Hearing aid technology has improved dramatically over the years and today’s devices fit seamlessly into modern life. From small and discreet to high-powered and packed with features, AudiologyHQ has a solution that meets your hearing loss needs, lifestyle and budget. No two cases of hearing loss are exactly alike. Everyone experiences sound differently and choosing the best hearing aid depends on your unique type of hearing loss, lifestyle, budget and preferences. While there are several different levels of technology on the market, hearing aids typically fall into one of two categories: basic and advanced.
Basic hearing aids are a cost-effective option for improving hearing, providing essential features like volume control and sound amplification. They offer solid performance for everyday listening needs. Advanced hearing aids, however, include additional features such as noise reduction, directional microphones and wireless connectivity, making them ideal for more complex listening environments.
The best way to find the right level of technology for your needs is to schedule a hearing evaluation. This allows your hearing professional to get to the root of your hearing loss symptoms and recommend the best hearing aid for your needs and preferences.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Traditionally, hearing aids had disposable batteries that needed to be changed regularly. Rechargeable hearing aids offer the convenience of overnight charging, just as you would recharge your smartphone or tablet device. They’re great for people who live active, on-the-go lives that don’t want to deal with changing disposable batteries frequently. Many manufacturers also offer cases that charge your devices.
Rechargeable hearing aids have grown in popularity, and as a result, there are many varieties available on the market. Keep in mind that most rechargeable devices come in a behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-ear (ITE) style hearing aid, and you likely won’t find them in smaller, canal-worn styles. Most models generally take about three hours to recharge and can last a full day.
Bluetooth Hearing Aids
If you frequently use a cellphone, television or other electronics, you may find Bluetooth hearing aids incredibly useful. Hearing aids with Bluetooth technology can wirelessly connect to a variety of devices, allowing you to enjoy enhanced sound quality directly from the source.
Bluetooth is available in most styles of hearing aids, including BTE, ITE and in the canal (ITC), and each manufacturer provides a different array of products and accessories that are Bluetooth hearing aids offer hands-free convenience for phone calls and media streaming. You can connect them directly to your smartphone or other devices, allowing you to hear clearly without needing extra accessories.
Auracast is a new Bluetooth technology that enhances multi-device connectivity and audio sharing. It allows a single audio source to broadcast to multiple Bluetooth receivers simultaneously, enabling shared listening experiences in public spaces or among groups. With Auracast, individuals can tune into audio broadcasts from TVs in waiting rooms, listen to announcements in airports or share music with friends, all using their personal Bluetooth devices. This functionality greatly expands the potential applications of Bluetooth audio, making it more versatile and accessible in various settings.
Smartphone Connectivity and Apps
Hearing aids that offer Bluetooth typically come with smartphone compatibility. This feature allows you to stream calls and audio from your smartphone directly to your hearing aids. Smartphone compatible technology makes them a great choice for hands-free phone calls.
Many hearing aid manufacturers offer smartphone apps that sync with your hearing devices. If you’re constantly moving from one environment to the next, apps can make adjusting your settings easier. Typically, they allow you to discreetly adjust the volume, save sound settings for specific situations and some even offer sound therapy for tinnitus.
Water-Resistant Hearing Aids
Hearing aids work best when they are clean and dry, as moisture can damage the sensitive electronic components of a device. Sweat, humidity and rainy weather can impact your hearing aids’ performance, but luckily, technology has evolved to help make them more resilient against water damage.
Most hearing aids that offer protection from moisture are water-resistant, but not 100% waterproof. Despite not being truly waterproof, water-resistant devices can still lower the chance of damage when exposed to small amounts of moisture. They are excellent choices for people who enjoy water-related hobbies like fishing, live in humid climates or who tend to sweat more heavily. Hearing aids are given ingress protection (IP) ratings to determine their resistance to dust and water. When evaluating hearing aids, talk with your hearing professional about your lifestyle and habits. They will be able to help you choose a device with the best IP rating to suit your needs.
Sleek, Discreet Design
People often assume hearing aids are bulky and noticeable, but thanks to technological advancements, even many high-powered, behind-the-ear devices are sleek and hard to notice. Invisible-in-canal (IIC) devices that are virtually undetectable and custom-molded to fit your ear anatomy. Though they provide exceptional sound quality, IIC devices are usually only recommended for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Enhanced Speech Comprehension and Sound Quality
Today’s hearing aids don’t just amplify sound, they provide an immersive listening experience as close to natural hearing as possible. As technology has evolved, hearing devices are better at differentiating speech from background noise, ensuring those with hearing loss don’t miss out on moments of connection with others. Many hearing aids offer various settings that can adjust depending on the wearer’s surroundings.
Tinnitus Masking Features
If you struggle with tinnitus symptoms, several hearing aids offer features that can help mask ringing, buzzing and clicking sounds in the ears. These masking features are known as tinnitus sound generators, and they work by emitting a soft, white noise that can partially or completely mask tinnitus symptoms. There are also apps that provide sound therapy for tinnitus.
Contralateral Routing of Signal (CROS) and BiCROS Technology
CROS hearing aids are a great option for those with hearing loss in one ear. These devices pick up sound from the ear with hearing loss and transmit it to a hearing aid on the better-hearing ear, helping individuals hear sounds from both sides and improving overall hearing.
BiCROS systems work similarly but are for those with hearing loss in both ears. They not only send sound from ear with hearing loss to the better ear but also amplify the sound in the better ear, providing a more balanced listening experience. CROS and BiCROS technology can significantly improve quality of life, making it easier to engage in conversations, especially in challenging listening environments like noisy restaurants or while driving.
There is a wide range of hearing aid technologies to suit every need and preference. Our expert hearing professionals are here to guide you through the selection process, ensuring you find the perfect hearing solution for your unique situation. Reach out to our team at AudiologyHQ for a consultation to select the right technology for you.