Since the days when your great, great granddad used one of those ear trumpets to hear, things have changed. Newer hearing aids are capable of so much more than these devices could do even ten years ago. Activities that were not possible a few years ago are currently possible because of innovations in hearing aid technology. Hearing aids can now do the following things.
1. Don’t Fall Out While Exercising
Jogging or riding a bike while wearing a hearing aid would have been risky in the past. Even the highest quality hearing aids can be damaged if they fall out while you are exercising. Now it’s possible to keep your hearing aids in while exercising whether you are a beginner or an athlete.
The evolution here is not in the technology, however. Hearing aids that fall out can still become broken or lost. Innovation wins out with a straightforward concept: hearing aid retention cords. It’s sort of like having your hearing aids on a lanyard. They slide on to the hearing aid 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 water resistant, they still won’t do well when fully submerged. Waterproof hearing aids and a couple of accessories will be needed if you plan to swim with your hearing aid.
Raincoats are available for your hearing aids. Your device is protected by waterproof sleeves that fit securely over them and still allows you to hear. A cord is also included with most sleeves so you won’t lose your hearing aid when enjoying summer activities.
The second thing you might want to get is a dehumidifier for your hearing aids. Some water will get into the case no matter what you do. The dehumidifier dries the units out without damaging their delicate electronic components.
3. Pair With Your Smartphone
No more having to remove your hearing aid when your phone rings. However, some brands don’t have this feature. Wireless streaming capability and Bluetooth enabling are capabilities you will want to consider when buying new hearing aids. This technology lets them pair with your phone just like Bluetooth earbuds or headphones do.
Interested in streaming a movie? Wireless comes in handy there, as well. Sound from your MP3 player or TV can be picked up by a hearing aid that is equipped with Bluetooth technology.
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 right, hearing aids have machine learning capabilities. Some devices will make volume adjustments depending on the environment by remembering your preference and you don’t have to do anything.
You can also just push a button and recall a particular setup stored in one of the numerous programs.
5. Stopping The Ringing
For many people tinnitus and hearing loss are closely linked. 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 stops. Not all brands include this tinnitus masking technology. 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 encounter are examples of things that are logged by these devices.
Essential modifications can be made when your audiologist or hearing aid retailer pull up this data enhancing sound quality.
7. Go Remote
You can conveniently lower the volume, change the program, or use your hearing aid as a Bluetooth streaming device if it comes with a remote.
Not all of these functions are new, but they all let you do things with your hearing aids that were impossible years ago. Hearing aid tech is constantly progressing, too. Be certain to check out the latest features when you go shopping for a new hearing aid. To see them all, schedule an appointment with a hearing professional today.
