These are NOT Your Mother’s Hearing Devices

Remember the days of bulky hearing devices that stuck out from the ear and whistled whenever anyone got too close? Those days are long gone.

Today’s hearing devices have advanced to include numerous benefits above and beyond basic hearing assistance. Those living with hearing loss today can enjoy:

Discrete Design: Today’s hearing devices are extremely discrete, often smaller than a watch battery! Even behind-the-ear hearing devices are smaller than ever before while some in-the-canal style hearing devices are 100% invisible to the outside observed.

Advanced Technology: Recent advances in digital technology have created devices that provide a more accurate simulation of the way the ear works. While first-time hearing aid users will still experience an adjustment period, sounds come across clearer and more naturally through todays devices than ever before.

Automatic Adjustments: Many of today’s hearing devices feature automatic adjustment to changing listening environments. Whether riding a motorcycle, chatting in a crowded restaurant, or listening to a favorite album with friends, these hearing devices can automatically adjust. This reduces the need for manual operation by the hearing device user. These devices may not be suitable for all types and severities of hearing loss.

Adaptive Dual Microphones: Communication clarity is made possible by microphones that focus on the sound source while reducing or eliminating irritating and distracting background noise.

Open Fit Technology: Previous generations of hearing devices caused a stuffed up or “talking in the barrel” feeling. Many of today’s devices feature a slim design that leaves the ear canal as open as possible. This style is available depending on the type and severity of hearing loss, and results in comfort and clarity of speech.

Feedback Management Technology: No one enjoys a whistling hearing aid. Thanks to modern feedback management technology, today’s hearing devices can recognize feedback and squelch it right when it starts, or even before it has begun.

Cellphone and Bluetooth® Compatibility: Many of today’s cellphones are hearing aid compatible (HAC). If your phone has an HAC label, you’re in the clear. Cell phones with a microphone rating of M3 or M4 work well with hearing devices. If your hearing device has a telecoil, look for a phone with a telecoil rating of T3 or T4.

To determine how well your hearing device pairs with your phone, check the rating on both devices. A hearing device is rated from M1 to M4. A telecoil is rated from T1 to T4. When you combine the two ratings, the higher the rating the better the sound. A combined rating of 6 is excellent, 5 is average, and 4 is usable.