Things have changed since your great, great grandpa held an ear trumpet up to his ear. Modern hearing aids are capable of so much more than they could do even a decade ago. The innovation of hearing aid technology permits users to do activities that seemed unlikely in the past. Just think about these seven things hearing aids are currently able to do.
1. Prevent Accidental Damage While Exercising
Once upon a time, it would have been unheard of to ride a bike or jog with your hearing aids in place. When you are moving around, hearing aids can fall out and that even goes for high quality devices. Now you can to keep your hearing aids in while exercising whether you are a beginner or an athlete.
However, the change is not just in the technology. You still can break or lose your hearing aids if they fall out. The simple principle of a hearing aid retention cord solves the problem. Think of it as a lanyard for your hearing aids. 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
While it is true many hearing aids are resistant to water, they still don’t do well when completely immersed. Instead, if you want to swim you’ll need to invest in waterproof hearing aids and think about some accessories.
Start with a raincoat for your hearing aids. Waterproof Sleeves fit securely 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 an additional item you may want to invest in. Some amount of water is going get into the case regardless of what you do. The dehumidifier dries the devices out without damaging their fragile electronic parts.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more taking the hearing aid out every time your phone rings. Not all hearing aid brands do this, however. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are capabilities you will want to think about when buying new hearing aids. The same way that earbuds or headphones use Bluetooth to connect to your phone, these kinds of hearing aids also do that.
Interested in streaming a movie? This is another situation where wireless functionality come in handy. With Bluetooth or wireless, the hearing aids can receive sound from your TV or MP3 player.
Also, for cell phones or landlines, these hearing aids have a phone function. Telephone adaptation uses a telecoil to pick up signals from the phones so you can hear them through your hearing aids.
4. Learn
That’s correct, hearing aids have machine learning features. Certain devices will make volume adjustments depending on the setting by remembering your preference and you won’t need to do anything.
They can also include multiple programs so you can store a specific setup in the memory and push a button to load it when the time is right.
5. Make the Ringing Go Away
For many people tinnitus and hearing loss are closely linked. You will hear sounds more clearly because your hearing aid can produce tinnitus masking noises. The ringing will subside after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Tinnitus masking is a specific feature, though, and not available from all brands. Make sure you ask for it if you are shopping for hearing aids.
6. Store Data
A powerful new feature 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 noises you encounter.
Crucial adjustments can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer a*/ccess this data bettering sound quality.
7. Go Remote
You can quickly lower the volume, change the program, or use your hearing aid as a Bluetooth streaming device if it comes with 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. 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.