Digital technology has offered multiple advancements in hearing aids over the past decade. The technology has always played a crucial role in understanding the framework of ears, how they function, and finding possible solutions for hearing loss, tinnitus, and other ear-related issues. The incremental and radical innovations in digital hearing aids will depend on research done in the field of wireless technology, chip technology, and hearing & cognitive science. Ever since the introduction of digital signal processing in hearing aids back in 1996, scientists and experts have never looked back and have come up with all possible hearing-aid solutions. It’s not just older adults suffering from hearing loss, but it is now becoming a more common problem in adolescents and young adults. This post will shed some light on the prospective role of technology in dealing with such issues and facilitating people with robust hearing capacity.
The Role of Digital Wireless Technology
Digital wireless technology is considered to be the most promising technology after digital signal processing (DSP). Hearing aids are a wearable technology for the ears and have proven to be very effective in helping amplify sound that travels. A hearing test conducted by a medical professional to ensure proper fit and settings is required to purchase one and also ensures that you have the best listening experience.
The technology in assistive listening devices is also often compatible with external devices like Bluetooth and telecoils. These wireless technologies can improve the listening experience for the wearer by improving the connectivity between devices and making it easier to address the issues of hearing as a collaborative pair.
Artificial Intelligence
Some of the more expensive and higher-end hearing aids come with artificial intelligence technology which enables the device to access a deep neural network to process sound. These hearing aids come with multiple innovative features and functionalities where the wearer can set different volume controls for different environments. The hearing aids will detect the kind of environment the wearer is in and will start functioning as per the setting to allow changes on an automated basis.
Mobile Apps
Mobile apps have also proven to be very effective in transforming the way we approach hearing treatments. Hearing aid apps, sound therapy apps, and several others have been created to help people with hearing loss and other issues, like tinnitus. You may notice that the most advanced hearing aids come with a companion mobile app where wearers can make adjustments to their settings, contact their hearing care provider, and monitor battery life.
Using apps like AudioCardio can prove to be very insightful regarding your hearing capability and identify frequencies that may have hearing damage. The app is based on Threshold Sound Conditioning (TSC) technology that offers you personalized sound therapies. The app allows you to assess your hearing to calibrate a personalized sound therapy just below your audible level. You can also manage and monitor your progress within the app. The AudioCardio app allows you to target frequencies for each ear individually and you can listen to music, other streaming services, and engage in other daily activities while you receive your sound therapy.
Frequency Modulation Compatibility
This is another advantageous feature of wireless technology which can be quite helpful for most people with hearing loss. Hearing aids can connect to an FM system where it improves the signal-to-noise ratio without causing a feedback loop in the hearing aid. This type of system is commonly used in educational settings to ensure that the voice of the teacher can be heard above the noise in the classroom.
You can find several assistive listening device options in the market that cater to personalized hearing requirements according to specific environments as previously mentioned in this article. Whether it is having a conversation on the phone, watching your favorite show or movie, or even waking to an alarm clock, these devices are extremely helpful in perceiving sounds from their source and helping to dampen or eliminate other possible disturbances.
Exploring Innovations
Hearing aid companies and many other startups are making their best efforts to come up with possible solutions in connectivity to help improve hearing. Connectivity to audio products can greatly help control the way signals are processed and transmitted to the wearer.
Advancements in digital technology and software-based solutions like AudioCardio will allow you to check and strengthen your hearing from the convenience of your own home. If you suspect a hearing issue, be sure to seek help from a medical professional so that they can provide a hearing treatment suitable for your needs. Hearing loss and other ear issues should never be ignored as they can have a more devastating impact on your physical health, mental health, and quality of life. We hope you enjoyed this article on “How Technology Can Help With Hearing Loss.”
