Nearly 30 million Americans could appreciate hearing better with the help of an assistive hearing device. Luckily, for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, hearing aid technology has improved vastly. The latest technological trends are allowing hearing aid users to customize their devices, have greater control, and wear them more comfortably. Here are some of the new technologies you can look forward to in hearing aids.
1. Bluetooth Technology
One of the most popular and game-changing hearing aid solutions is the addition of Bluetooth technology. Users can connect to their phones, smart TVs, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Bluetooth-equipped hearing aids offer better sound quality. Another bonus to this technology is that you can control the volume level for yourself without changing the volume for anyone else who is watching or listening to you. They’re also compatible with both Apple and Android devices. And if you happen to misplace your device, with an app, you can locate your hearing aids through a Bluetooth signal.
2. Noise Reduction Technology
One common complaint against hearing aids is that they amplify both the sounds you’re trying to hear and the sounds that you’re not, making it difficult to focus on and hear what you’re trying to hear. But with the inclusion of noise reduction technology, loud background noise isn’t a problem. This technology allows you to hear better in noisy environments, like restaurants and parties. Noise reduction technology also works on reducing the sound of wind if you’re outside or engaging in outdoor activities like boating, fishing, or golfing.
3. Invisible Hearing Aids
Many hearing aids are in-canal devices, but now there are complete-in-canal hearing aids that are virtually invisible to other people. Not only are they small and discreet, but they’re also an excellent choice for those suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss. Invisible hearing aids aren’t the best option for young children due to the size of the device. And they’re not recommended for individuals with severe hearing loss for the same reason. Because they’re so small, incorporating additional technology isn’t feasible. What you gain in discretion, you lose in power and volume capability.
4. Multi-Channel Solutions
Typically, hearing aids have two channels. Channels are used to impact sound processing. High-tech hearing aids can have eight or more channels to increase the fidelity of the sound. You don’t need additional channels to hear clearly with a hearing aid, but for some users, it is certainly a change-maker. Your type of hearing loss will decide whether or not you need a device with a multi-channel solution.
These new technological trends are changing the way those who suffer from hearing loss are capturing sound. And because everyone’s hearing loss has different causes and other unique factors, some of these technologies may not be a good fit. If any of these options are something you’d like to look into, talk with your hearing specialist to discover which options can work for you.
