Electronic Health Reporter

Many people with hearing loss benefit from wearing hearing aids and using other technology. Permanent hearing loss can’t be cured but it can be treated with the right tools and aids. Hearing aids have come a long way as different technologies have developed and they can now do a lot more than they used to do. There are also much smaller hearing aids available than there used to be, with some of them being practically invisible. People who wear hearing aids are benefitting from a range of technological advancements that give them a better hearing experience and improve their quality of life.

Improved Sound Processing

The way that hearing aids process sound and respond to different frequencies has improved over time. When hearing aids process sound, they need to separate sounds into different bands of frequency and digitize them so that the sound can be amplified for the wearer. Hearing aids that use more advanced technology are more capable of separating sound into specific bands for the hearing aid wearer. This helps to ensure that the most important frequencies are amplified, compensating for the wearer’s exact hearing loss by matching their prescription.

AI

Artificial intelligence is used in some top-of-the-line hearing aids. The AI technology helps with sound processing by tapping into a neural network. The processing of sound can then be optimized and customized for different situations and environments. The user can set their preferences for volume and use different programs to get the best experience from their hearing aids. For example, they might have specific settings for a crowded environment with a lot of background noise. The hearing aids can start to recognize this type of environment automatically and adjust the settings of the hearing aids as needed. They can process sound in a way that’s similar to the brain.

Bluetooth and Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity is a very useful additional technology, which is now included in many modern hearing aids. It can allow wearers to connect their hearing aids to different devices such as smartphones. This capability can help to make adjusting to hearing aids easier, putting people in control of their new hearing aids. Using Bluetooth technology can improve sound, giving a clearer signal with less background noise because it allows devices to be connected directly to the hearing aid processor. It can be great for things like watching TV or listening to music, as well as other activities.

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries have started to make an appearance in some hearing aids. While they are not suitable for all hearing aid styles, they can be used in some styles. Rechargeable batteries can make wearing hearing aids more convenient and cheaper long-term. Instead of having to have replacement batteries on hand, the hearing aids can be charged overnight so that they’re ready to wear during the day. Many of them offer a couple of days’ wear on one charge too.

Hearing health technology has come a long way and continues to develop. People with hearing loss can benefit from a range of features and tools when choosing hearing aids.