Boasting a variety of sophisticated technologies, today’s hearing aids are truly some of the most amazing minicomputers around. While most medical-grade hearing aids now feature modern conveniences like smartphone controls, Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeability (no tiny batteries!), the technology continues to advance daily beyond what anyone could’ve imagined.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the impressive technology features that many of today’s hearing aids offer:
Bluetooth, Rechargeability & Smartphone Connectivity
Even though Bluetooth, rechargeability, & smartphone connectivity often come standard with many of today’s hearing aids, don’t underestimate the major impact these features have on improving everyday life.
- Bluetooth connectivity
This makes staying connected with the world around you easy. Just like the most popular wireless headphones on the market today, many hearing aids now allow you to stream your favorite TV shows, podcasts, music and phone calls directly into your ears.
Bluetooth Hearing Aids
Improve Your Quality of Life
Bluetooth hearing aids wirelessly connect to your smartphone, TV, computer, and more – allowing you to stream HD quality audio directly to your hearing aids. The future is finally “hear!”
Modern hearing aids improve your quality of life by delivering brilliant sound quality during conversations. Bluetooth hearing aids, on the other hand, do that and deliver incredible sound quality streamed wirelessly from your electronic devices. In the past, hearing aids had trouble picking up sound from phone receivers. These sounds were over amplified and not fine-tuned, causing hearing aids to whistle.
Are Bluetooth Hearing Aids Better?
Bluetooth connectivity does not make your hearing aids perform better, but rather, it allows you to connect your hearing aids with any Bluetooth-enabled electronic device and make their use easier for you.
Here are the main advantages:
Watching TV:
Those with hearing loss often understand the TV better with headphones. By streaming the TV audio directly to your hearing aids, you are not only eliminating any reverberation that may occur between the TV speakers and your ears, but you’re eliminating the need for headphones! You can also adjust the hearing aid volume from an easy-to-use App instead of on the TV.
Phone conversations:
Talking on the phone while wearing hearing aids can be difficult. And it isn’t always comfortable either, as you need to hold the speaker near the your device’s microphone. With some hearing aids, you might also hear an annoying whistling sound. Bluetooth hearing aids making talking on the phone easy and stress-free!
Listening to music:
Enjoy your favorite music streamed directly to your bluetooth hearing aids, without wearing uncomfortable headphones!
Additionally, streaming audio from your electronic devices to your hearing aids will filter out background noise and allow you to fully enjoy the sounds you really want to hear, like your grandchild talking on the phone, without any whistling. You can also take a walk in the park while talking on the phone, not worrying about extraneous environmental sounds, or even talk on the phone at your local coffee shop without being bothered by background chatter. The possibilities are endless with Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids.
How Much Is a Bluetooth Hearing Aid?
Bluetooth connectivity does not make the device more expensive. However, this feature is not yet available on Basic hearing aids. For you to enjoy the benefits of a Bluetooth hearing aid, you’ll need to purchase a device that’s at the Mid-Range or Premium technology level.
How to Get Used to Your Bluetooth Hearing Aid?
All hearing aids are programmed to meet your specific auditory needs. An audiologist will set your hearing aid settings by calibrating the frequencies, volume, and gain levels necessary for answering phone calls through your hearing aids via Bluetooth. This ensures a high-quality audio experience.
Once you take home your new devices, you can continue to exercise maximum control over its settings through a smartphone App or streamer. With Bluetooth hearing aids that are compatible with iPhones or Android smartphones, you control the volume and other settings from the manufacturers’ Apps. If your hearing aid has a wireless connection to a streamer, you can adjust its settings using the streamer.
What Is a Bluetooth Hearing Aid?
T-Coils, also known as telecoils, are located inside hearing aids and receive FM signals (or electromagnetic signals) from a Bluetooth-enabled device (e.g. your smartphone or TV) via a streamer. When the T-coil receives a signal, the microphone in the hearing aid turns off. This reduces background interference and stops the whistling sound experienced during phone calls. Without extraneous sounds coming into your hearing aid, you can focus on the sounds coming from your phone, television or music player.
