If you’re resistant to wearing hearing aids, it may be because you picture the bulky, clunky devices your parents or grandparents wore. Today’s hearing aids are nothing like their predecessors – they’re sleek and discreet, and most boast amazing features that may surprise you. We review some surprising features of hearing aids below.
Minimal Occlusion
The occlusion effect describes when you perceive increased loudness of sounds like your own voice, chewing, swallowing, etc. This was common among older hearing aids, but not with newer models. According to one study, “Nowadays, modern hearing aids are openly adapted behind-the-ear versions with a visible device and an integrated microphone. This makes wearing hearing aids more comfortable because the ‘occlusion effect’ caused by the closure of the auditory canal, is avoided and especially the high frequencies are effectively amplified.”
Bluetooth Connectivity
Your hearing aids can essentially act as a set of wireless earbuds for any Bluetooth-enabled device, including your smartphone, tablet, laptop and maybe even your TV. You’ll also be able to answer calls hands-free. In addition, many hearing aids are compatible with a smartphone app that lets you remote control your hearing aids rather than fiddling with tiny buttons.
Directional Microphones
Most hearing aids also have directional microphones, one set that picks up the sounds directly in front of you, as well as one set that picks up sounds all around you, providing a natural soundscape.
Tinnitus Masking
Not only do hearing aids help drown out your tinnitus (ringing in the ears) by turning up the volume on the sounds in your environment, some also have tinnitus maskers built in. This means they’ll amplify sounds as well as play white noise in your ears to help make your tinnitus less noticeable.
Remembering Your Settings
If you invest in an advanced set of hearing aids, they’ll be able to remember the settings you prefer in various environments. For example, if you frequent a local restaurant, the next time you’re there, the setting will be geotagged, so your hearing aids will adjust to your preferred settings without you lifting a finger.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Center for Hearing & Speech today.
