devices and then clip to your clothes for safety. Hearing aid retention cords area great choice for kids, too.
2. Resist Water
While it is true most hearing aids are resistant to water, they still won’t do well when fully submerged. Instead, if you want to go swimming you’ll need to invest in waterproof hearing aids and consider some add-ons.
Protective coverings are available for your hearing aids. Waterproof Sleeves fit tightly over the devices to protect them from water damage while still letting you hear. A cord also comes 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 careful you are, some water is going to get into the case. The dehumidifier dries the units out without damaging their complex electronic parts.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more having to remove your hearing aid every time your phone rings. Not all hearing aid brands do this, though. You want to purchase hearing aids that are Bluetooth-enabled or come with the wireless streaming capability. 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 in this situation, as well. Sound from your MP3 player or TV can be picked up by a hearing aid that has Bluetooth technology.
Most hearing aids come with a telephone adaptation, as well, 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 features. 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 specific setup stored in one of the numerous programs.
5. Make the Ringing Stop
Hearing loss and tinnitus are closely linked for lots of people. You will hear sounds more clearly because your hearing aid can generate tinnitus masking noises. The masking sound cancels out the tinnitus, and that ringing goes away. Not all brands include this tinnitus masking tech. If you are investing in hearing aids, and need this feature, you will have to ask for it.
6. Store Data
A powerful new function in hearing aids is data logging. Volume changes, when you use the hearing aid, and background noises you come across are examples of things that are logged by these devices.
Essential modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer a*/ccess 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.
Not all of these features are new, but they all let you do things with your hearing aids that were impossible years ago. Hearing aid tech is always progressing, too. Be sure to take a look at the latest features when you go shopping for a new hearing aid. Schedule an appointment with a hearing care expert to see them all.