The technology has certainly grown by leaps and bounds in 200 years, carrying with it many facts that may be helpful about hearing aids. Thanks to the work of committed scientists who have a hearing impaired loved one in their life, more advancements have been possible. For example, Alexander Graham Bell’s mother had hearing loss, as did his wife who was deaf. Here are some more facts you may find interesting.
1. It’s interesting to note that today’s models can be water resistant and waterproof. Excellent for those with active lifestyles, these versions can withstand high levels of humidity and moisture, and even full-on submersion in a pool or bath.
2. Don’t think you can just buy a hearing aid at the big box store and bring it home. A big part of the process is the programming that must take place by a certified audiologist. This helps the hearing aid to automatically revert to the most comfortable settings that the user enjoys, based on previous use and interaction with the surroundings.
3. Hearing aids don’t just concentrate on the amplification of sound. They often times have special components like tinnitus therapy for much-needed relief for users who suffer from constant ear ringing.
4. Digital hearing aids have only come out in the last 20 years or so. Their emergence has helped reduce the feedback, echoes, and background noises that can be distracting to users. These annoyances were considered an unfortunate side effect of the older technologies, contributing to the difficult time picking up sound.
5. Hearing aids and wireless devices go hand in hand today, thanks to state of the art technology like Bluetooth. This technology sends direct signals from anything from a smart phone to an MP3 player to a TV.
6. Simple sound amplification is not enough for modern hearing aids to be effective. That’s why they now have the capability of enhancing and clarifying sound for a much better listening experience.
7. Hearing aids used to come in just one color: beige. This helped the hearing aid blend into the ear better. While practical and discrete, today’s young hearing aid wearers are seeking out the bold and beautiful, with devices that come in a rainbow of bright colors. This is one way people can embrace their devices and feel proud.
8. Induction loops were invented to help people hear better in crowds. They can more accurately pick up announcements in crowded places or in corporate meeting conferences, minus all that background noise and frequency distortion. This can be helpful in airports, stadiums, and other public transportation areas.
9. Hearing aids are the smallest and most compact they’re ever looked. This is a relief from the large, cumbersome and uncomfortable hearing aids of years past that weighed several pounds. The earliest versions couldn’t even be worn solely on the ear because there were so many components to it. Their sound amplification abilities left a lot to be desired as well. Users can now enjoy smaller and more light weight versions that weigh in at just a few ounces.
10. Many hearing aids, now manufactured with rechargeable technology to better manage upkeep costs, allow the user to forget about having to replace so many batteries all the time.
By learning more about hearing aids, you can become more informed on the hearing impaired community.