Over the last decade or so, hearing aids have come leaps and bounds in terms of the way that they work. There have been more advancements over the last few years, aiming to improve the experience of those who wear hearing aids. These advancements have come with the continuing progression of technology, and don’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The hearing aids from the past look completely unrecognizable now with all of the new features and improvements that come with the newer models. If you would like to know more about what changes you should know about the advancements talk with an audiologist.

Amplification of Different Sounds

One of the best features that has been added to hearing aids is the amplification of different sounds. People experience hearing loss in different ways and to different degrees, so the amplification of sounds is an important part of any hearing aid. The differing nature of hearing loss means hearing aids are not a one size fits all solution, which is why there are different types of hearing aids and different settings.

In the past, hearing aids were designed to amplify all of the sounds out there, but the newer models have a different feature. They are now designed to amplify specific sounds and can be programmed to amplify based on the needs of the individual. This provides a more comfortable and an all-around better experience for the wearer.

Bluetooth and Smartphone Technology

This one has been around for a while but is still a massive improvement from the early models of hearing aids. Bluetooth and smartphone technology has revolutionized hearing aids as individuals are now able to use their devices to make phone calls, improving their experience. They no longer have to struggle to hear things through the receiver of a phone as it can go directly into their ears.

Not only this, but most hearing aids that are made these days are able to be controlled by a smartphone. This means that they are easier to adjust, making the whole process of wearing hearing aids much easier for the individual who has to wear them. Simply download the app onto your phone and then go from there!

Tinnitus Support

While tinnitus cannot be cured, there are things that can be done to relieve the symptoms of it. Hearing aids have been a useful tool against tinnitus for a little while now due to the fact hearing aids now have a masking feature. All you need to do here is activate this on the app when you need it, and your hearing aid will emit white noise to mask the ringing that you can hear. Depending on the severity of your tinnitus, there will be different treatment options, like white noise, tinnitus masking and tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT). Talk with your audiologist about these treatment and which will be catered to your specific needs.

Faster Charging and Longer Battery Life

One of the problems that a lot of people had with hearing aids in the beginning was the short battery life and the fact that they needed charging regularly. This was inconvenient, as if the hearing aid battery ran out when the wearer still needed them they had no choice but to take them out to change or charge the battery. Manufacturers took note of this though and have been working to create longer lasting batteries so that this doesn’t happen anymore. Hearing aids now last far longer than ever before as they have the capacity to hold more charge. This still varies depending on the type of hearing aid that you have, but there is a general improvement across the board. There are now rechargeable batteries as well, that will last longer, and improve your listening experience.

All of these things combined have revolutionized the way that hearing aids can help individuals who are experiencing hearing loss. The advancements being made in technology are showing no signs of slowing down, so be aware the improvements will just keep on coming, improving the devices for years to come.

If you would like to learn more about hearing aids or the technological advancements being made, then you can get in touch with us here at Audiology and Hearing Aid Center at (920) 486-6922. A friendly member of our team will be happy to assist you in any way possible, answering any questions that you might have and schedule an appointment if needed.

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