Hearing aids have come a long way. Decades ago, people depended on analog hearing aids that barely had anything between the microphone and the speaker. Today, there are digital devices that can filter sound by frequency and deliver sounds based on the wearer’s unique needs. The future is unpredictable, but even now there are several technologies determined to leave a mark in the hearing-aid evolution. Here are five ways these technologies are transforming hearing aids:
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It is possible to connect to other devices
Bluetooth compatibility has massively expanded the functionality of hearing aids, as you can now use your devices to listen to music and receive phone calls. Some hearing aid manufacturers have even made it possible to control your devices from your phone. If you want earphones that have Bluetooth compatibility, check with our audiologist first to ensure there are options for your condition that have Bluetooth. A practice such as Helix Hearing Care that performs hearing loss diagnosis prepares treatment plans, and provides hearing aids may prove more helpful and less time-consuming.
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Some hearing aids can learn your preferences
Thanks to artificial intelligence and machine learning, hearing aids can now adjust themselves to your liking, saving you the hassle of calibrating them yourself. The technology works by recording your settings when you are in certain environments and automatically making the changes the next time you are in a similar environment. At first, you will need to make the changes manually, but over time, the technology will sync to your needs, and you will barely have to open your app.
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Automatic suppression of background noises
Analog and older digital hearing aids didn’t have the ability to tell different sounds apart. This meant that all sounds were amplified to the same degree as speech. Recent technological advancements have made it possible for hearing aids to separate speech from background noises and only amplify what’s needed.
Hearing aids that have this ability are typically fitted with what is known as directional microphones. These are designed and positioned to amplify sounds that come from the front side of the wearer. Anything that comes from the back or sides doesn’t get the same treatment; the user can hear them, but faintly and under sounds coming from their front.
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Most modern hearing aids can be recharged
Due to the size of hearing aids, removing and inserting battering in them can prove an annoying, fiddly job that anyone with dexterity problems would struggle to handle. The removable batteries can also be toxic if swallowed by kids or pets.
The arrival of integrated rechargeable batteries was long overdue, but most companies have been quick to incorporate the technology into their new devices. A fully charged hearing aid usually goes up to two days before requiring another charge.
Endnote
There are many types of hearing aids on the market, and the best ones are those that make use of the most advanced technologies. Before purchasing hearing aids, make sure to get a proper description of the capabilities they have.