Now, smartphones and televisions wirelessly connect to Bluetooth hearing aids either directly or through a small streamer device to deliver unparalleled sound quality. Some hearing aid manufacturers offer Bluetooth hearing aids that are compatible with Android smartphones and iPhones, creating a seamless connection to your electronic device. All manufacturers offer streamer accessories which convert a Bluetooth signal from an electronic device into FM signals. Then, the streamer sends the FM signal to your hearing aids without signal disruptions. Both the streamer and direct connection options offer optimal clarity and ease of use.
- Rechargeable batteries
Having these in hearing aids are becoming increasingly more popular and even come with portable charging cases for extra security and convenience when you’re on the go. They’re also environmentally friendly and easier on the pocket. Charging devices (also called Power Banks) now make it easier than ever to keep your hearing aids operating all day with no interruption — and no more having to mess with hard-to-replace tiny batteries! These can charge upto 3-4 times before the charging bank needs to be connected to power.
The Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Through extensive research, we have found that rechargeable hearing aids are suitable for all levels of hearing loss. So, no matter how severe or moderate your loss is, you can qualify for them. Currently, they are only available as BTE devices. However, they are quite discreet and small with the same advanced technology as the other hearing aids. So, you will still be getting the same high quality hearing experience.
Batteries are an important part of any hearing aid and it can be a frequent hassle for some users. This new technology works to alleviate any frustration regarding a battery because you can recharge your hearing aids on the go. Now you can enjoy all the sounds without the worry.
How do rechargeable hearing aids work?
Rechargeable hearing aids work similarly to rechargeable batteries. However, the difference is that rather than charging the batteries at night you would charge your actual devices. The hearing aids come with an easy to use charging pod that you can place your devices in at night, and then use them again in the day as normal. You can also carry the pod with you to charge on the go. Never miss out on a sound! It’s truly a simple solution for many people who fumble with batteries, forget to bring extra, lose them, etc. Imagine you are in a hurry to get to work, you are already 20 minutes late. Just then, your hearing aids start indicating that you need to replace the batteries. When you go to check for the batteries, you don’t have any left. This is not only a waste of time but an extra hassle added to your day-to-day life. Rechargeable devices ensure that you don’t have to worry about that. You can recharge your devices every night and use them in the day. This saves time and you don’t have to worry about constantly spending money on new batteries. You can recharge your hearing aids for free! Another benefit of the rechargeable digital aid is that, people with limited dexterity don’t have to worry about changing small batteries which can be a problem for them
Manufacturers of rechargeable hearing aids
We have come a long way from large behind-the-ear hearing aids to small in-the-ear digital hearing aids. However, this latest revolution isn’t produced by all manufacturers but there are still many options on the market. Starkey and GNResound are two of the biggest manufacturers to produce these rechargeable devices.
- Intuitive Smartphone app
These setting controls give you the ability to easily change your hearing aid volume or program based on your environment. For example, if you’re going from your house to a crowded restaurant, you’ll probably want to adjust the levels so you’re comfortable. Now you can do it quickly and easily from your iPhone or Android smartphone without ever having to touch your hearing aids (seamlessly wireless)
How Hearing Aid Apps Help You
You no longer have to reach up to your hearing aids to press a button, flip a switch, or turn a wheel in order to make an adjustment. Instead, you can discreetly make a few taps on a cell phone. Other people won’t be able to tell that you’re changing your hearing aid settings unless they view your smart phone screen. It will look like you’re checking your email or the weather report.
Functions
Depending on the manufacturer, hearing aid apps provide several functions:
- Change overall level of the sound with a volume control
- Adjust sound in different bands with an equalizer
- Adjust the noise reduction and directionality settings within a program
- Change the listening program that you are using
- Connect to accessories such as television streaming devices
- Request assistance from your hearing care professional
- Download new programs and updates from your hearing care professional
- Learn tips about hearing aid use and care
- Rate the quality of the hearing aid settings
- Store the settings that you prefer for different situations
- Track your hearing aid battery life
- Locate your misplaced hearing aid using GPS
You will still need to visit your hearing care professional in the office for the initial programming and major adjustments to your hearing aids. The hearing care professional uses their expertise to set the hearing aids to match your hearing loss and lifestyle. Apps allow you to make minor adjustments from these settings within a range. The range is set to ensure that you will not inadvertently hurt your hearing.
