The technology surrounding cell phones has undergone a rapid transformation over the last ten years. It has resulted in cell phones and all mobile devices having the ability to connect to the internet no matter where they are in the world and increasing general connectivity. While these have been significant in the world today, the impact that these developments have had on people who use hearing aids has been vastly understated. That is why it is important to look at the history of cell phones and the effect that they have had on the modern hearing aid industry.
The technology surrounding cell phones has undergone a rapid transformation over the last ten years. It has resulted in cell phones and all mobile devices having the ability to connect to the internet no matter where they are in the world and increasing general connectivity. While these have been significant in the world today, the impact that these developments have had on people who use hearing aids has been vastly understated. That is why it is important to look at the history of cell phones and the effect that they have had on the modern hearing aid industry.Smartphones Are The Cutting Edge
Smartphone technology represents a total leap forward in the evolution of technology, putting unprecedented powers in the hands of everyone who can afford the device. These devices have also made a huge impression on the hearing aid industry. This is due to the fact that they use hardware like telecoils in order to keep the calls loud and clear for people who use both a hearing aid and a cell phone at the same time. Also included in the hardware aspect of smartphones are several parts meant to descramble signals and to keep interference to a minimum, which solves the problem of sound feedback for people using two electronic devices in close proximity.
Smartphones also use applications in order to reach out to people around the world. From email to picture messaging, the development of this technology has connected people. Yet, other applications have been developed specifically to help people who suffer from hearing loss or use hearing devices. These applications come with the ability to remotely change settings on the hearing aid while it is in place. This can change many settings including the overall volume, power consumption, and even frequencies that are being accepted by the device. The bottom line is that the user gains a more complete level of control of their device from the interface menu of their smartphone. This is all due to partnerships between major cell phone providers and hearing aid designers, who used the technological capabilities of both devices to help people with hearing loss.
Cell Phone- A Brief History
None of these incredible feats would have been available without the first cell phones. Phones like the flip top were among the first devices to use mobile telecoils to increase hearing ability and call clarity. This had the unintentional consequence of working with hearing aids for a better hearing outcome. This led to future developments of the telecoil and it being implemented in all future phones. It also served as grounds for a rating system to be developed for people with hearing loss so that they could see the best options available to them before purchasing their cell phone. These are some of the ways that cell phones are changing and impacting the hearing aid industry.