hearing aid

Cheah Xing Yee, Audiologist

1 January, 2024

The Future of Hearing: Dive into the Latest Aid Innovations

People who have seen bulky analog hearing aids in the past decade develop the misperception that hearing aids are just for people with severe hearing impairment and produce uncomfortable noises. In reality, hearing loss can happen at any age, with different levels of hearing loss.

Over the years, analog hearing aids have transformed into digital signal-processing hearing aids with sophisticated features and modern cosmetic appearance. The digital signal processing hearing aids allow more precise sound amplification and help to reduce unwanted background noise, making it more comfortable to wear for the whole day.

Here is a quick guide to the latest hearing aid technology you will find in almost all brands of hearing aids.

hearing aids

Rechargeable Hearing Aids

The lithium-ion batteries are used for most rechargeable hearing aids now. You can recharge it when the batteries run out and don’t have to buy new batteries to replace them. To charge your rechargeable hearing aids, put the devices into the charging station overnight and have a full charge in the morning to last the day. Rechargeable hearing aids are easy to handle, especially for people with dexterity issues, overcoming the hassle of physically removing and replacing the small sizes of non-rechargeable batteries.

hearing aids

Bluetooth Hearing Aids

Hearing aids with Bluetooth features can connect to devices like smartphones, computers, tablets, and televisions. It enables the sound from those devices to stream directly to your hearing aids, allowing you to enjoy high-quality sounds. People with more severe hearing loss can also enjoy chit-chat time with their loved ones through phone and video calls.

Hearing Aid Apps

The smartphone apps offered by hearing aid manufacturers allow you to customize and personalize hearing aid sound settings to your needs in different environments. You can download the apps on iPhone or Android phones, work just like a remote-control accessory. There are some differences between the apps from each hearing aid manufacturer. The general functionality allows you to perform tasks such as the following:

  • Adjust volume settings
  • Adjust the listening programs and settings
  • Adjust the noise reduction and sound clarity settings
  • Check the battery status of your hearing aids
  • Locate your hearing aids using GPS

Have a remote appointment with your hearing care professional

The apps help to ease worries about manually adjusting hearing aid sounds by pressing the controllers behind or on the hearing aids. Besides, the app functions are easy to visualize on smartphones.

Health Tracking

Hearing aids do more than not only enhance the hearing of people with hearing loss. It helps to track mental, physical, and social well-being now. The embedded sensors in the hearing devices help monitor the wearing time of the hearing aid, track your activity, count your steps, and measure your heart rate and the time you spend in social engagement to help prevent social isolation. The health tracking technology in hearing aids emphasizes the importance of hearing health as an integral part of your overall health and wellness.

Choosing the RIGHT Hearing Aids

With so many options available, your audiologist will consider your hearing needs, lifestyles, and preferences when selecting the style and type of hearing aids. Hearing aid take-home trial services let you try the hearing aids in real-life situations. It gives advantages for you to determine the suitable hearing aids for yourself. Choosing the right hearing aid takes time and patience, but finding the right one will dramatically improve your quality of life.

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