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If you are ready to get hearing aids, you might find that the latest features far exceed your expectations. Older models of hearing aids provided a basic profile of functionality. Many of them simply raised the volume on the world without much transformation of that audio. They tended to use replaceable batteries that were costly, fiddly, and wasteful. If you needed to change the settings on these older models, you would have to manually manipulate your aids, often requiring you to take them out and change the volume. Each of these older features has been updated in some of the latest hearing aids. New models are not only more advanced with these features, but they also connect with your smartphone and other devices to give you wireless, digital access to a wide range of settings and features. Let’s take a closer look at the different hearing aid features that are available on the market. If any of these interest you, don’t hesitate to contact our hearing health professionals for more information.
Bluetooth Connectivity
One of the best innovations in hearing aid technology has been the introduction of Bluetooth connectivity. This wireless connection with smartphones and other devices makes it possible for information to flow in two directions with your hearing aids. In the first case, you can use your smartphone to manipulate settings without manually changing anything about your aids. If you find yourself in a noisy place with difficult sonic properties, you can use an app on your smartphone to raise the volume or to lower background noise, for example. Bluetooth connectivity can also be used to send audio to your devices. You can send phone call audio, notifications, music, and other media directly to your hearing aids, allowing them to function as wireless earbuds at the same time as hearing assistive devices. The possibilities for Bluetooth connectivity are even greater when you consider pairing with television and other devices in your home, car, and out in the world.
Digital Signal Processors
New models of hearing aids also use advanced Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) to transform the audio in the world into something that is more suited to your individual hearing needs. Older models simply raised the volume on everything in the sound spectrum, but that transformation often led to loud background noise and muddled voices, particularly when there were multiple speakers in a room, such as at a party or event. DSPs make it possible to not only raise the volume on the world but also to selectively transform that sound into something easier to hear. Those with high-frequency hearing loss will benefit from the powerful frequency response in new hearing aids, enhancing the spectrum of sound that includes the human voice, while leaving low-frequency sounds where they are. Voice recognition can even help you hear the voice of a speaker in front of you while leaving other voices in the background where they belong.
Rechargeable Batteries
Although there are some reasons that replaceable batteries can be the right choice for you, there are many benefits to rechargeable batteries in your hearing aids. By simply plugging your hearing aids into a charging dock at the end of the day, you can keep a steady supply of power to your aids without any need for battery replacement. These rechargeable batteries are particularly useful for those who have issues with arthritis or tactile dexterity, making the battery replacement process difficult and even painful. Rechargeable batteries are also useful on the go and while traveling, and travel power packs are available if you want to use your hearing aids on the road or while camping.
If you are interested in learning more about these features or a wide array of other specialized features, don’t hesitate to contact our hearing health professionals for more information. We can use your hearing test to determine which hearing aids are right for you, including which features can help you the most. If you have special aspects of your lifestyle, such as a hobby with water recreation or fitness routines, you can mention these to our professionals, as well. We can connect you with the right aids to meet all of your needs and to give you the exciting features you desire.