Hearing aids have come a long way since the first behind-the-ear models were developed in the 1960s and 1970s. You may remember your grandparents or other seniors wearing big, bulky, beige, and very noticeable hearing aids. They would sit uncomfortably behind the ear and amplify all the sounds around you, desired or not.
Now that it is 2019, a lot has changed in the world of hearing aids. They now look more like something out of a James Bond or Star Trek movie than the big medical devices your grandparents used to wear. Every year, more and more new products and technology upgrades are being introduced that make hearing with hearing aids easier and sleeker than ever before. Below are just few groundbreaking hearing aid innovations to look out for in 2019 that make using hearing aids easier than ever before.
Wireless Bluetooth streaming
In a world of smartphones and portable electronic devices, many of today’s digital hearing aids are equipped with Bluetooth technology. Enjoy the convenience of being able to use Bluetooth-enabled devices with hearing aids. At the moment, there are several manufacturers that carry both in-the-ear (ITE) and behind-the-ear (BTE) models with Bluetooth connectivity.
Data logging
Data logging is a feature that stores data about the listening environments in which you wear your hearing aids and your preferences for programs, volume levels and other features. The information can be accessed by the hearing healthcare professional when you return for a follow-up appointment. At La Canada Hearing, we will use this valuable information to further customize your hearing aid fitting.
Smartphone connectivity
Although you don’t need a smartphone to operate a hearing aid, it can definitely make it easier to adjust settings and change programs. In 2019, hearing aid manufacturers are focusing on developing products that are compatible with smartphones. This comes with many benefits for the user, as it gives them more control over the way they hear in any environment. One major benefit of hearing aids with smartphone connectivity is the ability to adjust the volume, bass, and treble through an app. Older hearing aid models required either a visit to the specialist’s office for adjustments or fiddling around with the device itself.
Wind noise reduction
Wind noise reduction can make a world of difference for those who spend time enjoying outdoor hobbies. Wind noise reduction is an advanced hearing aid technology that detects the impact of the wind blowing across the hearing aid microphones and avoids or reduces the amplification of it.
Binaural processing
Binaural processing means a pair of hearing aids communicates wirelessly with each other. This technology mimics the brain’s ability to process information coming from both ears and helps reduce manual adjustments.
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable hearing aids offer real ease of use with no having to prepare and deal with little batteries every few days. The size of hearing aid batteries, and in fact hearing aids themselves, can be irritating and troubling to users, especially if they have eyesight or dexterity issues. Just removing the disposable battery from the packaging can be a mini-nightmare for some people, let alone opening the battery compartment and getting the battery in back in the hearing aid! 2019 will see the introduction of more lithium-ion rechargeable hearing devices by more brands.
Smaller, sleeker designs
New hearing aids offer the most discretion and are virtually invisible when worn. While discreet hearing aids may be tempting to people, there are several factors to consider before being fitted with one of these models, such as the size of your ear canal and your degree of hearing loss. Because of their ultra-small size, the technology inside may not be enough to treat severe or profound cases of hearing loss. On the other hand, behind-the-ear (BTE) models are capable of fighting all types of hearing loss.
Find out what features are best for you
These are just some of the functions that are making hearing aids a sleeker and user-friendly part of our lives. To learn more about hearing aids that bet fit your need and lifestyle, contact us at La Cañada Hearing Aids & Audiology. We can help you find out what new features are available and how they can help you hear with ease and style.
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