Hearing at Home stays up to date with the latest developments so that our patients get the best care possible. Advances in hearing aid technology improve old hardware while introducing new features. Software is the next big thing in hearing device development, and the results are already amazing.
Styles of Hearing Technology
The design of the first original hearing aids was bulky, heavy and uncomfortable. Modern hearing aids are small enough to fit in the canal and can be contoured for any ear shape. They are also lighter than ever, so much better for all-day wear. Hearing devices come in an array of styles, including behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), in the canal (ITC), completely in canal (CIC) and invisible in canal (IIC).
Powering Your Hearing Aids
Long-lasting power is an important component of any piece of technology. When hearing aids began to offer rechargeable batteries, they had to do it without sacrificing time for the device. Rechargeable batteries in the hearing industry are equal or better than their nonchargeable counterparts. Even with the advantages, brands continually develop models that use both types of batteries. This works great for patients that want to choose what works best for their lifestyle.
Hearing Aid Features
Features are important because they provide a more custom and fine-tuned listening experience. Whether you want to connect your devices easily to other compatible technology or want options to switch seamlessly between programs, hearing aid features allow you to personalize your device.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth offers wireless connectivity between devices with the Bluetooth logo. Smartphones, laptops, tablets and many TVs already have this technology built-in. Hearing aid wearers can easily pair to any compatible device. Every connection afterward will happen automatically when the device is in range. Wireless audio is different for each device, but top-tier Bluetooth has a max range of up to 800 ft. between the connected devices.
AI
Artificial intelligence takes the guesswork out of managing advanced settings on a hearing device. For sound, it will adjust the settings on the fly to match the environment. This includes lowering levels in a noisy area while boosting volume in quieter settings. The AI system in some hearing aids is static, while modern variants lean more toward dynamic. The difference between the two is how they process data. A hearing aid that continually improves as it experiences new sounds is more valuable to a wearer since hearing changes with age.
Software for hearing devices is more compatible than ever and available on more platforms. Without improved software, users would be forced to use hardware controls to manage their hearing aids. Every brand has their own proprietary software that improves the user experience. Some are optional, while others are a mandatory part of the device’s usability.