Apps Offered by Hearing Aid Manufacturers
All the major hearing aid manufacturers offer apps for smart phones. Compatibility depends on the hearing aid make and style as well as the cell phone model. Consult with your hearing care professional for more details.
- Signia: myControl, myHearing, easyTek, touchControl
- Widex: Beyond, Evoke, Tonelink
- Phonak: remoteControl, Remote
- Oticon: ON app
- Rexton: Smart Direct, Smart Remote, Smart Connect
- Resound: Smart 3D, Smart, Control (ReSound Smart hearing aid app | ReSound | ReSound US)
- Unitron: Remote Plus, uControl
- Starkey: Thrive Hearing, TruLink Hearing Control (Thrive Hearing Control App | Starkey)
Other Kinds of Hearing-Related Apps
There are many apps available that claim to test your hearing. However, these tests do not match the precision of professional hearing exams. Your hearing care professional provides tests with calibrated equipment and ensures that the headphones sit properly in your ears. Professional hearing tests are given in quiet environments that meet standards for the maximum noise present in different frequency bands. Your hearing care professional also performs a visual inspection of your ear canal and eardrums to make sure that you don’t have a medical problem.
Some hearing aid manufacturers include tinnitus maskers within their hearing aid apps. In addition, there are stand-alone tinnitus masking apps. These apps help patients block out their tinnitus with pleasant sounds. You can choose among white noise, rainforest, and ocean sounds. Some apps offer educational content to help you learn to manage your tinnitus. Your hearing care professional can advise you on how to best use these apps.
A third kind of app that you can find are auditory training apps. These apps work as part of a hearing rehabilitation program to retrain your brain to hear better in challenging situations. You want to schedule several short practice sessions on these apps over a period of time. Think of auditory training as being similar to physical therapy. It takes time for your “auditory muscles” to get stronger.
Speech Clarity
Improved speech clarity has always been the top desired feature of hearing aid wearers. And rightfully so. Hearing loss is actually an issue with speech clarity, NOT volume, and older hearing aids just weren’t very effective as increase volume would bring issues like whistling. This would give an unpleasant experience to the patient. But now times have changed. Today’s medical-grade hearing aids have drastically improved speech understanding like never before. Advanced features incorporate narrow directionality, echo adjustments, and spatial configurators to deliver the highest level of speech clarity in the most challenging environments.
Background Noise Reduction
Background noise can make it more difficult to follow a conversation and understand every word. That’s why the latest hearing aids have sophisticated algorithms that can identify background noise and filter it out. This also includes annoying feedback and whistling that used to accompany old hearing aids. With these enhancements, you’ll enjoy a more natural hearing experience and reduced listening effort, leaving you with more energy throughout your day.
Directional & Open 360° Sound with Movement
Clearly hearing the sounds all around us is critical to everyday life. Think about when you’re driving in traffic or crossing the street. Not realizing an emergency vehicle is coming up behind you or turning in your direction could mean the difference between life and death. Modern hearing aids now have acoustic and motion sensors that help to process sounds no matter what environment you’re in. These new sensors help the brain understand and process sound directionality so you clearly hear in the most natural way possible.
Automatic Environment Detection & Adjustments
Your hearing is influenced by your environment. Modern hearing aids scan your surroundings over 10,000 times a second and take your movement into consideration. They automatically adjusting their programs to deliver an optimal, natural sound experience based on any environment, even while you’re walking (without you having to adjust the settings).
Own Voice Processing
Modern hearing aids provide the most natural experience by processing your own voice instantly and independently from all other voices and sounds. Whether you’re a new or long-time hearing aid wearer, you’ll finally be able to hear your own voice in the most natural way possible. Thanks to technology
Binaural Processing
You might think you only need one hearing aid for the “bad ear.” But you actually need two hearing aids to get the best performance. Here’s why: Your ears and brain work together. Binaural processing enables two hearing aids to communicate wirelessly and mimic your brain’s natural ability to process information from both ears. A single hearing aid simply cannot provide the same level of hearing quality that two devices can.
Hearing Aid Tech To Fit Any Lifestyle
We sell a large variety of cutting-edge, medical-grade hearing aids to help people with mild to severe hearing loss. By partnering with the world’s leading manufacturers, we ensure our customers have access to only the best modern hearing aids on the market today
