hearing technology
READ MORE ABOUT INNOVATIONS IN HEARING TECHNOLOGY
how do hearing aids work?
At Hear & There, you may hear us use the term "hearing technology" or "hearing devices." Why? Because today's hearing aids are literally small computers on your ears, and they perform hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of actions per second. Today's hearing technology is not the same as when your grandparents used hearing devices!
When breaking down the internal components of a hearing device, there are five main components:
-
Microphone
-
Amplifier
-
Digital Signal Processor (computer chip)
-
Speaker
-
Battery
-
Sound waves enter the hearing device microphone, and the sound is converted from an acoustic signal into an electrical signal.
-
The computer chip and digital signal processor began to process the electrical signal, and the amplifier enhances the signal to compensate for the hearing loss.
-
The sound is then converted back to an acoustic signal and transmitted through the ear canal through the "receiver" or speaker.
-
The battery is a power source for the entire hearing device.
At Hear & There, we discuss different "technology levels." These levels relate back to how sophisticated the computer chip is with processing the sound. If you live a quieter lifestyle, the computer chip may not need to be as advanced someone who is in constant varying listening environments. The more sophisticated the computer chip, the better it is with processing complex sounds. If you feel that you can hear in quiet environments adequately but find difficulty hearing in environments with background noise, you may benefit from a higher technology level of computer chip.
working with the best hearing technology manufacturers
At Hear & There, we offer all six major manufacturers of hearing technology because we don't want to be limited by only partnering with a certain number of manufacturers. We find it important to find a hearing solution that matches your lifestyles and needs, as some manufacturers excel or focus on different features. This also allows us as professionals to stay up-to-date with the industry's latest technology.
what kind of hearing device styles and options are offered at
hear & there?
hearing device styles
Hearing device styles range (from largest to smallest):
-
Behind-the-ear with custom earpiece
-
Behind-the-ear with non-custom earpiece
-
In the ear
-
In the canal
-
Completely in canal
-
Invisible in canal
At Hear & There, we offer all of the different styles. But, did you know that certain styles help you hear better than others though? During your Hearing Technology Consultation, your audiologist will discuss all of the styles and what may be most beneficial for you.
The hearing devices also come in different color options, which will also be presented during the consultation appointment.
battery options
Hearing device batteries come in non-rechargeable (disposable) or rechargeable batteries.
Non-Rechargeable Batteries:
-
Can be purchased in any drugstore or pharmacy
-
Price of the battery is typically $0.50 to $1.00 per battery
-
Batteries are small and compact, which are easy to pack but may be difficult for those that have dexterity, vision, or cognitive issues
-
New safety packaging can also be challenging for those that have dexterity, vision, or cognitive issues
Rechargeable Batteries:
-
Lithium ion battery
-
Depending on the hearing device manufacturer and power level, a full charge can last the entirety of the user's waking hours
-
Easy to charge, which may be beneficial for those with dexterity, vision, or cognitive issues
-
Battery and charger may be under manufacturer warranty if issues arise
-
Depending the hearing device manufacturer, the charger may have an external battery that can allow for additional charges, which may be beneficial for those that travel often or will be in areas where power is not readily available (i.e. camping).
If you have any preferences, concerns, or reservations about the different battery types, be sure to discuss this with your audiologist.
bluetooth
connectivity
One of the most exciting innovations within the hearing industry is the capability to stream audio from your cell phone, tablet, or computer to hearing devices through Bluetooth.
With most cell phones today, the hearing devices can act as a personal headset. On phone calls, listening to music, or watching videos, the audio will seamlessly stream to your hearing devices.
All of the hearing device manufacturers also offer free cell phone apps that can act as remote controls for your hearing devices. From the app, you can control the volume of the hearing devices, help manage how the hearing devices process background noise, and with some apps, even find lost hearing aids.
Depending on the manufacturer of the hearing devices, the hearing devices can also directly connect to computers or tablets through Bluetooth. If this is important to you, don't forget to mention this to your audiologist!
hearing technology accessories
In addition to hearing devices, accessories can be used to further enhance your listening journey.
television streamer
Stream audio from your television directly to your hearing devices with a television streamer. This accessory does not affect the viewing experience for others in the room, and you can even mute the outside world when watching television for a personal television viewing experience.
remote microphone
A remote microphone can be worn by a speaker, so the voice can directly be streamed to the listener's hearing devices. This can be beneficial for hearing a speaker in a lecture, hearing your spouse or loved one at a busy restaurant, or could even be in a group setting.
remote control
A remote control accessory can be purchased to change the hearing device volume or settings. This can be beneficial for individuals who do not have a cell phone that is compatible with a remote control app or individuals with vision or dexterity issues.