LAST UPDATED: November 17th, 2021 | BY: Stacy Merci
Although with the innovation in technology, hearing aids have evolved too the basics have been the same. It still comprises the four key elements i.e. a microphone, processor, a power source, and last a receiver. The microphones are designed to collect the sound from the environment and transport it to the processor by enhancing the sound quality, it delivers it to the receiver. The battery of the hearing aid decided its life.
To the above question, the answer lies in the advancement in the sophistication of the processor. The areas of the application have been increased. Today, modern hearing assist use the digital system providing a better interface and fast and smooth processing of the sound. Let’s understand each and every feature of the modern hearing aid in great detail:
A common issue faced by the customers over the purchase of hearing aids is the changing of the tiny batteries. But with the advancement in technology, now the hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries. They are simple to use, all you need is to put them on the charge the way you charge your smartphone. Once the batteries are fully charged, most batteries last a day long nearly 24 to 30 hours.
These rechargeable batteries come with a USB cable, making them a portable device that further helps you to charge them anywhere even if you are at the church or in the restaurant.
Not all, but now a majority of hearing aids entering into the modern market are wireless and establishes a network with the smartphone using Bluetooth.
Some of them are capable to connect with both android and iPhone operating platforms. “One of the losses many impaired people go through is the inability to read lips while using the phone,” John says but with the help of wireless smartphone connectivity, the sound quality has been improved.
To avoid touching the hearing aids, again and again, another advantage of the wireless connection is that every hearing brand with respect to their hearing device has launched their own app. This app helps the user to adjust the hearing according to his/her needs, change the background setting, adjust the frequency set, etc. The simple, not so complex user interface helps the user to hear better and have a clear understanding of the sound.
The use of smart technology in the ears also allows the users to stream the audios from TVs or other devices into the hearing aid without any disturbance, establishing a direct and Fidel connection.
With the advancement in technology, now hearing aids are becoming smarter. The use of Artificial intelligence or AI in them helps them to learn your preferences. Once you logged in to the apps, the app will keep a record of all your details like volume control setting, the most used environmental mode. And with the repeated instructions, the AI automatically detects the mode and changes it according to the need and you will be free from doing any manual adjustments.
With the use of AI technology in your devices, you will get automatic reminders for visits to doctors, time to book an appointment, and automatic suggestions required at the present moment.
The wireless tending hearing aids are not only used for improving the level of hearing ability but can be also used as earbuds. These tiny in-ear devices help in enhancing the sound quality by reducing the noise and background sounds. Audiologist suggests that they are best suitable for people suffering from mild hearing.
Keep the fact in mind that not all hearing aids are the same. Depending upon the level of your hearing loss, different hearing devices are present before making up the purchase do visit an audiologist.
The modern-sounding amplifier offers the translation of the languages into 27 different languages including Hindi, Japanese, French, and Arabic, etc. If your by-default language is English, the device will convert any other language into English, making it easier for you to understand in real-time.
The CEO of united health care, Tom Wiffler said, “A person with hearing loss has 300 percent more risk of falling”. The advanced hearing aids are so sensitive that they can detect and chirp whenever the fall is to happen. They save three contacts in emergency alert which by default sends them a notify message if you are falling. Moreover, the emergency alert not only sends a message but also the location of the person where the fall has occurred.
Although according to the recent trend, the smartwatch is high in demand which is used to monitor the heart rate and the steps taken by the individual. But now in some trending models of hearing aids, these features can be seen. They keep a record of your physical activity including some of the vital signs like heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, etc.
The studies show that loneliness can possibly put you at the risk of cardiovascular disease or depression or and physical or mental health issues. The use of highly smart hearing aids tries to keep your family members update regarding your health and helps them in taking care of you.
While with the use of traditional technology, users often complain about hearing their sound. The possible reasons for this could be occlusions or extra high frequency of the sound resulting in the blocking of the ear canal. And another complaint user’s complaint is about the unnatural perception of the hearing sound.
Both of the above-mentioned problems are important to address to ensure the smooth and proper functioning of the sounding aids.
With the upliftment of the new technology, the above-mentioned queries have a solution now. According to the research done in the field, Own Voice Processing (OVP) helps to identify the wearer’s sound, process it, and distinguish it from the external factors which further affect the sound quality of the sound.
Do I Need Two Hearing Aid or One Will Be Sufficient?
It depends on your hearing loss. Although two hearing aids will provide you with better hearing benefits than a single. I advise you to visit an audiologist before choosing any hearing aid yourself because s/he can give you a better and clear image regarding your hearing loss situation.
Do I Have Any Other Options Besides Hearing aid?
Yes, you do have an option like opting for therapeutic options like speech reading (usually known as lip reading) or going for auditory training. These two options will help you to improve your communications skills.
Do Smaller Hearing Aids Work Better?
Small hearing aids are mostly invisible and are not recommended for almost all hearing loss. Despite the fact, if your audiologist suggests you can differently give them thought but be sure about the fact that they are more careful.