Geneva Hearing Services - Geneva, IL


Things have changed since your great, great grandfather held an ear trumpet up to his ear. Newer hearing aids are able to do so much more than these devices could do even ten years ago. Activities that were impossible a few years ago are currently possible because of innovations in hearing aid technology. Just think about these seven things hearing aids are currently able to do.

1. Don’t Fall Out While Exercising

Once upon a time, it would have been risky to ride a bike or go jogging while wearing your hearing aids. Even top quality hearing aids are subject to damage if they fall out while you are on the move. These days whether you are an athlete or beginner it is possible to exercise while wearing your hearing aids.

However, the evolution is not only in the technology. Hearing aids that fall out can still become broken or lost. Innovation wins out with a simple concept: hearing aid retention cords. It’s sort of like having your hearing aids on a lanyard. They slide on to the hearing aid and then clip to your clothes for safety. Hearing aid retention cords area great choice for kids, too.

2. Resist Water

Most hearing aids don’t do well when fully underwater despite the fact that they are water resistant. Waterproof hearing aids and a couple of accessories will be needed if you plan to go swimming with your hearing aid.
Begin with a raincoat for your hearing aids. Your device is protected by waterproof sleeves that fit snugly over them and still allows you to hear. The majority of the sleeves come with cords that attach to your clothing too, so you don’t lose the hearing aids while enjoying some summer activities.

A dehumidifier is an additional item you may want to get. No matter how cautious you are, some water will get into the case. The dehumidifier dries the units out without damaging their delicate electronic parts.

3. Pair With Your Smartphone

Now when your phone rings you won’t need to remove your hearing aids. However, certain brands don’t have this feature. You want to invest in hearing aids that are Bluetooth-enabled or come with the wireless streaming capability. This technology allows them to pair with your phone just like Bluetooth earbuds or headphones do.

Would you like to stream a movie? Wireless comes in handy there, as well. With Bluetooth or wireless, the hearing aids can pick up sound from your TV or MP3 player.

Most hearing aids have a telephone adaptation, as well, that works for cell phones or landlines. Telephone adaptation uses a telecoil to receive signals from the phones so you can hear them through your hearing aids.

4. Learn

That’s correct, hearing aids have machine learning features. Certain devices will make volume adjustments depending on the environment by remembering your preference and you don’t have to do anything.

You can also just press a button and recall a specific setup stored in one of the numerous programs.

5. Make the Ringing Go Away

Hearing loss and tinnitus are closely linked for many people. You will hear sounds more clearly because your hearing aid can produce tinnitus masking noises. The ringing will subside after the masking sound cancels the tinnitus. Tinnitus masking is a particular feature, though, and not available from all brands. If you are investing in hearing aids, and want this function, you will have to ask for it.

6. Store Data

A powerful new function in hearing aids is data logging. The devices log things like when you use the hearing aids, times you make volume adjustments and what background noises you encounter.

The advantage is your audiologist or hearing aid retailer can pull up this data to make critical adjustments to the devices to improve their sound or give you insight to go on when shopping for new hearing aids.

7. Go Remote

You can quickly lower the volume, change the program, or use your hearing aid as a Bluetooth streaming device if it comes with a remote.

All of these functions enable you to do things that weren’t possible years ago even though they aren’t all brand new. Hearing aid tech is constantly progressing, too. If you’re buying new hearing aids, make certain to take a look at the latest and greatest features. Make an appointment with a hearing care expert to see them all.
