Hearing aids have been around for decades, helping those who have begun to lose their hearing to be able to hear clearly. As times change, so do hearing aids. Changes in hearing aid technology continue to help those who need hearing aids. All changes in the technology are helping to lower the price, and to make hearing aids more manageable.
Tracking the changes in hearing aid technology may help to talk some into hearing aids. While they may not want to get a hearing aid, recent technology changes may talk them into giving the technology a chance.
New Materials Lead to Price Drops
New materials continue to drop the prices of many of the more advanced hearing aids. In-the-ear-aids (also known as ITE aids) used to be fairly expensive. These hearing aids were considered too expensive for young children with hearing issues as they could easily fall out, or, similar to the need for new clothes and shoes year after year, would need to be changed as the youth got older and grew. Now, the hearing aids are made out of a cheaper material (silicone). Youth can now enjoy ITE aids without having to worry about high costs.
The Disappearing Act
Hearing aids continue to get smaller and more discrete as time goes on. Companies took the time and are listening to hearing aid users, and are trying to make haring aids harder and harder to see. Extended wear hearing aids and CIC (completely-in-canal) hearing aids are close to invisible, while still managing to give clear hearing to their users.
Using Computers to Manage your Hearing
New types of hearing aids can now be programmed by a computer. If you need to change any of the settings for your hearing aid, you can simply get on your computer and make those changes. These hearing aids help to put the power of customization in the hands of the user.
Radio in a Hearing Aid
Certain companies are working to utilize wireless technology with their hearing aids. They have begun to work to put FM radio capabilities in hearing aids. This would help to bring clear and crisp sound from the radio to the ear in a more sound efficient way.
Assistive Listening Systems
Assistive listening systems continue to grow in popularity as more begin to fight for the rights of those who need hearing aids. School lecture halls and movie theatres have begun to use Assistive Listening Systems. These systems transmit sound from a stage or speaking area, making it easier for those with hearing issues to hear.
The idea behind changes in hearing aid technology is simple. Companies are simply trying to make hearing aids smaller than ever, more discrete than ever, and more powerful than ever. As hearing aids continue to perfect the art of sound for those who have hearing issues, they continue to get smaller. Hearing aid technology is constantly changing to ensure that hearing aid users are comfortable with their hearing, and comfortable with themselves.
