Hearing Aids

Hearing Aid Technologies

Hearing aid technology has improved drastically over the past couple of decades. Early devices relied on vacuum tubes and bulky batteries, but today’s instruments take advantage of digital signal processing, microchips and computerization. Keeping track of the latest technological features can be challenging, but we’ll cover a few of the more popular options here.

Some of the breakthroughs in hearing aid technology include the following:

• Gain processing, which reduces background and microphone noise for a clearer sound.
• Digital feedback reduction with built-in cancellation, which reduces or eliminates squelching and feedback.
• Digital noise reduction, which reduces background noises for better, more reliable speech recognition.
• Directional microphones, which provide better directionality by having one microphone focus on the sound source while the other decreases background noise.
• Automatic programming, which utilizes preset programs that automatically adapt to a range of different sound environments.

Digital Programming

For decades, hearing aids were strictly analog. But the digital revolution has taken over many areas formerly devoted to analog technology, and hearing aids are no exception. Digital programming works by converting sound waves into digital signals using digitized sound processing. A built-in computer chip determines whether the signal is speech or noise and converts it into a clear, amplified signal. Digital programming offers many benefits including improved speech quality, advanced programming options, a better fit, and a multitude of features that work to improve and enhance functionality of the hearing aids.

Bluetooth

This wireless communication platform is prevalent and used in a wide range of electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and MP3 players, to exchange data. Bluetooth™ allows devices to communicate with one another. Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids let users stream signals from these and other electronic devices directly to their aids, improving their versatility and convenience. You can make phone calls, listen to music and watch television through your hearing aids, without disturbing other people around you.

Rechargeable Technology

One of the latest, and most welcome, breakthroughs in hearing aid technology is rechargeable batteries. Most of the major hearing aid manufacturers now offer rechargeable options or the ability to convert existing hearing aids into rechargeable ones, freeing users from the hassle of disposable batteries. Not only is this great for the environment; it saves you money in the long run. By utilizing lithium-ion batteries, you can get up to 24 hours of performance with a single charge, allowing you to wear your hearing aids all day long and not have to worry about having them run out of power during an especially inopportune moment. Many include disposable battery backups for an added measure of security.

Which Is Right for Me?

With all these advances in hearing aid technology, devices are better at providing clear sound than ever before. While the choices may seem overwhelming, working closely with your audiologist at DeFatta Health can help you figure out which technology and features are perfect for your needs.

Choosing a Hearing Aid

If you are experiencing hearing loss, odds are good that you’ll benefit from a hearing aid. But choosing the right one is no simple task. Today’s hearing aids are smaller and more feature-packed than their predecessors, offering an array of options.

Narrowing the choices down can be tough, but there are a few important things you should take into consideration before choosing a hearing aid.

What Are Your Hearing Needs?

First, you’ll need to have an audiologist assess your hearing loss. Severity is measured in degrees, based upon your hearing loss range in decibels. It ranges from normal (-10 to 15 dB) to profound (91+ dB), with a total of seven different degrees.

Equally important is the frequency of your hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss resulting from damage to the outer or middle ear affects low frequency sounds, while sensorineural hearing loss, in which damage occurs to the inner ear, results in a loss of high frequency sounds.

You’ll need to choose a hearing aid that targets the frequencies you have trouble comprehending.

What Are Your Lifestyle Needs?

Functionality is an important consideration. With so many available features, you’ll need to decide which ones matter most to you. Popular features include:

• Directional microphones.
• Feedback suppression.
• Amplifiers.
• Digital noise reduction.
• Wax guards.
• Automatic volume control.
• Bluetooth® connectivity.

Extra features are also available. Speak with your audiologist about the pros and cons of these features.

You’ll also have to take into account your lifestyle needs. Whether you enjoy quiet, intimate gatherings with a few close friends or an active outdoors lifestyle that includes a lot of background noise, there is a hearing aid designed specifically for your activity level.

What Is Your Cosmetic Preference?

Cosmetic preference is a key factor in choosing a hearing aid. Since you’ll be wearing it every day, it’s got to not only feel good but appeal to your confidence.

Hearing aids are available in a variety of sizes and styles, some visible while others are implanted deep within the ear canal, rendering them virtually undetectable. Many are custom-molded to fit each individual’s ears.

What Is Your Budget?

Many consumers jump to the conclusion that hearing aids are too expensive. At the other end of the spectrum, they’ll point out advertisements for extremely inexpensive options. Be cautious of the product(s) you put in your ears. Some of the cheaper, entry-level products are not classified as hearing aids by theFDA, which requires devices to meet stringent guidelines. Having a professional assist you with the product decision ensures you are protecting your hearing health.

Hearing aids range widely in cost; finding the right product for your needs depends upon a thorough hearing evaluation by a qualified audiologist, who will provide a recommendation perfectly suited to your type and degree of hearing loss and budget, as well as other lifestyle factors.

Call DeFatta Hearing Aid Experts at (715) 930-1940 for more information or to schedule an appointment.