If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss but haven’t taken the plunge into wearing a hearing aid device, you may think that all hearing aids are like those from the 1980s. It may be time to reconsider that thought. Today’s modern hearing aids are not only discreet and easy to use, but they also come with a myriad of technological advances. The features of modern hearing aids aim to create a return to what your hearing should be, rather than simply amplifying all noises at the same level. From apps to white noise reduction, let’s take a look at some of the top features that set modern hearing aids apart from their earlier counterparts.

Weather and wind noise reduction

Previously, wind noise was amplified by hearing aid wearers. It was a nuisance because the wind was so loud that carrying on a normal conversation on even a breezy day was incredibly difficult. Combine this with trying to conversate with friends at a noisy restaurant and it can make it incredibly challenging for you to hear the small nuisances. Recent technology has evolved to allow wind noise to be reduced without compromising voice noises, a huge benefit to those wearing hearing aids who enjoy spending time outside, whether it’s gardening, biking or even spending time on the beach where wind noise can be incredibly loud.

Bluetooth and wireless technology

Hearing aids can communicate with one another – so if you make adjustments to one hearing aid, the other ear will also automatically adjust. If the person wearing hearing aids would like to use a smartphone or tablet to access their hearing aid controls, there are options to connect directly via Bluetooth and access the controls and information about the hearing aids from an application. Modern hearing aids with Bluetooth capabilities can stream high-quality audio from other devices such as phones, and block out background noise. While not all hearing aids have this capability, a trained audiologist can suggest the appropriate hearing aids for the person’s lifestyle.

Open-ear devices

If you’re experiencing hearing loss and want to change that with a hearing aid, you don’t always need an in the ear (ITE) option. Technology now allows hearing aids to be fitted outside your ear, leaving the canal open. This can provide a more natural feeling for people using the hearing aid, while the hearing aid remains discreet.

Data logging

In truth, hearing aid data logging may be more beneficial to an audiologist initially than the person experiencing hearing loss. The main reason is that the information provided in the data needs to be deciphered. However, the second reason is that when having a new experience, such as using a hearing aid device, a patient will likely be as direct as possible, but even so, it will provide subjective information to the audiologist. The data gathered from the hearing aid by technology will provide clear, objective data, results and may help the audiologist understand what the patient is going through so that he or she can better help them with the hearing aid process. This includes topics to discuss in follow-up appointments, as well as places to customize the entire hearing experience to the individual. No two individuals experience the exact same hearing loss, so data can be essential in finding where hearing aids can be changed to adapt to the wearer’s lifestyle.

Directional microphones

One of the major benefits of modern hearing aids is that of directional microphones. While hearing aids of yore were designed to pick up all sounds equally, modern advancements have allowed for hearing aids to boost sounds coming from the front of the wearer. Sounds coming from other areas are reduced in comparison. By blocking out the excess sounds, those wearing hearing aids can concentrate more easily on the conversation being had and can greatly improve communication since there is not as many sounds infiltrating the ear. Directional microphones are known to improve satisfaction for those wearing them, in comparison to people wearing less modern hearing aids. Other more modern features of hearing aids include the following:

  • Rechargeable batteries
  • Tinnitus masking features
  • Digital noise reduction

Hearing aids continue to evolve so that the features developed help both the audiologist and the person wearing the hearing aid. Hearing loss can be treated more efficiently with these modern advancements If you’re curious about learning how a modern hearing aid could benefit you, call Grusecki Audiology & Hearing Aid Services today at 623-583-1737.