Hearing aids have went through countless iterations in their 200-plus year history. The technology that is deployed in hearing aids has historically been developed because of a devoted scientist who is either affected by hearing loss or has a friend or family member impacted by hearing loss. As an example, Alexander Graham Bell’s mother had profound hearing loss and his wife was deaf.
Here are 10 other little-known facts about hearing aids:
1. Through cutting-edge technology like Bluetooth, hearing aids can be synced wirelessly with MP3 players, TVs, smart-phones, and other gadgets, allowing the user to enjoy direct signals from each of these devices.
2. Hearing aids are not one size fits all – as a matter of fact, they can and should be programmable. This means that they have the potential to recall the most comfortable settings for the user, often adjusting in real time to the immediate environment.
3. Digital hearing aids – a recent advancement — have tremendously reduced the frequency of irritating feedback, echoes, and background sounds. These were par for the course as part of older technologies, and they made concentrating much harder.
4. Hearing aids have the capability of enhancing and clarifying sound, in combination with making it louder for the user.
5. When used in combination with special induction or hearing loops, hearing aid users can more clearly hear notices in public locations, conferences, airports, arenas, and other congested environments. This technology enhances sounds and minimizes all the background noise.
6. Hearing aids were once only manufactured in beige and similar colors to match the color of people’s skin, so that they were not easily identifiable. Today, users are welcoming their hearing aid technology, displaying a mixture of colors and patterns to flaunt their devices and stick out in a crowd.
7. Likewise, hearing aids are more compact than ever before. They used to be massive, cumbersome gadgets that weighed several pounds and barely amplified sound. Today, hearing aids only weigh a few ounces and provide far superior sound quality.
8. Today, you can pick up water resistant and waterproof hearing aids to better fit in with your lifestyle. Water resistant hearing aids can withstand low levels of humidity and moisture, while waterproof hearing aids can withstand higher levels of moisture during showering and even swimming.
9. Instead of having to frequently replace the batteries in hearing aids, many are now made with rechargeable technology to cut down on upkeep costs.
10. Hearing aids do much more than amplify sound – they can also contain special components that provide the user with relief when it comes to constant ringing in the ear.
Now that you are aware of some interesting facts about hearing aids and their accompanying technology, you can better understand what they have to offer the young and the old alike.