Before you go in and get tested, make a list of where you plan to wear your hearing aid and how you want it to change your life. Bring your list in for your appointment, and we will help you choose the right hearing aid for your particular type and level of hearing loss. Note hearing aids are designed to amplify sound in a way that’s perfectly calibrated for your level of hearing loss.
Modern hearing aids are smaller and more powerful than you might expect. These innovative devices pack a significant amount of technology into a very small package, enabling individuals with hearing loss to compensate for their symptoms without drawing a lot of attention.
In principle, that might sound pretty simple–like turning up the volume on your television. But the reality is that modern hearing aids have incredibly complex hardware and software that is designed to help you hear better.
What is a hearing aid?
You might be surprised at the answer.
A hearing aid is a special device worn in the ear that is specifically designed to help alleviate the symptoms of hearing loss.
Most modern hearing aids are comprised of at least three separate components:
Microphone
Like any microphone, this part of the hearing aid detects the sounds, which will later be amplified. Some hearing aids will be equipped with directional microphones to help wearers more easily listen to conversations in noisy spaces.
Processor
The vast majority of “work” performed by a hearing aid actually happens inside a tiny computer. The software in the processor will take the raw sound picked up by the microphone and amplify specific frequencies for your ears. Most hearing aids have adjustable settings, so you can flip to different settings when the noise level shifts.
Receiver
The speaker, or “receiver,” is where the enhanced sound is ultimately emitted. Most hearing aid speakers are designed to both help you hear while also limiting possible damage from loud noises.
Many modern hearing aids will also be filled with additional technologies, such as health-monitoring software or Bluetooth connectivity. The precise components of any hearing aid will vary from device to device and may depend on the style of hearing aid you select. However, the technology behind the devices is the same.
Additional hearing aid features
In addition to helping individuals hear better, modern hearing aids are brimming with sophisticated features designed to be helpful throughout daily life. Those features may include the following:
Bluetooth or wireless connectivity
- Improve your ability to hear the phone or television by connecting your hearing aids directly to your devices with Bluetooth. Bluetooth eliminates any painful feedback or distracting echos, which makes phone calls much easier and television more fun to watch.
Noise cancellation
- Never let the sound of your car engine ruin one of your conversations again. Modern hearing aids are equipped with sophisticated software that can help your hearing aids focus on and amplify voices while canceling out background noise.
Dual microphones
- aids have two microphones on each device. This helps the hearing aid discern between background noise so you can hear more clearly in a crowded room.
Synchronization
- When you’ve got two hearing aids, it’s important that they synchronize sound, volume, noise compression, and programming features. Otherwise, you may struggle to interpret sound into speech.
Health monitoring
- The same way your health tracker counts your steps, some hearing aids incorporate technologies designed to help you improve your health. Health data can be transferred to and monitored from your smartphone. Likewise, some hearing aids now also come with fall detection, so in the event of a fall, emergency services can be contacted automatically.
Rechargeable batteries
- Replacing batteries can be a laborious process, especially if handling small objects is a challenge. It’s easier for most people to simply charge their devices every night. Thankfully, many hearing aid brands offer rechargeable batteries.
What no one tells you about your new hearing aids
