Hearing aids have been around for decades, helping those who have begun to lose their hearing to be able to hear clearly. As times change, so do hearing aids. Changes in hearing aid technology continue to help those who need assisted listening devices.
All changes in aid technology are helping to lower the price and to make assisted listening devices more manageable. Tracking the changes in assisted listening device technology may help to talk some into hearing aids. While they may not want to get an assisted listening device. Recent technology changes may talk them into giving the technology a chance.
New Materials Lead to Price Drops
New materials continue to drop the prices of many of the more advanced assisted listening devices. As in other industries, as time goes on, the cost of technology has become cheaper, in turn making it easier for more affordable products available in the marketplace.
In-the-ear-aids (also known as ITE aids) used to be fairly expensive. These assisted listening devices were considered too expensive for young children with hearing issues as they could easily fall out, or would need to be changed as the youth got older and grew. Now, the assisted listening devices are made out of a cheaper material (silicone). Youth can now enjoy ITE aids without having to worry about high costs.
The Disappearing Act
Assisted listening devices continue to get smaller and more discrete as time goes on. For many years, the biggest complaint most people had against hearing aids was that they were too large. Often protruding out of the person’s ear. Companies are listening to hearing device users, and are trying to make assisted listening devices harder and harder to see.
Extended wear assisted listening devices and CIC (completely-in-canal) assisted listening devices are close to invisible. While still managing to give a clear hearing to their users. By eliminating the unsightliness previously associated with traditional methods of improving the function of the human ear. A major hurdle has been passed clearing the way for major improvements in artificial sound amplification.
Using Computers to Manage your Hearing
New types of assisted listening devices can now be programmed by a home computer utilizing special software installed on the user’s machine. If the user needs to change any of the settings for their hearing device, they can simply get log on their computer, open the software, and make the appropriate changes. These hearing aids help to put the power of customization in the hands of the user.
Radio in a Hearing Aid
Certain companies are working to utilize wireless technology with their hearing aids. They have begun to work to put FM radio capabilities in hearing devices. This would help to bring clear and crisp sound from the radio to the ear in a more sound efficient way.
Assistive Listening Systems
Assistive listening systems continue to grow in popularity as more begin to fight for the rights of those who need hearing aids. School lecture halls, some churches, and movie theatres have begun to use Assistive Listening Systems. These systems transmit sound from a stage or speaking area, making it easier for those with hearing issues to the idea behind changes in hearing device technology is simple.