Advanced Hearing Aid Technology And Hearing Gadgets
The world of digital hearing aid technology and hearing gadgets has experienced rapid advancement in recent years, and there have never been more choices when it comes to tech to help deal with hearing loss issues. The only issue can be understanding these advancements and making sure you have the information you need to make the right choices for you. To help you with this, let’s take a look at the technology that is currently available and where the market is heading in the future.
Technological advancement in hearing aid technology
Hearing aids are still made up of four main parts - the microphone, power circuitry, receiver, and processor - but modern examples are far more automated than in the past and offer features to better support the needs of people with hearing loss in all sorts of different environments. Examples of this type of modern hearing aid includes the Nexus HD App-Controlled Hearing Aid and the BHearing PSAP: Personal Sound Amplification.
The levels of technology and power that are available can vary between devices, and there is no shortage of choice in terms of how basic or innovative you want your hearing aid’s features to be.
Features and apps
There is no doubt that app-based technology plays a large part in new hearing aid technology, such as in products like the HearIQ 4 App-Controlled Hearing Aid. This technology is enhanced by all sorts of modern know-how to create what are effectively in-ear computers. Great connectivity is a must-have characteristic for all successful aids and gadgets, as is real insight into microphone placement and the potential for technology such as acoustic motion sensors.
The future for hearing aid technology
Hearing aids and gadgets will likely continue to evolve and progress in a similar way to other technologies, such as smartphones and mobile devices. This will involve offering an ever-growing list of unique user experiences and opportunities, as well as makers really pushing the boundaries of innovation to create optimum hearing capabilities.
Android and iPhone streaming for audiology devices will become more widespread and reliable with the ongoing development of Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA) protocol. Quality is likely to improve, as will the opportunities for you to abandon headphones and use your hearing aids instead.
Remote assistance features for hearing aids, as well as self-fitting aids, will also progress. There will be more options if you are looking for in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, along with an increase in rechargeable choices.
More and more hearing aids and gadgets will feature sensors and the continued and increased use of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Remote microphone performance will be improved through other mainstream technology and boost listening over background noises and distances.
Choosing the right hearing aid for you
Technological advancement inevitably leads to more choices, but this can also result in confusion. There is no need to be baffled by the options available as many of the features can be easily explained.
The best hearing aid for you will depend on a range of factors, including your specific needs and how you want to wear the device. It will also come down to the features you want your hearing aid to offer and how advanced or innovative you want them to be. The features on offer are constantly changing and evolving, but here are some of the current options you may want to consider:
Rechargeable batteries: These can be very useful at preventing you from having to fiddle around with small batteries.
Directional microphones: These aim to detect relevant sounds in front of you while minimizing noise from other directions, making them better-suited to noisier environments.
Telecoils: These can be used wherever there is an induction loop system and with compatible telephones to increase sound volume and quality.
Wireless connectivity: This allows Bluetooth connectivity with smartphones, music systems, and televisions.
Remote control: This allows for discreet, trouble-free adjustments.
Pre-programmed settings: Devices with these variable programs can automatically adjust to suit different environments.
Environmental noise control: This involves cancelling out background noise, such as wind.
Synchronization: This feature enables hearing aids in both ears to be programmed to ensure they work together and that changes to one aid are reflected in the other.
